FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Although we can't anticipate every question you may have, below is a list of the most commonly asked questions.  Just click on the question to view its answer.

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If you browse the list and still cannot find the answer you are looking for, please feel free to give us a call or send us a message via our Contact Us page.

DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS

Do I need the title to sell my vehicle for scrap?

Yes. A title is required in order for us to accept any scrap vehicle. Whomever's name is printed on the title needs to sign off in the box that says "Signature of Seller". If there are any leins/loans on the vehicle, the bank or lender must also sign off in the appropriate space on the title, denoting that the vehicle has been paid off completely.



Does my vehicle have to be complete?

No. If you choose to keep the motor because you need it for parts, you want the seats for a 'man cave', or you want to remove various components and sell them to us separately, that is perfectly fine. All we ask is that you remove these items BEFORE you arrive in our yard. Batteries are the only exception to this rule. This is because: A. Batteries are realtively easy to remove. B. We understand that you may want to keep a perfectly good battery, but that you also need the battery in order to get the car to us. If you choose to keep your battery, please just let us know at the office when you arrive.



How much does my car weigh?

The weight of a vehicle can vary, depending on size, the materials it is constructed out of, and whether or not it has its engine, seats, or other various parts intact. That being said, the average weight of a car is approximately 3,500-4,500 pounds. Pickups and full-sized vans tend to weigh slightly more. The only way to tell exactly how much your car weighs is to bring it across our scales.



Is the weight listed on the title the weight of my vehicle?

In most instances, the Secretary of State lists weight categories or classes on titles, as opposed to the actual weight of the vehicle. In order to determine the actual weight of your vehicle, we will need to weigh it across our scales.



Can I just pay you to keep the tires from my vehicle?

No. Due to environmental concerns about tires becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and all kinds of bacteria, we will not keep your tires. Additionally, shipping tires to a proper tire disposal site is cost-prohibitive. If you bring a vehicle with tires on it, we leave the responsibility on you to find a way to also get rid of those tires.



What do I do with the tires on my vehicle?

The tires are the only part of your vehicle that we do not accept. However, we do realize that in order to load your vehicle on a trailer or to tow it here, you need to leave the tires on. For that reason, you have one of two options if you bring in a vehicle with tires: 1. You can take back your existing tires and rims. With this option one of our equipment operators will lift the vehicle enough to take the weight off the tires. You can then loosen your lugnuts and remove your tires and rims. (Make sure you bring an appropriately sized 4-way if you choose to do this.) This is a great option if you choose to re-use that set of tires. 2. You can take home scrap tires. With this option we will give you just the rubber portion of tires that have already been cut off the rim. These tires will not be your exact tires, but will be approximately the same size/weight as the tires you brought to us. (Think of this option as if it were much like the 'Give a Penny, Take a Penny' dishes you see at the gas station counters.) With this option, you will then have to find a place to dispose of your tires. NOTE: Our dumpster and roadside ditches are NOT options for the disposal of tires.



What if there is still a loan/lein on my scrap vehicle?

If there is still a loan or lein on your vehicle, we cannot accept it as scrap. In order for us to purchase the vehicle from you, you will first need to do one of two things: A. Take your title to the bank or lending institution who issued the loan. They will then sign off, verifying that the lein has been paid off in full. B. Have your bank or lending institution issue a letter (on their letterhead) stating that the loan/lein has been paid in full. They can then fax it to us at 989-269-8985 or email it to us at dwsalvage@dwsalvage.biz.



Can you pick up my vehicle so I can remove the ________? (insert any part name here)

We will not, under ANY circumstances, lift up vehicles or flip over vehicles in order to allow you to remove various parts, nor will we remove the parts for you. Allowing customers to remove parts from underneath lifted or flipped vehicles is a serious safety hazard. Not only that, but our employees are getting paid to process metal, not remove parts. For this reason, please remove any parts that you are planning on keeping BEFORE you get to our yard. Batteries are the only exception to this rule. This is because: A. Batteries are realtively easy to remove. B. We understand that you may want to keep a perfectly good battery, but that you also need the battery in order to get the car to us. If you choose to keep your battery, please just let us know at the office when you arrive.



My vehicle runs perfectly fine. Is it worth more?

D&W Salvage is not a 'parts yard'. We do not re-sell automobiles or the parts from them. Because of this, there is no extra value to a vehicle that runs, is in pristine condition, or has just received a new part or component. All vehicles and their parts are just scrap metal to us--regardless of whether they run or not.



Do I have to remove the gas tank/fluids from my vehicle?

