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Who has the time to get stuck in a line of cars backed up on a bridge? No one, that’s who. We’ve all got people to see, places to go, things to do and lives to live. That’s why MODOT and IDOT are constructing bridges in Chesterfield, Mo. and Alton, Ill., and those projects have impactful, public deadlines.

When MODOT and IDOT hired out the work for their bridge constructions, they picked professional, trustworthy contractors to carry out the jobs on time, and those contractors picked a professional, trustworthy scrap metal broker to manage their scrap metal needs efficiently and effectively.

The bridge builds generated a flow of valuable scrap metal, but construction crews didn’t have time to worry about it. They had a deadline and a bridge to build, and that’s where we at Alton Materials came in.

On-site scrap metal removal for on-time project delivery

We worked directly with the construction crew and developed a scrap management plan for each stage of the bridge constructions. We saved the construction crews precious work time and sorted the variety of scrap metal those projects generated while giving the crews competitive pricing for their scrap.

Alton Materials handled the logistics, making sure there were always roll-off boxes and gondolas available to contain the rising stream of scrap. And as the stream of scrap changed, we changed.

Operations Manager Rodney Miller said, “Every project is different. The Boone Bridge is a big project. So, we’ll go every other day to change their boxes out depending on how much they’re demolishing. They’ll tear out the face of the bridge or the surface of the bridge, and they’ll scrap all of that.

“On other projects, we’ll go multiple times per day to switch a box out for the work crews when they’re just starting out. At the beginning of a project, they have a lot more material than if they’re three quarters of the way through it. They may not generate as much material later on, so we’ll place fewer boxes and make fewer runs to pick up the scrap to keep their costs down.

“We’ll switch boxes out for the crews until the project is complete and assist them with our scrap metal services in any way that we can.”

Scrap management success

The results speak for themselves. MODOT and IDOT are satisfied with bridge constructions that are on schedule and on time. Meanwhile, the construction crews cash in on their scrap metal with no hassle and see their work sped up by Alton Materials’ speedy scrap metal pick-up services.

At Alton Materials, we save you time by managing every aspect of the scrap metal you generate at your construction or demolition job site. We make sure you always have a place to put your scrap, and we pick it up and haul it off, even if your job site is two hours away from our yard.

The Boone Bridge is located more than an hour away from our scrap yard. But with our ability to haul scrap from job sites, we’re able to service anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re 10 miles or 100 miles away.

Want to know more about how to manage your business’ scrap metal? Contact us to set up a consultation and say goodbye to your scrap management problem. Click below to request a free scrap management assessment.

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Big jobs need big solutions. And we deliver. Our track record of work with companies and contractors on big jobs proves it. We have deep experience handling a variety of metal materials big and small, and our crews have the knowledge, skills and tools to tackle any job. Ameren came to us with a big job, and we handled it. Here’s how.

Ameren knows energy. It’s what they do. They handle power like it’s nobody’s business. As a premier supplier of energy, they take pride in making sure that everyone in the Alton area gets power reliably and consistently. When Ameren needed to do maintenance work in Hartford, Ill., they had to do it in as little time as possible and as inexpensively as possible. That’s where we at AltonMaterials came in.

Ameren is upgrading a multitude of towers that house power lines integral to delivering consistent and reliable power. New structures mounted on stronger, more storm-resistant concrete bases are replacing old ones in order to limit power outages and ensure safety. Ameren’s electricians disconnected power and used a crane to lay down the 150-foot tall towers in Hartford, Ill. Then, we went to work.

We cut up the towers and disposed of them efficiently. After Ameren laid them on the ground whole, we brought in equipment and an expert torch crew that cut the towers into manageable, 25-foot pieces, loaded them onto our flatbed trailers, and hauled them back to our yard. With us quickly moving metal out of Ameren’s way, they were able to efficiently construct new towers and restore power to the area. When it was all said and done, we paid Ameren. Our crews, tools and expertise allowed Ameren to get money for their unwieldy scrap metal and recoup some of the cost of upgrading their towers.

