How to Set Up a Scrap Metal Recycling Program for Your Business
Whether you’re running a manufacturing facility, fabrication shop, or construction site, scrap metal is a constant byproduct of daily operations. Without the right plan, it piles up, takes space, and costs time. The solution is a structured scrap metal recycling program - one that turns waste into revenue while keeping your operations clean, compliant, and efficient.
At Fulton Metals Recycling, we’ve helped businesses across Georgia design recycling programs that make sense operationally and financially. Here’s how to set up a successful one for your business.
Step 1: Assess Your Scrap Metal Output
Every business generates scrap differently. Some produce steady volumes of aluminum and steel, while others have intermittent loads of copper, brass, or mixed metals.
Start by assessing:
Types of metals your business produces (ferrous vs. non-ferrous)
Average volume generated per week or month
Available space for containers or storage areas
Pickup frequency needs to be based on production cycles
This assessment will help your recycler recommend the right containers and pickup schedule.
Step 2: Design Your Recycling Layout
Once you understand your scrap flow, it’s time to design a layout that fits your workspace. The goal is to make recycling simple for your team while keeping production areas efficient and safe.
Tips for an effective layout:
Place containers close to where scrap is generated (fabrication stations, loading docks, or cut rooms).
Use clearly labeled bins for different metal types.
Keep containers away from trash to prevent contamination.
Ensure forklift or cart access for easy transport to roll-off boxes.
The easier it is for your crew to recycle correctly, the higher your returns will be.
Step 3: Choose the Right Containers
Container selection is one of the most important parts of any scrap metal recycling program. Having the wrong size or style can create bottlenecks or unnecessary hauling costs.
At Fulton Metals Recycling, we provide:
Roll-off boxes (20-, 30-, and 40-yard options) for large volumes.
Totes, drums, and bins for smaller or specialized scrap.
Custom setups for facilities with multiple collection points.
We’ll deliver, rotate, and replace containers as needed to keep your site running efficiently.
Step 4: Schedule Pickups and Establish Logistics
A recycling program is only as good as its logistics. Missed pickups or poor timing can disrupt your workflow.
Best practices for scheduling:
Set recurring pickups aligned with production peaks.
Allow flexibility for on-demand service when volumes fluctuate.
Communicate with your recycler when schedules or projects change.
Fulton Metals Recycling offers flexible scheduling, proactive communication, and real-time coordination to ensure your operations stay uninterrupted.
Step 5: Train Your Team
A well-designed recycling program only works if everyone knows how to use it. Take time to train staff on how to identify, separate, and handle materials properly.
Training topics to cover:
What metals are recyclable, and how to identify them.
Which containers to use for each metal type.
Safety and contamination prevention.
Why recycling benefits the business (and their workspace).
When employees understand the “why” behind recycling, participation and accuracy improve.
Step 6: Track Results and Revenue
Your recycling program isn’t just about sustainability - it’s about measurable results. Track both environmental and financial outcomes to see the impact.
Fulton Metals Recycling provides:
Monthly reports with weights, materials, and payments.
Formula-based pricing tied to published market indexes.
Certificates of Destruction and Insurance for compliance and documentation.
Tracking these metrics helps you make informed decisions and demonstrates your company’s environmental commitment to clients and stakeholders.
Step 7: Partner with a Trusted Recycler
The most successful programs are built on strong partnerships. Choosing a reliable, transparent recycling company ensures your materials are handled responsibly - and profitably.
At Fulton Metals Recycling, we provide end-to-end solutions:
Container delivery and rotation
Consistent pickup schedules
Transparent reporting
Competitive market pricing
Fully insured and bonded service
With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in helping Georgia businesses streamline operations and recover maximum value from their scrap.