No. Removing fluids from your vehicle is not necessary. We have a safe and environmentally friendly way of draining the fluids out of each vehicle as they are processed.



What if I Cannot Find the Title to my Vehicle?

The simple answer is to keep looking. Oftentimes misplaced titles can be found with relatives or other family members, in glove boxes, safes, lockboxes, and even underwear drawers. Having said that, if you absolutely cannot find your title, there are some options: 1. Request a Duplicate or Scrap Title. If you have the registration, the application for the title, or any other ownership documents, you can visit the Secretary of State and request a duplicate or a scrap title for your vehicle. Depending on the branch you visit, a title will mailed to you within 7-10 days, or in some cases issued the same day. Once you have the new title in hand, the owner must sign off in the space where it says "Signature of Seller", and the bank/lender must sign off stating that any leins/loans on the vehicle have been paid in full. We can then accept this title when scrapping your vehicle. NOTE: Only the actual duplicate or scrap title will be accepted. We cannot and will NOT accept the Application for Title form (white copy) that is provided to you by the Secretary of State when requesting a new title. 2. Obtain a Certificate of Scrapping (form TR-208). If you cannot find the title for your scrap vehicle because a.) the vehicle has been on your property for decades, or b.) the vehicle was left on property that you recently purchased, you can obtain a Certificate of Scrapping or form TR-208 from your local Sheriff's Office. With this service, an officer will validate your vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify the vehicle has not been stolen and is not involved in any other legal matters. They will then issue you a TR-208, which we can accept when receiving your vehicle as scrap. NOTE: The Sheriff's department will NOT issue a Certificate of Scrapping in cases where you possess ownerwhip documentation and are unwilling to obtain a duplicate or scrap title.



There is a sticker attached to my vehicle that lists weights. Is this the weight of my vehicle?

It quite possibly could be. However, we are unsure if the printed weight is just the frame weight, the body weight, or the weight of the vehicle in its entirety. For that reason, the only way to tell the exact weight of your vehicle is to weigh it across our scales.



What happens to my vehicle after it arrives at D&W?

All vehicles that arrive at D&W Salvage, Inc. go through the following process: 1. The VIN number is verified to ensure we have received the proper title. At this time the title is inspected to ensure it is properly signed off and free of any leins/loans. 2. Fluids are drained (this includes gas tanks, transmissions, engines, etc.) from the vehicle. 3. An inspection is conducted to ensure that it contains no hazardous or unaccepted items. 4. The vehicle is placed into a machine that turns it into a log (a cube). 5. The log is shipped to an end-user who shreds it in preparation for it to be recycled into new raw materials. At this point, the title is also shipped to the end-user, who then submits the title to the State of Michigan.



POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Do I need the title to sell my vehicle for scrap?

Yes. A title is required in order for us to accept any scrap vehicle. Whomever's name is printed on the title needs to sign off in the box that says "Signature of Seller". If there are any leins/loans on the vehicle, the bank or lender must also sign off in the appropriate space on the title, denoting that the vehicle has been paid off completely.



Does my vehicle have to be complete?

No. If you choose to keep the motor because you need it for parts, you want the seats for a 'man cave', or you want to remove various components and sell them to us separately, that is perfectly fine. All we ask is that you remove these items BEFORE you arrive in our yard. Batteries are the only exception to this rule. This is because: A. Batteries are realtively easy to remove. B. We understand that you may want to keep a perfectly good battery, but that you also need the battery in order to get the car to us. If you choose to keep your battery, please just let us know at the office when you arrive.



How much does my car weigh?

The weight of a vehicle can vary, depending on size, the materials it is constructed out of, and whether or not it has its engine, seats, or other various parts intact. That being said, the average weight of a car is approximately 3,500-4,500 pounds. Pickups and full-sized vans tend to weigh slightly more. The only way to tell exactly how much your car weighs is to bring it across our scales.



Is the weight listed on the title the weight of my vehicle?

In most instances, the Secretary of State lists weight categories or classes on titles, as opposed to the actual weight of the vehicle. In order to determine the actual weight of your vehicle, we will need to weigh it across our scales.



Can I just pay you to keep the tires from my vehicle?

No. Due to environmental concerns about tires becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and all kinds of bacteria, we will not keep your tires. Additionally, shipping tires to a proper tire disposal site is cost-prohibitive. If you bring a vehicle with tires on it, we leave the responsibility on you to find a way to also get rid of those tires.



What do I do with the tires on my vehicle?