Timely scrap metal pick up and removal

Results echo louder than promises. Ameren has an important job for its customers, and we take that seriously. They had to cut off power to the area immediately surrounding the towers in Hartford, Ill., leaving residents in the dark. But we helped Ameren get power back ahead of schedule. In fact, it only took us two days to complete our scrap metal removal, and Ameren had expected the job to take a week. We completed our work in less than half the time Ameren expected us to do so, and the residents of Hartford, Ill. got their power back early.

Our scrap metal removal experience

When we come to a job site, we’re there to work quickly and move metal out of your way so you can do your job. Contractors, demolishers and big companies alike can benefit from our experience. Once they’re on the job site, our crews have the knowledge and tools to make a plan of action and execute it quickly. With close to 20 years of experience, they craft unique plans for each job right on the job site, and our experienced site supervisors always supply equipment and the personnel in a timely manner. When it’s all said and done, we’ll pay you a competitive price for your scrap metal and save you time in the process.

Manage your scrap metal

Got a big scrap metal problem? No worries, we’ve got a big scrap metal solution tailor-made for you. Click below to set up a free consultation and say goodbye to your scrap management problem.

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The harvest is finally here. That time of year when you’re rewarded for all of your hard work. As a farmer, you’ve scrapped all season for your harvest, but your harvest wouldn’t be complete without some scrap – metal that is. Your farm is stocked with scrap metal items, and since you’re already selling truckloads of your farm goods, why not sell some metal too? You might be surprised by the value of your old implements, rusted plows, broken combines, beaten-up tractors and extra repair metal.

Now is the time to sell

As a scrap yard, we always keep an eye on scrap metal prices in the U.S. and throughout the world, and we’ve received an optimistic outlook for scrap metal prices in Nov., 2013. Analysts announced Turkey, one of the world’s largest importers of scrap metal, is expected to continue purchasing large quantities of scrap metal from the U.S. through 2020. More recently, Japan has seen an increased demand in scrap metal, according to American Metal Markets, the standard for scrap metal recycling prices and news. This is all good news for you, the avid farm scrap collector.

Collecting is good

That rusty, old farm plow, the reaper from 1955 and the hog oiler from before you can remember – they’re all sitting in that heap of items in the corner of your pull barn. We understand. We can’t help it either. Collecting old items that have to be useful is what we do; we’re a scrap yard.

You were right to keep your old implements. Collecting all those farm items will make for a nice payday, and the more you collect, the more money you can make.

Heavy, old farm scrap is best

You’re a modern day, technologically savvy farmer using state-of-the-art equipment, wit and hard work. The agricultural industry has undergone a 21st century renaissance, and farm implements are increasingly lighter, stronger, more nimble and more efficient. But back in the 50s, 60s and 70s, farm implements were massive, gargantuan beasts of the industrial age. The old days saw tools that weighed as much as an elephant.

If your farm has ancient implements that are particularly old and heavy, they’re worth their weight in, well, metal. At Alton Materials, we pay for scrap metal by weight, and old farm implements make for excellent scrap metal because they’re so heavy. Bring us what you have, and let us reward you for the collecting you’ve been doing.

Some obsolete farm machinery that makes for great scrap:

• Reapers
• Reaper-binders
• Portable engines
• Ploughing engines
• Traction engines
• Steam tractors
• Agricultural engines
• Hog oilers
• Flails
• Threshing machines
• Winnowing machines
• Drag harrows

Really, any old farm instrument that’s made of metal or has metal in it makes good scrap. To get you thinking, here are a few more items we’ve seen people bring into our yard:

• Old implements
• Rusted plows
• Combines
• Tractors and tractor parts
• Extra metal from old repairs
• Tubular steel
• Plate steel

We can pick up your heaviest farm scrap metal

If you’ve collected a significant amount of scrap and have more metal than you could ever fit into your truck, don’t worry. We will come to your farm and make quick work of sorting your scrap. We’ve got the crews, we’ve got the tools and we’ve got the experience. At Alton Materials, we’re scrap metal experts, and we know how to sort metal to get you the best value for it – all without you having to leave your farm. Let us come by, free up some space for you and give you a good price for your farm scrap metal.

Want to learn how to maximize your scrap dollars? Click here to read our post about sorting scrap metal.

