Can You Scrap A BBQ Grill?

Key Takeaways:

Most grills contain recyclable metals like aluminum and steel that can be scrapped for cash.
You’ll need to remove any non-metal parts like wood, plastic, and also take the grill apart.
Use a magnet to identify steel parts before separating the aluminum and brass pieces.
Contact local scrap yards to see if they accept old grills for recycling.
The average scrap value is around $5-10, so weigh the time required before scrapping it yourself.

Introduction

Backyard barbecues are a beloved summer tradition, but grills don’t last forever. When your trusty grill has reached the end of its lifespan and needs replacing, you may wonder what to do with the old one. Can you scrap a BBQ grill and get some cash for the metal?

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of grilling scrapping. It evaluates the feasibility, steps involved, potential scrap value, and alternatives to scrapping it yourself. With over 75 million households owning a grill or smoker in the U.S. alone, this information will help countless grill owners responsibly dispose of their equipment in an eco-friendly and rewarding way.

Understanding how to ethically scrap or recycle your grill prevents tons of metal waste from ending up in landfills each year. It also allows DIYers to offset some of the cost of a shiny new grill through the scrap cash incentive. This guide empowers grill owners to make sustainable choices while potentially earning extra funds.

Let’s dive in to determine once and for all: can you scrap a BBQ grill? What are the best practices, what is a realistic value, and how does it compare to disposal alternatives? Read on for the full breakdown.

Can You Scrap a BBQ Grill?

The majority of grills are constructed from metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. Metals like these are highly recyclable, making grills prime candidates for scrapping. Here’s what you need to know about prepping and scrapping a grill:

What Metals Are in a Grill?

While design varies, most BBQ grills contain a mix of:

Stainless steel – Used for grates, burner shields, exterior housing
Aluminum – For side tables, doors, lid handles and hinges
Cast iron – Popular for grates and burners
Brass – Sometimes used for valves, plumbing fittings

So if you’ve ever wondered what are grills made of, it’s mostly recyclable metals – great news for scrapping!

Steps to Scrapping a Grill

Scrapping a grill takes a little work, but following these steps allows you to recycle it responsibly:

Remove non-metal parts – Take out any plastic knobs, wood shelves, or rubber wheels. These cannot be recycled with the metal grill.
Break down components – Unscrew bolts, handles, hinges and remove any remaining non-metal pieces. The more you break it down, the better.
Use a magnet – Run a magnet over the grill to identify any ferrous metals like steel. Set these pieces aside.
Separate metals – Sort any aluminum, brass, and other non-ferrous metals into separate bins for recycling.
Find a recycler – Contact local scrap yards to ask if they accept grills. Some may require all parts fully detached.

And that’s it! With some elbow grease, you can recycle the majority of your BBQ grill.

How Much Are Grills Worth for Scrap?

The scrap value of a grill depends on its size, materials, and your local scrap prices. But generally, grills fetch around $5-10 at a scrap yard.

Some factors impacting scrap value include:

Metal types – Aluminum offers more value than steel. Cast iron and brass also boost value.
Weight – The more pounds of metal, the more money. Bigger/heavier grills pay out better.
Local pricing – Scrap prices fluctuate daily based on supply and demand in your area.

While grills don’t scrap for big bucks, responsible recycling puts cash back in your pocket while keeping tons of metal out of landfills.

Alternatives to Scrapping a Grill Yourself

Scrapping a grill takes time and effort. Before deciding to do it yourself, weigh the alternatives:

Donate the Grill

If your grill is still functional, consider donating it. Many organizations accept grill donations, including:

Boy Scouts of America
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Local fire stations
Churches or community centers

Call ahead to find groups accepting donations in your area.

Sell the Grill

Using Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales, you may be able to sell your grill instead. Grills typically sell for $25-100 depending on the brand, size, features and condition.

Selling an unwanted grill takes less effort than scrapping and pays out much better if you find a buyer.

Hire Junk Removal

For zero effort on your part, hire professional junk haulers to remove the grill for you. Many junk services recycle over 75% of collected materials, reclaiming metals for proper scrapping.

Expect to pay around $100-150 for full-service grill removal and disposal.

Key Takeaways

Most grills contain recyclable aluminum, steel, brass and stainless steel.
Removing all non-metal parts and disassembling the grill is crucial for scrap yards.
A magnet helps sort ferrous from non-ferrous metals when recycling a grill.
Grills typically scrap for $5-10, so evaluate if it’s worth your effort.
Alternatives like donating, selling, or hiring junk haulers may be better options.

Scrap that old grill the right way and give its metals a new life! Just be sure to weigh the time required versus potential rewards when deciding if DIY scrapping is your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scrapping Grills

Can you scrap a gas grill?

Yes, you can definitely scrap a gas grill! Gas grills are primarily made of metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and brass – all recyclable through scrap yards. Just be sure to fully detach and drain the propane tank first for safe transport and recycling.

Do scrap yards accept grills?

Many scrap yards accept grills for recycling. However, call ahead to ask your local yard first. Some have restrictions or require grills to be fully broken down before dropping off. Scrap policies can vary between yards.

Is it worth scrapping a grill?

It depends. Grills typically only scrap for $5-10. If you have a large high-end grill with lots of stainless steel, you may get up to $15-20. But for most basic grills, the scrap return is pretty minimal. You’ll have to determine if the time spent disassembling and hauling it is worth a few bucks.

What scrap metal is worth the most?

Aluminum scrap offers the highest value, paying approximately $0.50-0.65 per pound. Other valuable scraps are copper, brass, stainless steel, lead, and zinc. Steel only pays around $0.05 per pound. Check regional prices at your local scrap yard.

Can you scrap grill grates?

Yes, scrap yards accept grill grates made from metals. Porcelain-coated grill grates cannot be scrapped since they contain a non-recyclable porcelain coating. All-metal grates made of cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel can be recycled. Clean grates thoroughly before recycling.

How do you dispose of a propane tank from a grill?

First, confirm the tank is completely empty and the valve turned off. Many propane filling stations will accept empty tanks for recycling. For large tanks, contact your local municipal household hazardous waste department for disposal guidance. Never put propane tanks in the trash.

The Bottom Line

BBQ grills are bulky but filled with recyclable aluminum, stainless steel, and other metals. By removing all non-metal components and disassembling the grill, you can scrap it at a local yard – earning around $5-10 in the process. Just be sure to evaluate if DIY scrapping is worthwhile based on your time. Alternatively, you can donate, sell, or hire junk haulers to responsibly dispose of that old grill for you.

So fire up that new barbecue, but don’t send the old grill to a landfill. Give it new life by scrapping those metals!

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