The tires are the only part of your vehicle that we do not accept. However, we do realize that in order to load your vehicle on a trailer or to tow it here, you need to leave the tires on. For that reason, you have one of two options if you bring in a vehicle with tires: 1. You can take back your existing tires and rims. With this option one of our equipment operators will lift the vehicle enough to take the weight off the tires. You can then loosen your lugnuts and remove your tires and rims. (Make sure you bring an appropriately sized 4-way if you choose to do this.) This is a great option if you choose to re-use that set of tires. 2. You can take home scrap tires. With this option we will give you just the rubber portion of tires that have already been cut off the rim. These tires will not be your exact tires, but will be approximately the same size/weight as the tires you brought to us. (Think of this option as if it were much like the 'Give a Penny, Take a Penny' dishes you see at the gas station counters.) With this option, you will then have to find a place to dispose of your tires. NOTE: Our dumpster and roadside ditches are NOT options for the disposal of tires.



What if there is still a loan/lein on my scrap vehicle?

If there is still a loan or lein on your vehicle, we cannot accept it as scrap. In order for us to purchase the vehicle from you, you will first need to do one of two things: A. Take your title to the bank or lending institution who issued the loan. They will then sign off, verifying that the lein has been paid off in full. B. Have your bank or lending institution issue a letter (on their letterhead) stating that the loan/lein has been paid in full. They can then fax it to us at 989-269-8985 or email it to us at dwsalvage@dwsalvage.biz.



Can you pick up my vehicle so I can remove the ________? (insert any part name here)

We will not, under ANY circumstances, lift up vehicles or flip over vehicles in order to allow you to remove various parts, nor will we remove the parts for you. Allowing customers to remove parts from underneath lifted or flipped vehicles is a serious safety hazard. Not only that, but our employees are getting paid to process metal, not remove parts. For this reason, please remove any parts that you are planning on keeping BEFORE you get to our yard. Batteries are the only exception to this rule. This is because: A. Batteries are realtively easy to remove. B. We understand that you may want to keep a perfectly good battery, but that you also need the battery in order to get the car to us. If you choose to keep your battery, please just let us know at the office when you arrive.



My vehicle runs perfectly fine. Is it worth more?

D&W Salvage is not a 'parts yard'. We do not re-sell automobiles or the parts from them. Because of this, there is no extra value to a vehicle that runs, is in pristine condition, or has just received a new part or component. All vehicles and their parts are just scrap metal to us--regardless of whether they run or not.



Do I have to remove the gas tank/fluids from my vehicle?

No. Removing fluids from your vehicle is not necessary. We have a safe and environmentally friendly way of draining the fluids out of each vehicle as they are processed.



What if I Cannot Find the Title to my Vehicle?

The simple answer is to keep looking. Oftentimes misplaced titles can be found with relatives or other family members, in glove boxes, safes, lockboxes, and even underwear drawers. Having said that, if you absolutely cannot find your title, there are some options: 1. Request a Duplicate or Scrap Title. If you have the registration, the application for the title, or any other ownership documents, you can visit the Secretary of State and request a duplicate or a scrap title for your vehicle. Depending on the branch you visit, a title will mailed to you within 7-10 days, or in some cases issued the same day. Once you have the new title in hand, the owner must sign off in the space where it says "Signature of Seller", and the bank/lender must sign off stating that any leins/loans on the vehicle have been paid in full. We can then accept this title when scrapping your vehicle. NOTE: Only the actual duplicate or scrap title will be accepted. We cannot and will NOT accept the Application for Title form (white copy) that is provided to you by the Secretary of State when requesting a new title. 2. Obtain a Certificate of Scrapping (form TR-208). If you cannot find the title for your scrap vehicle because a.) the vehicle has been on your property for decades, or b.) the vehicle was left on property that you recently purchased, you can obtain a Certificate of Scrapping or form TR-208 from your local Sheriff's Office. With this service, an officer will validate your vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify the vehicle has not been stolen and is not involved in any other legal matters. They will then issue you a TR-208, which we can accept when receiving your vehicle as scrap. NOTE: The Sheriff's department will NOT issue a Certificate of Scrapping in cases where you possess ownerwhip documentation and are unwilling to obtain a duplicate or scrap title.



There is a sticker attached to my vehicle that lists weights. Is this the weight of my vehicle?

It quite possibly could be. However, we are unsure if the printed weight is just the frame weight, the body weight, or the weight of the vehicle in its entirety. For that reason, the only way to tell the exact weight of your vehicle is to weigh it across our scales.



What happens to my vehicle after it arrives at D&W?