Of all manufactured products recycled in America today, automobiles are the number one item on that list. Recycling cars puts nearly 12 million tons of steel back into the supply chain and helps reduce energy consumption and pollution in a number of ways. It can also help put some extra money in your pocket if you have an old clunker taking up space in your driveway.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are ready to recycle an automobile, whether you’re an individual or the owner of an auto repair shop.

Things to do before scrapping a car

When planning to bring in your car, truck, motorcycle or other motor vehicle to Alton Materials for scrapping, you’ll need to provide a signed and dated title for it. You must also bring in any documents concerning any liens associated with the vehicle, especially if it was ever used as capital for a “quick loan” or something similar.

To get the maximum value out of scrapping your vehicle, there are a few things you should consider doing before bringing it in:

• Remove all trash from inside the vehicle, truck bed included. It doesn’t need a through scrubbing or vacuuming, but any large debris or miscellaneous items should be disposed of prior to your visit.
• Drain and remove the gas tank. A $40 deduction will be applied to its value if you haven’t done this. Make sure to reference guidelines on the proper way to do this.
• All fluids must be drained from the vehicle. Any oil or antifreeze remaining will result in a $30 deduction to your vehicle’s scrap value. Make sure to reference guidelines on the proper way to do this.
• Don’t worry about the tires. While many scrap dealers charge a fee to dispose of them, Alton Materials accepts up to four tires and a spare without charging our customers a single penny.

A note about recycling catalytic converters

While Alton Materials is happy to accept most metal auto parts as scrap, catalytic converters are a special case. Because of their popularity among thieves, we do not accept catalytic converters brought in individually or in bulk unless a dealer’s license can be provided by the seller as proof of ownership. No exceptions, sorry.

Auto shop scrap pick-up service

Running an auto repair shop can result in a fair amount of replaced engine parts, old doors and panels, and even a few abandoned vehicles from time to time. Turning that scrap in to a metal recycler can certainly benefit the shop’s bottom line, but some don’t have the resources to move a lot of bulky material efficiently.

With just a call to Alton Materials, we’ll service any auto-mechanic’s shop by providing pick-up of all scrap materials and transporting it to one of our St. Louis area recycling facilities. Once it’s there, we’ll identify, weigh, and pay a fair, competitive price for everything we’ve taken away, leaving our customers with a cleaner shop and a boost to their income.

The road to profitable recycling

Automobile recycling can provide a huge benefit to not only our natural resources but your financial resources as well. If you’re considering scrapping any vehicles or parts you’ve collected, contact Brian at Alton Materials by phone or through our Contact Us page for more information on how we can help.

photo credit: Sherlock77 (James) via photopin cc

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Your old bicycle can be recycled into a lot of things once you’ve brought it in to Alton Materials. Sometimes, though, the best thing your bicycle can become is someone else’s bicycle. That’s why Alton Materials has a program dedicated to donating children’s and adult bikes that we receive, at our Alton location, to the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills.

Even if the bicycle you bring in is a little beat up or missing a chain, Alton Materials will be glad to take it off your hands and put it into those of someone who needs it. We’ll handle any cleaning up or small repairs necessary before dropping it off so that it’s ready to ride.

If you’ve got an old bicycle that doesn’t get used much anymore, consider bringing it in to our headquarters in Alton, Illinois. Recycling is only one of many ways we can improve both our environment and the community. Through these donations to the Hope Center, Alton Materials is working to make our area a brighter place, two wheels at a time.

photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc

Selling scrap metal is easy. Getting the absolute best price possible for the scrap you’ve been collecting, however, can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Knowing what to sell, when to sell it and what steps you can take to boost your scrap’s value takes time and experience; but it’s gaining that kind of knowledge that will make your scrap dealings much more profitable.

Here are just a few tips Alton Materials has on the subject of how to go about selling scrap metal for smaller scrap dealers.

Keep careful track of what you have

Scrap metal has a way of piling up rather quickly. Take the time to carefully inventory what’s coming in your scrapyard and, if you have the ability, try to keep scrap sorted in a way that will aid you in any future assessment when you’re ready to sell. Knowing exactly what kinds of scrap metal you have on hand can be an excellent bargaining tool.

