The recycling price of scrap materials from urban outdoor furniture depends on several key factors. Municipal benches, trash cans, bike racks, and other public fixtures typically contain valuable metals like aluminum and steel, along with plastics and sometimes wood.
Current market prices for these materials fluctuate daily based on global commodity markets. As of recent data, scrap aluminum from furniture components might fetch $0.40-$0.85 per pound, while steel typically brings $0.05-$0.15 per pound. Plastic components have significantly lower recycling value, often ranging from $0.02-$0.08 per pound depending on the polymer type.
The condition of the materials significantly impacts their value. Clean, separated metals command higher prices than contaminated or mixed loads. Furniture with powder coatings or treatments may require additional processing, potentially reducing the net value. Transportation costs to recycling facilities also affect the overall economics.
Many municipalities partner with specialized recycling firms that handle large-scale urban furniture replacement projects. These companies often provide container services and onsite processing, deducting these service costs from the final payment based on weight and material quality.
For accurate pricing on specific projects, contacting local scrap yards or metal recycling facilities with details about the materials and quantities is recommended, as regional variations and market conditions greatly influence final recycling values.