All vehicles that arrive at D&W Salvage, Inc. go through the following process: 1. The VIN number is verified to ensure we have received the proper title. At this time the title is inspected to ensure it is properly signed off and free of any leins/loans. 2. Fluids are drained (this includes gas tanks, transmissions, engines, etc.) from the vehicle. 3. An inspection is conducted to ensure that it contains no hazardous or unaccepted items. 4. The vehicle is placed into a machine that turns it into a log (a cube). 5. The log is shipped to an end-user who shreds it in preparation for it to be recycled into new raw materials. At this point, the title is also shipped to the end-user, who then submits the title to the State of Michigan.



WEIGHT

Do you buy tires?

We DO NOT accept tires. If you sell us a vehicle, trailer, farm implement, other item that has tires on it, we will be sending rubber back home with you. This means that either: A. We will lift the item so that you can loosen the lugnuts and take the tires and rims off/home with you. (Make sure you bring an appropriately sized 4-way if you choose to do this.) B. We will give you just the rubber portion of tires that have already been cut off the rim. These tires will not be your exact tires, but will be approximately the same size/weight as the tires you brought to us. The only exception to this is if you bring us a bicycle, lawnmower, or ATV that still has tires on it. Those tires are small enough that we do not worry about them.



Do you buy cardboard?

D&W Salvage only purchases cardboard in LARGE quantities (thousands of pounds at a time) and on a case-by-case basis. Please call us at 989-269-6829 to inquire about large quantities of cardboard.



Do you buy electric motors?

Yes. As long as they are AC motors with copper windings. We will not pay electric motor price for DC motors or those with aluminum windings--these items simply are purchased as Tin/Miscellaneous. Electric motors may be encased in a steel cover, BUT any large pulleys, pieces of steel, or squirrel cages must be removed. If the outside casing is cast aluminum, it is very possible that the wire within is copper-coated aluminum wire--in which case we will not pay electric motor price for these motors. To check whether the windings are copper-coated aluminum, use a file to scratch the wire windings. If the center of the wires/windings are a white or silver color, they are aluminum wires and thus, we will only buy them for tin price.



Do you buy windows and doors?

We will purchase window and door FRAMES as long as they are made of metal and do not contain any glass, plastic, rubber, or foam.



What type of batteries do you buy?

We only buy lead-acid batteries. These include most car, truck, ATV, lawnmower, and golf cart batteries. Steel encased batteries are acceptable, but are purchased as a separate commodity with their own pricing structure. We DO NOT buy alkaline, NiCad, or rechargable/power tool batteries, and we ABSOLUTELY do NOT accept Absolyte, GNB, or Champion brand batteries.



Do you buy TVs & computer monitors?

Computer monitors and televisions (TVs) contain very little metal and are mostly made of glass and/or plastic. For this reason we do not purchase these items.



Do you buy extension cords/household cords?

Yes, they are purchased as insulated copper wire. However, if your cords contain a large, plastic A/C adapter, an industrial-size plug end, or ends that have connector pins and/or thumb screws, you will need to remove the plug-end before bringing your cords to us.



Do you buy trailer homes, campers, and/or motor homes?

We do not buy complete trailer homes, campers, or motor homes due to the large quantity of wood, insulation, and other non-metal material they contain. However, if you tear apart your trailer homes, campers, or motor homes and bring us just the bare metal, we would be happy to accept that material from you.



Do you buy refrigerators, freezers, and/or air conditioners?

We will purchase refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners as long as the freon gas within the unit has been properly removed. If the compressor and lines are still within the unit, documentation verifying that the freon was removed must be provided.



Do you buy propane, acetylene, oxygen, and/or fuel tanks?

For the safety of our personnel, we do not accept ANY sealed containers. In order to be accepted: --Propane and oxygen tanks must have the valves completely removed and/or have a visible hole in them. --Fuel tanks must be COMPLETELY drained of any liquid or sludge and have a hole cut in them large enough for us to see inside (12" by 12" is the ideal size of hole). Because of their construction, we CANNOT accept acetylene tanks of any kind.



Do you buy Christmas lights, computer cables, and/or phone cables?

Yes. However, there are some guidelines when it comes to Christmas Lights, Computer Cables, and/or Phone Cables: 1. Keep them separate from any other insulated copper wiring you may have. This is because the ratio of copper to insulation is different than other forms of insulated copper wiring. 2. The bulbs must be removed if you have the Christmas lights with the larger sized bulbs (think the old-fashioned style). However, if you have the newer-style with the miniature bulbs, you can leave them right on the strand. 3. Any large plastic AC adaptors or ends that have connector pins and/or thumb screws must be cut off the wire and discarded.



