Lead and zinc are specialty metals that require proper handling, accurate grading, and responsible recycling practices. Both metals are commonly found in automotive, plumbing, construction, and industrial applications. Because lead is a toxic heavy metal, proper recycling is not just profitable but environmentally essential. Keeping lead out of landfills and waterways protects public health and the environment.
At MOME Metals Recycling, we purchase all grades of lead and zinc scrap from plumbers, auto shops, roofers, contractors, demolition companies, and individuals. Our facility at 3770 Veronica S Shoemaker Blvd in Fort Myers is equipped to safely receive, sort, and process lead and zinc materials. Our experienced team accurately grades every type of lead and zinc scrap to ensure you receive fair market value.
Whether you have a bucket of wheel weights from your tire shop or a load of lead pipe from a plumbing renovation, we handle it all professionally and pay you on the spot. Open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday 8:00am to 2:15pm.
We purchase all common grades of lead and zinc scrap. Here are the primary categories we accept.
Old lead plumbing pipe from residential and commercial buildings. Common in homes built before the 1980s. Lead supply lines, drain pipes, and soil stacks are all accepted. Lead pipe is one of the most common sources of lead scrap from plumbing renovations in Southwest Florida.
Flat lead sheeting used in roofing, flashing, radiation shielding, soundproofing, and industrial applications. Sheet lead is typically clean and commands strong pricing. Common sources include hospital renovations, roofing tear-offs, and industrial facility decommissioning.
Lead, zinc, and mixed wheel weights from tire shops and auto service centers. We buy lead wheel weights, zinc wheel weights, and mixed buckets. Sorting lead from zinc and steel before selling maximizes your price per pound. Volume buyers welcome.
Lead-acid batteries from cars, trucks, forklifts, marine vessels, and UPS systems contain significant amounts of recoverable lead. We buy all lead-acid batteries. See our batteries page for full details on battery recycling.
Lead cable sheathing from old electrical and telecommunications cables. Older underground and submarine cables used lead as a protective outer jacket. This lead sheathing is recyclable and commands good pricing based on cleanliness and lead content.
Zinc alloy castings commonly found in cabinet hardware, door handles, automotive trim, carburetor bodies, small engine parts, and decorative hardware. Zinc die cast has a smooth gray finish and moderate weight. We also buy zinc sheet and other zinc alloy forms.
Zinc sheet metal used in roofing, flashing, counter tops, and industrial applications. Clean zinc sheet commands good pricing. Zinc sheet is lighter and harder than lead sheet and has a distinctive blue-gray color when freshly cut.
Steel coated with a zinc layer for corrosion protection. Common in chain link fencing, ductwork, roofing panels, and outdoor hardware. While the zinc coating adds value over bare steel, galvanized steel is priced as a ferrous metal with a zinc premium.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that requires responsible handling. While solid lead scrap is not immediately dangerous, following basic safety precautions protects you and your family. Here are the essential safety guidelines for handling lead scrap.
Wear heavy-duty work gloves when handling lead scrap. Lead dust and residue can transfer to your skin and be accidentally ingested. Disposable nitrile gloves are fine for light handling, but leather or rubber-coated work gloves are better for heavy pieces.
After handling lead, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking, smoking, or touching your face. Lead exposure happens primarily through hand-to-mouth contact. Make handwashing a non-negotiable habit when working with lead.
Melting lead creates toxic fumes. Grinding or sanding lead creates dangerous dust particles that can be inhaled. If you need to cut lead pipe, use a pipe cutter or hacksaw with minimal dust creation. Never use power tools on lead without proper respiratory protection.
Store lead scrap in a secure location out of reach of children and pets. Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure. Transport lead in sealed containers or heavy-duty bags to prevent contamination of your vehicle interior.
Lead and zinc prices change daily based on the London Metal Exchange and domestic commodity markets. Clean, sorted material always commands better pricing than mixed or contaminated loads. Lead pipe and sheet lead typically pay the highest rates among lead grades, while zinc die cast leads the zinc categories.
At MOME Metals, we price transparently with no hidden deductions or fees. We update our pricing daily to reflect current market conditions. Call ahead for current rates or bring your material in and we will quote you on the spot.
