FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

The majority of what we purchase is shredded into small pieces and sent through a chemical refining process that separates mixed materials into purer forms of metal that can be made into new things, from industrial machines to fine art. Every pound of metal you recycle and return to the global supply chain is a pound of metal that does not need to be mined. This not only helps many fragile ecosystems around the world from being disturbed, but also keeps perfectly reusable material out of landfills. To the best of our ability, we do not destroy items that have special historical or aesthetic significance, or items that have potential for reuse. For example, a percentage of our silverware goes to artists and crafters who turn it into jewelry. It is very likely your grandmother’s old spoon could go on to have a new life as someone’s favorite ring or necklace!

The customer pays for shipping but we can help! If you have over 20 pounds of material, or are sending higher value items made of sterling, gold, etc. please contact us for a discounted UPS label. If we make the label for you, it is typically about 40%-50% less than what you would pay at the counter. The cost of shipping is simply deducted from your final payment. All we need from you is a return address and the weight and dimensions of your box, which you can email to [email protected]. Our friendly staff will respond to you quickly. We recommend keeping your boxes under 50 pounds, because abnormally large, heavy boxes are more likely to rip open during transport. If you need guidance while preparing your shipment do not hesitate to contact us.

Probably not. Shipping costs are increasingly high and will most likely not be covered by your payment from us if you only mail in a few pieces. We will process and purchase shipments of any size but if you only have a few pounds, it is most likely not in your best financial interest to ship to us unless you are sending higher value materials such as sterling or gold. We recommend donating your items to a thrift shop or dropping them off at a local scrap yard. Please don’t throw them in the trash!