Do you buy appliances (stoves, washing machines, dishwashers)?

Yes. We purchase all types of household appliances as Tin/Miscellaneous. Refrigerators, freezers, and/or air conditioners will be purchased as Tin/Miscellaneous as long as the freon has been properly removed.



Do you buy coaxial cable as insulated copper wire?

Coaxial cable is never purchased as insulated copper wire. The ratio of foam/insulation to copper wiring is far too great. Instead, it can be purchased as Christmas Lights/Computer Cable if the following criteria are met: 1. The steel connection ends must be cut off. 2. If you allow a magnet to hang freely near your coaxial cable, it will NOT draw to it. (If the magnet does draw to the cable, then there is steel somewhere in the cable and it is puchased as Tin/Miscellaneous.)



Do you buy fiberglass boats?

No. Fiberglass is a non-metallic material, and therefore we have no way to recycle it. However, if you remove any metal off of your boat, we would be happy to accept and pay you for the metal portion only.



VEHICLES

Do I need the title to sell my vehicle for scrap?

Yes. A title is required in order for us to accept any scrap vehicle. Whomever's name is printed on the title needs to sign off in the box that says "Signature of Seller". If there are any leins/loans on the vehicle, the bank or lender must also sign off in the appropriate space on the title, denoting that the vehicle has been paid off completely.



Does my vehicle have to be complete?

No. If you choose to keep the motor because you need it for parts, you want the seats for a 'man cave', or you want to remove various components and sell them to us separately, that is perfectly fine. All we ask is that you remove these items BEFORE you arrive in our yard. Batteries are the only exception to this rule. This is because: A. Batteries are realtively easy to remove. B. We understand that you may want to keep a perfectly good battery, but that you also need the battery in order to get the car to us. If you choose to keep your battery, please just let us know at the office when you arrive.



How much does my car weigh?

The weight of a vehicle can vary, depending on size, the materials it is constructed out of, and whether or not it has its engine, seats, or other various parts intact. That being said, the average weight of a car is approximately 3,500-4,500 pounds. Pickups and full-sized vans tend to weigh slightly more. The only way to tell exactly how much your car weighs is to bring it across our scales.



Is the weight listed on the title the weight of my vehicle?

In most instances, the Secretary of State lists weight categories or classes on titles, as opposed to the actual weight of the vehicle. In order to determine the actual weight of your vehicle, we will need to weigh it across our scales.



Can I just pay you to keep the tires from my vehicle?

No. Due to environmental concerns about tires becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and all kinds of bacteria, we will not keep your tires. Additionally, shipping tires to a proper tire disposal site is cost-prohibitive. If you bring a vehicle with tires on it, we leave the responsibility on you to find a way to also get rid of those tires.



What do I do with the tires on my vehicle?

The tires are the only part of your vehicle that we do not accept. However, we do realize that in order to load your vehicle on a trailer or to tow it here, you need to leave the tires on. For that reason, you have one of two options if you bring in a vehicle with tires: 1. You can take back your existing tires and rims. With this option one of our equipment operators will lift the vehicle enough to take the weight off the tires. You can then loosen your lugnuts and remove your tires and rims. (Make sure you bring an appropriately sized 4-way if you choose to do this.) This is a great option if you choose to re-use that set of tires. 2. You can take home scrap tires. With this option we will give you just the rubber portion of tires that have already been cut off the rim. These tires will not be your exact tires, but will be approximately the same size/weight as the tires you brought to us. (Think of this option as if it were much like the 'Give a Penny, Take a Penny' dishes you see at the gas station counters.) With this option, you will then have to find a place to dispose of your tires. NOTE: Our dumpster and roadside ditches are NOT options for the disposal of tires.



What if there is still a loan/lein on my scrap vehicle?

If there is still a loan or lein on your vehicle, we cannot accept it as scrap. In order for us to purchase the vehicle from you, you will first need to do one of two things: A. Take your title to the bank or lending institution who issued the loan. They will then sign off, verifying that the lein has been paid off in full. B. Have your bank or lending institution issue a letter (on their letterhead) stating that the loan/lein has been paid in full. They can then fax it to us at 989-269-8985 or email it to us at dwsalvage@dwsalvage.biz.



Can you pick up my vehicle so I can remove the ________? (insert any part name here)

We will not, under ANY circumstances, lift up vehicles or flip over vehicles in order to allow you to remove various parts, nor will we remove the parts for you. Allowing customers to remove parts from underneath lifted or flipped vehicles is a serious safety hazard. Not only that, but our employees are getting paid to process metal, not remove parts. For this reason, please remove any parts that you are planning on keeping BEFORE you get to our yard. Batteries are the only exception to this rule. This is because: A. Batteries are realtively easy to remove. B. We understand that you may want to keep a perfectly good battery, but that you also need the battery in order to get the car to us. If you choose to keep your battery, please just let us know at the office when you arrive.