The waiting is the hardest part

Just like any other market, the value of metal fluctuates depending on things like exports, imports, availability and even the weather. It can be tough to get a handle on what’s happening in the metal market on a day-to-day basis, and even tougher to figure out how long to wait before selling your materials for the best possible price.

Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to the scrapper just starting out. Subscribing to websites like American Metal Market and Scrap Price Bulletin can help keep you informed on scrap pricing, as well as provide valuable insights into future prices. Watch these lists carefully and keep track of the ups and downs associated with your types of metals. Staying knowledgable on current pricing and future trends can help you comparison shop when you’re ready to sell.

Don’t wait too long, though

In the stock market, many will hold on to their stock for a very long time, hoping to sell at the highest price point. The metal market isn’t much different. Stock, however, doesn’t degrade due to constant exposure to the elements, a factor that can sometimes make timing the sale of scrap very difficult.

Depending on the type of scrap and how it’s been stored, it could be losing value every day due damage and grime brought on by weather conditions. Because the quality and condition of materials plays heavily into an assessment, it’s best not to wait too long before selling your scrap. Use your best judgment before missing a great opportunity.

When the price is right, keep it local

Once you’ve decided it’s time to offload the mountain of metal you’ve been sitting on, reach out to the scrap metal recyclers nearest your yard for an assessment of the scrap you have. A quality recycler will be more than happy to come out to your yard, look over your materials, and give you a rough estimate of its value.

There are also a number of helpful services a scrap metal recycler can offer that you might consider. Letting them handle the bundling, sorting, and transportation of the scrap from your scrapyard will not only save you time and labor, it may also help inflate the value once it’s brokered. Discuss your options before you sell to find out what’s best for your business.

Small scrapyards, huge potential

Scrapyards come in all shapes and sizes, but the work they do for their local communities and the environment is just as important as any large scrap recycling company. By working together and forging strong relationships, scrap dealers of every size can thrive in this industry.

If you’ve got a mountain of scrap metal you’ve been sitting on, contact us by phone or email, and let’s talk about how we can help you get the most value for your scrap.

We like to think there are many advantages to selling your ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal to Alton Materials, like our exceptional customer assistance, value-added services and transparent pricing, to name a few. One advantage we have over other scrap recyclers that always seems to get overlooked can be found almost right across the street.

Being located so close to a metal mill may not seem like such a big deal on the surface. Dig a little deeper, though, and there are some great advantages for our customers to be found.

Falling in love with the metal mill next door

When a scrap recycler and a metal mill are in close proximity to each other, something magical happens. These two companies often form a neighborly bond as they grow together and learn how each other operates. The end result is a strong relationship that benefits their businesses as well as any dealer selling scrap material in the area.

For example, let’s say you’re looking to sell a load of scrap. The average scrap recycler will offer you a price based on the type of scrap, services provided, and the cost of transporting it to a mill just like any other recycler would.

A scrap recycler with a mill nearby like Alton Materials, however, knows what that mill is looking for in terms of quality, and that knowledge can be applied during assessment and sorting, raising the scrap’s value. Because the scrap doesn’t have very far to go for delivery, the value gets another boost due to extremely low transportation costs. Finally, a broker with the scrap recycler can better communicate with the mill thanks to years of doing business together, and that can help them negotiate a better price, one that meets or beats the price you might otherwise receive.

The scrap recycler enhances the value of the scrap. The mill gets the materials it needs. The seller gets more money in their pocket. In short, everyone wins.

The difference a strong relationship with a metal mill makes

Selling scrap to a scrap recycler with a mill nearby can net you more money for what you’re offering. Alton Materials is lucky enough to have a metal mill almost sitting in our backyard, allowing us the unique opportunity to offer mill-direct pricing to all of our customers.

If you’re considering selling your scrap metal, take a moment to talk with Brooke or Brian about how working with Alton Materials can make it a more profitable experience. Get in touch with us via email, phone or our Contact Us page and let’s get started.

photo credit: mkd. via photopin cc

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Ah, summertime. It’s the perfect time to relax beside a pool, grill up some food with family and friends, and visit… your local scrap metal recycler?

