Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by Ken Christensen
How Meineke and Midas Shops Can Maximize Scrap Value
When it comes to running a busy Meineke or Midas shop, every dollar counts — and that includes the money sitting in your scrap bins. From catalytic converters to aluminum rims and rotors, your byproducts can add up to serious revenue when handled correctly. The key is knowing how to maximize that value and partner with the right recycler who truly understands the automotive repair industry.
1. Separate Materials for Maximum Return
The most common mistake we see is shops mixing different metals together. A dumpster that’s “conveniently full” might actually be costing you hundreds of dollars in lost value.
Keep light iron separate from high-value items like rotors, aluminum rims, and converters.
Label bins clearly — rotors in one, rims in another, catalytic converters locked and tagged.
Avoid contamination — trash, fluids, or insulation can downgrade an entire load.
A clean, well-sorted bin not only gets paid at the highest tier but also turns over faster.
2. Turn Bins Frequently
Holding onto a dumpster for months might seem harmless, but it ties up your working capital and the recycler’s equipment — which ultimately lowers the payout potential.
Instead, swap out bins regularly and keep materials moving. Frequent pickups lead to:
Better pricing due to current market rates.
More accurate tracking of scrap volume and performance.
Fewer headaches when your yard or service area gets cluttered.
3. Know the Market (and the Middlemen)
Not all buyers are created equal. Some middlemen resell to direct recyclers and take a big cut in between — meaning you’re leaving money on the table.
When you deal direct-to-processor, like with Christensen Recycling, you benefit from:
Immediate payment and detailed receipts.
Access to national mill and export pricing without the middleman markup.
4. Partner with a Recycler Who Knows Auto Shops
A general scrap yard doesn’t understand the daily flow of a Meineke or Midas operation. You need a recycling partner that can:
Provide drums or dumpsters suited for converters, wheels, and scrap metal.
Offer scheduled or on-call pickups that work around your bays and customers.
Deliver consistent, honest grading — no games or “mystery weights.”
Christensen Recycling is trusted by dozens of Meineke, Midas, Firestone, and independent repair shops across the Northeast for exactly this reason. We value relationships, not just transactions.
5. Track & Incentivize Your Team
Your technicians are the front line in collecting valuable scrap. Educate them on what goes where and reward them for helping you hit monthly scrap goals. A simple internal incentive — like a free lunch or gift card for the cleanest scrap bin — can lead to major increases in returns over time.
The Bottom Line
Scrap isn’t just waste — it’s hidden profit waiting to be unlocked. By sorting smarter, turning bins faster, and partnering directly with Christensen Recycling, Meineke and Midas shops can transform their scrap handling into a real profit center.
Ready to see what your scrap is really worth?
📞 Call (908) 421-1493 or visit ChristensenRecycling.com to schedule a pickup today.
Categorised in: Blog, Catalytic Converters