My vehicle runs perfectly fine. Is it worth more?

D&W Salvage is not a 'parts yard'. We do not re-sell automobiles or the parts from them. Because of this, there is no extra value to a vehicle that runs, is in pristine condition, or has just received a new part or component. All vehicles and their parts are just scrap metal to us--regardless of whether they run or not.



Do I have to remove the gas tank/fluids from my vehicle?

No. Removing fluids from your vehicle is not necessary. We have a safe and environmentally friendly way of draining the fluids out of each vehicle as they are processed.



What if I Cannot Find the Title to my Vehicle?

The simple answer is to keep looking. Oftentimes misplaced titles can be found with relatives or other family members, in glove boxes, safes, lockboxes, and even underwear drawers. Having said that, if you absolutely cannot find your title, there are some options: 1. Request a Duplicate or Scrap Title. If you have the registration, the application for the title, or any other ownership documents, you can visit the Secretary of State and request a duplicate or a scrap title for your vehicle. Depending on the branch you visit, a title will mailed to you within 7-10 days, or in some cases issued the same day. Once you have the new title in hand, the owner must sign off in the space where it says "Signature of Seller", and the bank/lender must sign off stating that any leins/loans on the vehicle have been paid in full. We can then accept this title when scrapping your vehicle. NOTE: Only the actual duplicate or scrap title will be accepted. We cannot and will NOT accept the Application for Title form (white copy) that is provided to you by the Secretary of State when requesting a new title. 2. Obtain a Certificate of Scrapping (form TR-208). If you cannot find the title for your scrap vehicle because a.) the vehicle has been on your property for decades, or b.) the vehicle was left on property that you recently purchased, you can obtain a Certificate of Scrapping or form TR-208 from your local Sheriff's Office. With this service, an officer will validate your vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify the vehicle has not been stolen and is not involved in any other legal matters. They will then issue you a TR-208, which we can accept when receiving your vehicle as scrap. NOTE: The Sheriff's department will NOT issue a Certificate of Scrapping in cases where you possess ownerwhip documentation and are unwilling to obtain a duplicate or scrap title.



There is a sticker attached to my vehicle that lists weights. Is this the weight of my vehicle?

It quite possibly could be. However, we are unsure if the printed weight is just the frame weight, the body weight, or the weight of the vehicle in its entirety. For that reason, the only way to tell the exact weight of your vehicle is to weigh it across our scales.



What happens to my vehicle after it arrives at D&W?

All vehicles that arrive at D&W Salvage, Inc. go through the following process: 1. The VIN number is verified to ensure we have received the proper title. At this time the title is inspected to ensure it is properly signed off and free of any leins/loans. 2. Fluids are drained (this includes gas tanks, transmissions, engines, etc.) from the vehicle. 3. An inspection is conducted to ensure that it contains no hazardous or unaccepted items. 4. The vehicle is placed into a machine that turns it into a log (a cube). 5. The log is shipped to an end-user who shreds it in preparation for it to be recycled into new raw materials. At this point, the title is also shipped to the end-user, who then submits the title to the State of Michigan.



WHAT WE WILL OR WILL NOT BUY

Do you buy tires?

We DO NOT accept tires. If you sell us a vehicle, trailer, farm implement, other item that has tires on it, we will be sending rubber back home with you. This means that either: A. We will lift the item so that you can loosen the lugnuts and take the tires and rims off/home with you. (Make sure you bring an appropriately sized 4-way if you choose to do this.) B. We will give you just the rubber portion of tires that have already been cut off the rim. These tires will not be your exact tires, but will be approximately the same size/weight as the tires you brought to us. The only exception to this is if you bring us a bicycle, lawnmower, or ATV that still has tires on it. Those tires are small enough that we do not worry about them.



Do you buy cardboard?

D&W Salvage only purchases cardboard in LARGE quantities (thousands of pounds at a time) and on a case-by-case basis. Please call us at 989-269-6829 to inquire about large quantities of cardboard.



Do you buy electric motors?

