Value Of Scrap Metal Takes A Dive

C.L. Wilhoit doesn’t care what you bring to the Washington College Recycling Center in Washington County, Tennessee. As long as its metal, the Washington College Ruritan Club can resell your scrap metal, but a ton of metal isn’t worth that much anymore. According to Ruritan Charter Member Larry Waddle, 100 pounds used to bring in $13. Now, the club’s lucky to get $2 for 100 pounds of scrap metal.

“One load we got $1,800 for, now it’s down to like $200-$300 for a load,“ Waddle said.

Over the last two weeks, the value of scrap metal has taken a dive. For the county’s five recycling centers that’s a problem. Washington County Solid Waste and Recycling Director Charles Baines says what the county makes at the dump offsets some county employee salaries.

“Next year we just might have to use more out of our fund balance and we won’t have as much revenue coming into our budget,“ Baines said.

Still, the situation is especially concerning for the Washington College Ruritan Club.

“It is discouraging because everything we do here goes right back into the community,“ Waddle said.

The club built a community ball field three years ago and still makes $969 monthly payments on it. The Ruritan makes those payments with the money it makes from selling metal. The club banks on bringing in $1,000 every 30 days, but lately, it’s not making nearly that much.

“We’re having to get into our savings to make ends meat,“ Waddle said.

Those savings only go so far. So for now, the Ruritan is storing all of its scrap metal. Members hope by holding out for better prices, its community won’t lose out.