How to Recycle Cast Iron Radiators

Don't toss old radiators away.

The pipes in those bulky, noisy radiators clang faithfully each winter to deliver heat to your house. While old-fashioned cast iron radiators are noisy and take up a lot of space, they are effective and energy efficient, which is good news if you want to recycle your radiators. Plan to recycle your radiator by giving (or selling) it to someone who can reuse it. You can also sell it for its scrap iron. Choose your preferred method based on convenience.

Instructions

1. Look for radiator recyclers near you who will take the old cast iron radiator for recycling. Contact any radiator recyclers you find in the telephone directory and ask about drop-off, radiator types accepted and any other necessary information. Arrange a time to deliver the radiator.

2. Check for green contractors near you at Green Contractor Guide (see Resources). Call local green contractors to see if they want your old cast iron radiator for use in a current building project. Give the old radiator to an interested contractor.

3. Contact salvage yards and scrap metal recyclers in your area to find out how much you can get by giving them your cast iron radiator. A recycler may melt the radiator down into iron or sell it to the public at a salvage yard. Sell your radiator to whoever offers the best price.

4. List your cast iron radiator on a used building materials exchange to give it to someone who can use it (see Resources). Set a price. List your location, the preferred price and any details on your radiator (such as age, color, condition or history). Provide your email address so interested buyers can contact you, then wait for an offer.

References

• Planet Green: Old Cast-Iron Radiators Get a New Heating Life
• Earth911: Tips on Recycling Ferrous Metal

Resources

• Green Contractor Guide: Green Building Directory
• Build.Recycle: Used Building Materials Exchange
• Green Building Resource Guide: Salvaged Building Materials Exchange