Yes. As long as they are AC motors with copper windings. We will not pay electric motor price for DC motors or those with aluminum windings--these items simply are purchased as Tin/Miscellaneous. Electric motors may be encased in a steel cover, BUT any large pulleys, pieces of steel, or squirrel cages must be removed. If the outside casing is cast aluminum, it is very possible that the wire within is copper-coated aluminum wire--in which case we will not pay electric motor price for these motors. To check whether the windings are copper-coated aluminum, use a file to scratch the wire windings. If the center of the wires/windings are a white or silver color, they are aluminum wires and thus, we will only buy them for tin price.



Do you buy windows and doors?

We will purchase window and door FRAMES as long as they are made of metal and do not contain any glass, plastic, rubber, or foam.



What type of batteries do you buy?

We only buy lead-acid batteries. These include most car, truck, ATV, lawnmower, and golf cart batteries. Steel encased batteries are acceptable, but are purchased as a separate commodity with their own pricing structure. We DO NOT buy alkaline, NiCad, or rechargable/power tool batteries, and we ABSOLUTELY do NOT accept Absolyte, GNB, or Champion brand batteries.



Do you buy TVs & computer monitors?

Computer monitors and televisions (TVs) contain very little metal and are mostly made of glass and/or plastic. For this reason we do not purchase these items.



Do you buy extension cords/household cords?

Yes, they are purchased as insulated copper wire. However, if your cords contain a large, plastic A/C adapter, an industrial-size plug end, or ends that have connector pins and/or thumb screws, you will need to remove the plug-end before bringing your cords to us.



Do you buy trailer homes, campers, and/or motor homes?

We do not buy complete trailer homes, campers, or motor homes due to the large quantity of wood, insulation, and other non-metal material they contain. However, if you tear apart your trailer homes, campers, or motor homes and bring us just the bare metal, we would be happy to accept that material from you.



Do you buy refrigerators, freezers, and/or air conditioners?

We will purchase refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners as long as the freon gas within the unit has been properly removed. If the compressor and lines are still within the unit, documentation verifying that the freon was removed must be provided.



Do you buy propane, acetylene, oxygen, and/or fuel tanks?

For the safety of our personnel, we do not accept ANY sealed containers. In order to be accepted: --Propane and oxygen tanks must have the valves completely removed and/or have a visible hole in them. --Fuel tanks must be COMPLETELY drained of any liquid or sludge and have a hole cut in them large enough for us to see inside (12" by 12" is the ideal size of hole). Because of their construction, we CANNOT accept acetylene tanks of any kind.



Do you buy Christmas lights, computer cables, and/or phone cables?

Yes. However, there are some guidelines when it comes to Christmas Lights, Computer Cables, and/or Phone Cables: 1. Keep them separate from any other insulated copper wiring you may have. This is because the ratio of copper to insulation is different than other forms of insulated copper wiring. 2. The bulbs must be removed if you have the Christmas lights with the larger sized bulbs (think the old-fashioned style). However, if you have the newer-style with the miniature bulbs, you can leave them right on the strand. 3. Any large plastic AC adaptors or ends that have connector pins and/or thumb screws must be cut off the wire and discarded.



Do you buy appliances (stoves, washing machines, dishwashers)?

Yes. We purchase all types of household appliances as Tin/Miscellaneous. Refrigerators, freezers, and/or air conditioners will be purchased as Tin/Miscellaneous as long as the freon has been properly removed.



Do you buy coaxial cable as insulated copper wire?

Coaxial cable is never purchased as insulated copper wire. The ratio of foam/insulation to copper wiring is far too great. Instead, it can be purchased as Christmas Lights/Computer Cable if the following criteria are met: 1. The steel connection ends must be cut off. 2. If you allow a magnet to hang freely near your coaxial cable, it will NOT draw to it. (If the magnet does draw to the cable, then there is steel somewhere in the cable and it is puchased as Tin/Miscellaneous.)



Do you buy fiberglass boats?

No. Fiberglass is a non-metallic material, and therefore we have no way to recycle it. However, if you remove any metal off of your boat, we would be happy to accept and pay you for the metal portion only.



CONTAINERS

Do you buy tires?

We DO NOT accept tires. If you sell us a vehicle, trailer, farm implement, other item that has tires on it, we will be sending rubber back home with you. This means that either: A. We will lift the item so that you can loosen the lugnuts and take the tires and rims off/home with you. (Make sure you bring an appropriately sized 4-way if you choose to do this.) B. We will give you just the rubber portion of tires that have already been cut off the rim. These tires will not be your exact tires, but will be approximately the same size/weight as the tires you brought to us. The only exception to this is if you bring us a bicycle, lawnmower, or ATV that still has tires on it. Those tires are small enough that we do not worry about them.



Do you buy cardboard?