That’s right. Summer might mainly be about vacations and water slides, but it’s also a great time to take stock of the potential scrap metals you may have on hand. Bringing in the following items might be just the thing to help pay for your next family getaway or, at the very least, buy a few more popsicles the next time the ice cream man comes around.

That old grill you’ve been wanting to replace

It’s easy to get a little grill envy this time of year, especially when a neighbor or friend invites you over to show off their brand-new outdoor cooking wonder. So why not recycle your old grill to help fund a new one you can brag about?

Because most grills are aluminum or stainless steel, they make great candidates for summertime recycling. Any old stainless steel grill tools you might have can also be brought in for a little addition value. It’s important to note, however, that propane tanks should emptied and taken either to the place where it was purchased or a company that specializes in hazardous materials.

That half-busted, pain-in-the-butt lawn mower in the shed

How long have you been struggling with your old gasoline-powered lawn mower just hoping it will last one more summer? Isn’t it about time you got rid of that exhaust-belching beast?

Mowers have come a long way in recent years. Many people now prefer to buy more environmentally friendly electric or manual push mowers. Riding mowers have gone electric, too, making it easier than ever to be greener than the stains on your shoes after a grass a trim. Even if you’d rather stick with a gas-powered motor, many mowers feature engines that run cleaner more efficiently than before.

Alton Materials will be happy to take your old mower off your hands. All we ask is that you make certain the engine is drained of any fuel before bringing it to our facility. Just think of how much happier you’ll be never having to fight with it again, and with a little more money in your pocket, too.

Your out-of-date or damaged patio and lawn furniture

Everyone loves to get outside and enjoy a warm summer day. It’s the reason folks buy patio furniture. But years of use and exposure to the elements can leave that once inviting place on the deck looking drab and uncomfortable. If calling your patio furniture an eyesore would be putting it nicely, it might be ready to find its way to the Alton Materials’ scrap heap.

Whether it’s made of aluminum, wrought iron, cast iron or stainless steel, we’ll pay you a fair and honest price for your patio set so you can replace it with something that makes you want to spend all your time outdoors. And if you’ve been promising to re-web the broken folding lawn chairs you’ve been holding on to for years now, maybe you should bring those along, too. Just a suggestion.

The steel or aluminum above ground pool you don’t use anymore

Maybe the kids have grown up and it doesn’t get much use. Maybe it’s too much trouble to take care of anymore. Whatever the reason, when the old above ground pool in the backyard doesn’t bring you joy any longer, you can break it down and recycle it for some extra summer spending cash.

Tearing down your old pool will take some time and probably require a little friendly assistance, but it can be a profitable weekend project that can help pay for renovating your backyard after it’s gone.

Make a splash with summer recycling

It’s always a great time to recycle with Alton Materials. If you’re considering doing a little summertime updating that will leave you with metal items to scrap, give us a call to find out our prices and learn how we can help.

At the start of every construction, renovation or demolition project, there comes a time where hiring an industrial scrap metal recycling service should be considered. Unfortunately, some project managers allow old ideas about the scrap industry to sway their decisions. The longer they hold on to that way of thinking, the more they miss out on the benefits these services can provide.

Let’s take a look at some of the myths associated with industrial scrap metal recycling and uncover the truths that prove them wrong.

Myth 1: Scrap contractors can’t be trusted to do a good job

We aren’t saying there aren’t a few bad apples on the scrap industry tree. There are more than a few horror stories of unscrupulous scrap yards paying out far too little for their customer’s metal materials or offering a dismal grade of service that made work frustratingly difficult. It’s for that reason that the scrap industry gets a bad rap among some construction or demolition companies.

However, many scrap metal contractors are working hard to turn around these awful reputations to create a more vibrant and respected industry of professionals dedicated to customer needs. These contractors are partnering with their clients and local communities to do what’s fair for all parties involved by offering transparent, easy-to-understand pricing and swift, reliable service every step of the way, from collection to brokerage.

It’s important to not allow an ever-shrinking group of poorly run scrap metal recyclers ruin your view of the industry as a whole. A little research can go a long way in separating the gold-standard service providers from the tin.

