When it comes time to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup, you might be wondering what to do with the old grill. Before simply tossing it in the trash, consider the possibility of scrapping it for some extra cash. However, the amount of money you can get for scrapping a grill depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll explore these factors and determine how much you can actually make from scrapping a grill.
The basics of scrap metal prices
To begin with, let’s take a look at the current prices for common metals like steel and aluminum. One thing to keep in mind is that scrap metal prices can vary greatly depending on geographic location and market demand. Generally speaking, however, here are some estimated prices as of 2021:
- Steel: $0.11-$0.14 per pound
- Aluminum: $0.30-$0.50 per pound
It’s important to note that while these are average prices, they may fluctuate due to various economic conditions and market forces.
What types of materials grills are made of
The next factor to consider is what type of materials your grill is made out of. Different metals have different values when it comes to scrapping.
- Steel: most grills are made primarily out of steel, which has a lower value than other metals like stainless steel or cast iron.
- Cast iron: Some higher-end or older grills may have parts made out of cast iron, which can fetch a higher price at scrap yards because it’s heavier.
- Stainless steel: newer or high-end grills may feature components made from stainless steel which yields a higher value compared to regular steel due to its corrosion-resistant qualities.
Based on material composition alone, it becomes apparent that stainless will yield more cash for cutting up an old barbeque unit but if your grill is all-steel or with a mix of steel and cast iron, the value will be lower.
How to prepare your grill for scrapping
Once you have an idea about materials, it’s time to start preparing the grill for scrapping. For any potential buyer, you’ll want to make sure that whatever you’re selling is as presentable and functional as possible. Therefore, a thorough cleaning is needed before even thinking of disposing of it
- Clean grates: Use soapy water to clean off surface grease.
- Dismantle Grill: Most buyers don’t want the frame or cart—just the firebox and cooking surfaces—so take time to remove the elements they can recycle.
- Clean Firebox: Take cleaning one step further by using a scraper or wire brush to dislodge any stubborn remnants.
The better shape its in visually and mechanically could translate into more dollars.
Scrap yards vs online buyers
There are two primary ways that you can get rid of your old grill: scrap yards and online buyers.
Scrap Yards
A scrap yard is a physical location where you can bring your items made from metal to sell it for recycling. These establishments will typically pay out based on weight but also depend on many factors that determine pricing such as geographic location, supply, and prices at the time
Pros:
- Recycles items into another life-cycle instead of ending up in landfills.
- Make money right away instead of having them fill curbside garbage space.
Cons:
- Location dependent
- Supply heavy businesses; may not take small items such as just a grill.
Online Buyers
Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace allow individuals who are looking for parts or willing to recycle turn scrap metal into cash without leaving home.
Pros: -Avoids logistics from physically delivering; postage is used mostly, making it more accessible for everyone else. -Similar pricing compared to scrap since you are negotiating or finding common middle ground.
Cons: -Scammers and bots on these sites -Gives anyone the opportunity to bargain even after an agreed price – security issues
It’s important to weigh the practicality of the two options based on location, time, and individual preferences.
Factors that affect scrap grill value
The age, size, and condition of your grill all play a role in determining how much you’ll get for it. A grill that’s relatively new and in excellent condition will likely fetch a higher price than an older one that’s been rusting away outside for years.
For instance,
- Selling a hardly used propane BBQ griller would certainly be worth more than selling one that has seen countless summers.
- A small portable charcoal pit may not result in bigger payouts compared to having a full-sized steel BBQ set with side burners.
Before deciding whether or not to sell your old BBQ at the scrapyard or online, evaluate whether it is worth scrapping it at all. Some might still have value if cleaned up well implemented some restoration process like replacing rusted bolts with stainless steel counterparts or putting new paint over scratches here and there.
Examples of how much money you could potentially make from scrapping a grill
The following examples will give you an idea of how much you can potentially earn when scrapping your old grill:
Example 1: Steel Grill
A standard 3-burner gas grill made solely out of steel weighs around 80 lbs, which translates to around $9 – $11 dollars depending on current market prices for steel per pound.
Example 2 : Stainless Steel Grill
A newer natural gas built-in stainless steel model weighing closer to at about 200 lbs could be sold at Marketplaces ranging from $100–$500 and treated as auction sales.
Aside from dismantling costs (labor costs), cutting weight down into smaller sizes, and the current scrap price in any given area, there are other factors to regard before scrapping one’s old barbecue.
Donating or selling your old grill instead
Aside from scrapping metal grills, it’s also worth mentioning that donating or selling them can be a better option at times.
Donation
If your old grill is still in decent condition but unusable by you, it could be donated to charity instead of sending it over to the junkyard. Quite a few charitable organizations will gladly accept them as donations such as food pantries, shelters, and community centers.
Selling
There may still be a market out there for used BBQ’s; some people might prefer owning a classic model at a lower price instead of shelling out money for the latest fancy grills. Depending on the overall shape and design, collectors might pay remarkably – especially if you have an older but unique pit to part ways with. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace give access to reach these interested parties most of these sellers already looking for their next set up would entertain picking up what someone else considers scrap.
In conclusion, while scrapping an old grill is one way to get rid of it and possibly earn some cash in return, consider other options beforehand such as donations or selling. The amount you can get for scrapping your grill depends on several factors including material composition, weight and condition. Research the prices from local scrapyards or online sites before deciding which step is right for you – whether it’s salvaging parts ,selling off intact units wholesale/retail, repurposing into outdoor furniture/decorations or donating it with good intentions to anyone who could still use them .
Q&A
- Q: Is it worth scrapping my old grill? A: It depends on the condition of your grill and the current market demand for scrap metal. In general, you can expect to get a few dollars per pound for scrap metal, which should be enough to cover the cost of hauling and processing your old grill.
- Q: How much can I expect to get paid for scrapping a typical gas grill? A: The average gas grill weighs between 50 and 100 pounds, which means you could earn anywhere from $10 to $20 or more by scrapping it. However, keep in mind that some scrap yards may pay more or less depending on factors like the type of metal and the condition of your grill.
- Q: Can I recycle my grill instead of scrapping it? A: Yes, most grills contain materials that can be recycled, such as steel, aluminum, and copper. You may even be able to find a local recycling center that specializes in metal recycling and offers higher prices than a traditional scrap yard.
- Q: What are some tips for getting the most money when scrapping a grill? A: To maximize your earnings when scrapping a grill, consider disassembling it first to separate out any non-metal parts. You should also shop around at different scrap yards to compare prices and negotiate if possible. Finally, make sure you have proper documentation (like ID) and follow any safety protocols required by your local scrap yard or recycling center.