Clean lead and zinc with no contaminants commands the best pricing.
Sheet lead and lead pipe pay differently than wheel weights or mixed lead.
Pre-sorted lead and zinc receive better per-pound rates than mixed loads.
Larger quantities may qualify for volume pricing. Ask about commercial accounts.
Correctly identifying and sorting your lead and zinc scrap ensures proper pricing and faster processing at our facility.
Lead is extremely heavy for its size, dull gray in color, and very soft. You can easily scratch it with a fingernail or dent it with moderate pressure. Lead is non-magnetic. When freshly cut or scraped, lead shows a bright silver surface that quickly dulls to gray with oxidation. If an item is unexpectedly heavy and very soft, it is likely lead.
Zinc die cast has a smooth, medium-gray surface and is moderately heavy. It is harder than lead but softer than steel. Zinc develops a white, powdery corrosion over time, unlike the orange rust of steel. Zinc is non-magnetic. Fresh zinc has a slightly bluish-gray tone. If a cast item is non-magnetic, moderately heavy, and shows white corrosion, it is likely zinc.
Mixed buckets of wheel weights contain lead, zinc, and steel weights. Use a magnet to pull out steel weights first. Then separate lead from zinc: lead weights are softer and heavier while zinc weights are harder and slightly lighter. Sorted wheel weights pay significantly more than unsorted mixed buckets.
Remove steel clips from wheel weights, cut off non-lead fittings from lead pipe, and separate any plastic, rubber, or other non-metal attachments. Clean lead and zinc scrap with minimal contamination commands the best pricing. A few minutes of preparation can add noticeable value to your load.
Lead is one of the most toxic common metals. When lead ends up in landfills, it can leach into groundwater and contaminate soil for decades. Lead exposure causes serious health problems including neurological damage, kidney damage, and developmental issues in children. Proper recycling through a licensed facility like MOME Metals keeps lead contained in the industrial recycling loop where it is safely processed.
Zinc recycling is equally important. Recycling zinc uses significantly less energy than mining and smelting zinc ore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural resources. Both lead and zinc can be recycled indefinitely without losing their material properties, making recycling the environmentally responsible choice every time.
When you bring your lead and zinc scrap to MOME Metals, you are not just getting paid. You are keeping hazardous material out of the environment and contributing to a circular economy that reduces the need for destructive mining operations.
Lead prices fluctuate based on commodity markets. Clean lead such as sheet lead and lead pipe typically commands the best price. Wheel weights are priced separately because they often contain a mix of lead and non-lead weights. Call MOME Metals at 239-334-1191 for today's lead pricing in Fort Myers.
Lead can be handled safely with basic precautions. Always wear gloves, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling. Never melt, grind, or sand lead as this creates dangerous dust and fumes. Keep lead away from children and pets, and transport it in sealed containers.
Lead wheel weights are soft, dull gray, and very heavy. You can easily scratch or dent them with a fingernail. Zinc wheel weights are harder, slightly lighter, and shinier. Steel wheel weights are magnetic. Use a magnet to pull out steel, then sort lead and zinc by hardness and weight for best pricing.
Yes, we buy zinc die cast scrap. Common zinc die cast items include cabinet hardware, small automotive parts, carburetors, door handles, and various castings. Zinc die cast is identified by its smooth gray surface, moderate weight, and white corrosion. We also buy zinc sheet and other zinc alloys.
Absolutely. Lead pipe from old plumbing systems is a common source of lead scrap. Many older homes in Southwest Florida still have lead supply lines, drain traps, or soil stacks that get replaced during renovations. Bring the lead pipe to our facility and we will grade and weigh it on the spot.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that does not break down in the environment. When lead ends up in landfills, it can leach into groundwater and contaminate soil. Recycling lead prevents environmental contamination, reduces energy-intensive mining, and keeps this hazardous material safely contained in the industrial recycling loop.
Lead-acid batteries, radiators, and AC condensers. Full details on battery and radiator recycling.
Learn MoreView current pricing for all metals we buy, including lead, zinc, copper, aluminum, steel, and more.
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