Myth 2: Scrap management will slow down work site productivity

You’ve got a crew of fine employees who know what they’re doing and when to do it. So why bring in a contractor who could potentially slow down the smooth workflow you work so hard to maintain?

A professional scrap metal management contractor will do whatever it takes to keep out of a client’s way. That’s why it’s important to find a recycler who will strive to work with your current process. Discussing process and scheduling with your contractor will allow them to determine the best methods needed to collect, sort, and transport your scrap materials before even stepping foot on the job site.

Partnering with the right scrap metal recycler means never having to worry about delays to your tight work schedule. You may even see an increase in productivity with the chore of scrap management in the hands of a knowledgeable scrap service provider.

Myth 3: Scrap metal management isn’t worth the cost

No one wants to break the bank on a construction or demolition project. In fact, some are tightly budgeted for that very reason. Anything that could bring additional costs to the project – like bringing in a contractor – can be quickly dismissed in the name of being fiscally responsible. Some companies would rather throw any and all waste generated without giving a single thought to its potential value.

Hiring a scrap metal management contractor, however, can be one of the best decisions concerning the costs of the project. With just a simple site assessment, a quality scrap metal manager can provide a client with a breakdown of all appropriate services needed as well as what kinds of scrap they’ll be generating. That way, the customer knows how much they can expect to spend and receive once the scrap metal is brokered. You might find that the scrap metal service not only pays for itself, but also brings some additional cash to your company.

It also pays to consider what not having to deal with your project’s scrap materials could mean to your overall success. By removing scrap management from your agenda and allowing a contractor to do it, you’re giving yourself more time to focus on other aspects of the job at hand, which could make your company much more effective.

Just the facts

FACT: Industrial scrap metal recycling services can improve the way a construction or demolition company does business. Working with a trustworthy scrap metal management contractor can increase both productivity and profitability on project after project. For further proof, contact us with any myths, stereotypes, or concerns you have about scrap management. We’ll be happy to bust any myths you might have heard.

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Electronics recycling, or e-recycling, is quickly becoming one of the most sought after services people are looking for when it comes to responsible waste management. Old televisions, computers, cell phones and other electronic items make up one of the fastest growing waste streams in the country, and many companies are trying to address the need to recycle them in a way that benefits both the communities who want the service and the waste and recycling industry.

But while e-recycling is the latest trend, it means nothing to our customers if it isn’t done in an effective manner that benefits the community. It is with that in mind that Alton Materials’ CEO Miles Lynch visited the 2013 ISRI Convention and Exposition.

Shaking hands and sharing stories

There’s no better way of gaining new knowledge about e-recycling programs than asking those who have already added one to their scrap business, and that’s just what we did. With over five thousand industry professions representing all fifty states as well as more than 45 countries in attendance, the ISRI convention was a great opportunity for us to bend the ears of our peers and see what challenges they’re facing. We gained insight in which practices work, which don’t, and how these programs can be a great boon for the communities they serve.

Miles was also able to attend several dinners and lunches focused on educating everyone on new trends while also giving everyone a chance to tell their own recycling industry stories. It’s exciting to hear about the positive impact on local economies and environments some e-recycling programs are having straight from the people offering those services.

A little education never hurt anyone

Roaming the exhibition hall, taking in all of the new products and latest recycling technologies, it’s easy to feel a lot of pride in how far recycling has come in recent years. Miles had a good look at the many pieces of e-recycling equipment that were on display, from pulverizers to disassembly machines, and found out a great deal on how they make the e-recycling process more efficient.

Various seminars given throughout the course of the convention helped answer many of the questions we had about e-scrap. We learned a lot about donation programs, tips for educating our customers on how to reduce their electronic waste, and what steps we can take in keeping some of the more toxic materials associated with it out of our landfills.

The future of recycling

Five days at the ISRI convention were barely enough to scratch the surface on this exciting new trend in scrap recycling. Thanks to Miles, however, Alton Materials is now better prepared to explore e-recycling than ever before.

You’ll be hearing a lot more about e-recycling with Alton Materials in the near future. Watch this space or click below and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on how we’re helping the business of recycling evolve.

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