An old or non-working generator can be a bit of a nuisance, and if you’re looking to get that inconvenient eye sore out of your garage, shed, or basement then you’ll want to know how to properly dispose of it. Decommissioned generators can be bulky and take up quite a bit of space, they also are not something you can simply toss into a recycling bin or your curbside service. Commercial generators are an even bigger headache. Luckily, we have the answers, and will discuss the recycling process, generator removal as well as commercial generator disposal.
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The Benefits of Recycling Generators
The greatest benefit to recycling your old backup generators is to the environment. An old used generator contains potentially hazardous materials that should not be simply dumped into a landfill. Old generators need to have the oil and gas drained first if you will be taking them to a recycling center that accepts them. If they are simply tossed into the curbside trash or dumped at a landfill those hazardous materials will end up leaking into the ground and negatively effecting the environment. We should all be responsible and take the proper steps to handle or waste correctly.
There is also the possible benefit of making some extra cash off of scrap metal recycling if you take your old generator to a scrap metal recycling center or have the mechanical know how to remove certain generator part for resale. It may be possible for the generator head to be sold on sites like eBay or Offerup. Check around with your local scrap yards to find the best price for your generator.
Interesting Facts
- In the United States, recycling one ton of generator waste saves the energy equivalent of 36 barrels of oil or 1,380 gallons of gasoline.
- Recycling also reduces the need for landfill space and mining.
- The recycling process of generators is very similar to that of batteries another potentially hazardous product.
- It is first dismantled and the usable parts are separated possibly to sell.
- The metals are then sent to a smelter where they are melted and formed into new useful products.
- The plastics are recycled into new plastic products.
- The recycling process of generators is very efficient, with over 95% of the materials being recycled.
- It is not only good for the environment, but it is also economical.
- Recycling one ton of generator waste saves the equivalent of 36 barrels of oil or 1,380 gallons of diesel gasoline.
How to Recycle Generators
There are a few different ways you can get rid of that old generator. There are many removal services available in many parts of the country. This will ensure that your generator is recycled properly, and it can also be the most convenient. Portable generators and commercial generators are not light. Setting up a pickup will save you the heavy lifting and your back. A If you have several decommissioned items than setting up a pickup at your job sites would be a convenient strategy. A generator removal company is an eco friendly option and simplifies the whole process. You’ll pass up getting any payout for the scrap metal, but the convenience can be worth it. Be sure to call ahead and get a price quote from whichever company you plan to use for generator removal services. The actual recycling is usually done at specialized facilities.
Scrap Metal
Another option is finding a local scrap yard that accepts your old generator or your businesses commercial generators. Be sure to call around and see what they will be offering for your scrap generator. Generators can contain significant amounts of copper and other valuable metals. The scrap metal can payout a decent price. Currently scrap metal prices can range from about $.02 to $.11 cents/lb for a commercial generator. A well run facility will be able to supply a price quote for your company based on the amount of commercial generator. Generator recycling is a growing industry, with more facilities and companies offering recycling services.
The Process of Recycling Generators
Recycling is the process of breaking down and separating the different materials that make up a generator so that they can be reused. The first step is to remove the combustible materials, such as gasoline or natural gas.
The next step is to shred the generator into small pieces. The pieces are then sorted by material. Specialized equipment breaks down the plastic waste to then later be reused and made into new plastic products.
The most valuable materials, such as copper and aluminum, are separated for further processing. This is the primary reason why some facilities offer a payout.
The remaining materials are typically sent to a landfill. Companies assure they dispose of non useable parts properly as well.
Why Recycling Generators is Important
The most common materials used in generators are copper, aluminum, and steel. Recycling helps to conserve resources and reduce pollution. A reliable source of electricity is critical for many vital operations as well as in disaster situations. That’s why generators have been selling so well with no sign of slowing down. With an increase of generator products the removal and disposal of generator equipment is even more important. There are potential dangerous materials involved in the motor and the production of electricity from a generator. People need to dispose of them properly to avoid contamination. Valuable resources can be conserved from certain generator part.
Questions and Answers
What are the benefits of recycling generators?
The greatest benefit to recycling is helping keep the environment free from potentially hazardous materials, which benefits all living things. Another benefit would be reusing valuable resources, the plastics, and precious metals collected can be processed and used for new products, which reduces the need for mining and stripping of resources from the earth. The other major benefit of course would be financial, if you find a center that will pay you for your generator.
What are the challenges associated with recycling generators?
Inconvenience is the major challenge with this process. Generators are not light and steps need to be taken before they can be processed. A generator removal service can help make the process easy and stress free. That way they will handle removing any hazardous waste from diesel tank to engine oils to prepare for process.
What are the most common methods for recycling generators?
The most common method after generator removal involves removing and draining gas, natural or diesel gas, and any oils from the generator head. Then the remaining parts are crushed and lastly separated by materials. Copper wire is separated from scrap metal which is separated from plastic components. The rest is then usually sent to facilities that further process the specific materials into a useable product to be manufactured into new items. The whole process usually takes more than one location.
What are the costs associated with generator recycling?
A generator may involve a fee for recycling. This is due to the fees related to disposing of hazardous materials and the labor involved with breaking down a generator for recycling. It is a labor intensive operation for a company to take on. If you are taking your generator to a standard recycling center or through your city, county or state there will most likely be a disposal fee, there may also be an additional land disposal fee.
What are the future trends in generator recycling?
A generator supplies power in emergency situations, and they are becoming very popular, the cost is coming down slightly which makes them more attainable for the average family. The last few years has shown in even greater interest in eco friendly products and industries. Prices are great for selling off old generators, and more recycling centers are accepting them for this reason. Where there is money to be made, investments and advancements will take place. The generator motor is becoming more efficient with more power and electricity produced with less and less fuel needed. They are running cleaner with natural gas generators and solar generators. This means with rapid innovation, an old generator will be replaced with new inventory more often and recycling become more in need.
How does it help conserve resources?
A generator contains several elements that can be recycled. Collecting the copper, metals, and plastic components from a generator means these resources are conserved. The more we can reuse the better it is for the environment. These elements are needed for the production of so many items we all need and use including a new generator.
Who is responsible for recycling generators?
The owner of any generator is responsible for the proper recycling of generators. A company may own one generator or several, either way they are required by law to properly dispose of them. There are fees involved at time of purchase in many states to help cover the costs of hazardous waste disposal and recycling.
Where do generators come from?
Most generators are designed in the United States of America, but manufactured in countries like Vietnam or China. Airman, Blue Star, Catepillar, and Generac or just a few of the top generator manufacturers. There are dozens of generator companies, and some are even designed and manufactured in the states.
Where do recycled generator parts go?
Hazardous wastes transporters will take parts of recycled energy generators to specialized facilities that can process the raw materials into useable resources.
Where is the best place to recycle generators?
This is dependent upon your location. You will need to lookup centers and first see if they accept generators and then what price they may offer you if they payout for them. It may be difficult to find a site close enough, this is when a pickup service is helpful for removal.