D&W Salvage only purchases cardboard in LARGE quantities (thousands of pounds at a time) and on a case-by-case basis. Please call us at 989-269-6829 to inquire about large quantities of cardboard.



Do you buy electric motors?

Yes. As long as they are AC motors with copper windings. We will not pay electric motor price for DC motors or those with aluminum windings--these items simply are purchased as Tin/Miscellaneous. Electric motors may be encased in a steel cover, BUT any large pulleys, pieces of steel, or squirrel cages must be removed. If the outside casing is cast aluminum, it is very possible that the wire within is copper-coated aluminum wire--in which case we will not pay electric motor price for these motors. To check whether the windings are copper-coated aluminum, use a file to scratch the wire windings. If the center of the wires/windings are a white or silver color, they are aluminum wires and thus, we will only buy them for tin price.



Do you buy windows and doors?

We will purchase window and door FRAMES as long as they are made of metal and do not contain any glass, plastic, rubber, or foam.



What type of batteries do you buy?

We only buy lead-acid batteries. These include most car, truck, ATV, lawnmower, and golf cart batteries. Steel encased batteries are acceptable, but are purchased as a separate commodity with their own pricing structure. We DO NOT buy alkaline, NiCad, or rechargable/power tool batteries, and we ABSOLUTELY do NOT accept Absolyte, GNB, or Champion brand batteries.



Do you buy TVs & computer monitors?

Computer monitors and televisions (TVs) contain very little metal and are mostly made of glass and/or plastic. For this reason we do not purchase these items.



Do you buy extension cords/household cords?

Yes, they are purchased as insulated copper wire. However, if your cords contain a large, plastic A/C adapter, an industrial-size plug end, or ends that have connector pins and/or thumb screws, you will need to remove the plug-end before bringing your cords to us.



Do you buy trailer homes, campers, and/or motor homes?

We do not buy complete trailer homes, campers, or motor homes due to the large quantity of wood, insulation, and other non-metal material they contain. However, if you tear apart your trailer homes, campers, or motor homes and bring us just the bare metal, we would be happy to accept that material from you.



Do you buy refrigerators, freezers, and/or air conditioners?

We will purchase refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners as long as the freon gas within the unit has been properly removed. If the compressor and lines are still within the unit, documentation verifying that the freon was removed must be provided.



Do you buy propane, acetylene, oxygen, and/or fuel tanks?

For the safety of our personnel, we do not accept ANY sealed containers. In order to be accepted: --Propane and oxygen tanks must have the valves completely removed and/or have a visible hole in them. --Fuel tanks must be COMPLETELY drained of any liquid or sludge and have a hole cut in them large enough for us to see inside (12" by 12" is the ideal size of hole). Because of their construction, we CANNOT accept acetylene tanks of any kind.



Do you buy Christmas lights, computer cables, and/or phone cables?

Yes. However, there are some guidelines when it comes to Christmas Lights, Computer Cables, and/or Phone Cables: 1. Keep them separate from any other insulated copper wiring you may have. This is because the ratio of copper to insulation is different than other forms of insulated copper wiring. 2. The bulbs must be removed if you have the Christmas lights with the larger sized bulbs (think the old-fashioned style). However, if you have the newer-style with the miniature bulbs, you can leave them right on the strand. 3. Any large plastic AC adaptors or ends that have connector pins and/or thumb screws must be cut off the wire and discarded.



Do you buy appliances (stoves, washing machines, dishwashers)?

Yes. We purchase all types of household appliances as Tin/Miscellaneous. Refrigerators, freezers, and/or air conditioners will be purchased as Tin/Miscellaneous as long as the freon has been properly removed.



Do you buy coaxial cable as insulated copper wire?

Coaxial cable is never purchased as insulated copper wire. The ratio of foam/insulation to copper wiring is far too great. Instead, it can be purchased as Christmas Lights/Computer Cable if the following criteria are met: 1. The steel connection ends must be cut off. 2. If you allow a magnet to hang freely near your coaxial cable, it will NOT draw to it. (If the magnet does draw to the cable, then there is steel somewhere in the cable and it is puchased as Tin/Miscellaneous.)



Do you buy fiberglass boats?

No. Fiberglass is a non-metallic material, and therefore we have no way to recycle it. However, if you remove any metal off of your boat, we would be happy to accept and pay you for the metal portion only.



© 2019 by D&W Salvage, Inc.

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D&W Salvage, Inc.

1303 Minnick Rd.

Bad Axe, MI 48413

​

Main: (989) 269-6829

Fax:  (989) 269-8985

Email:  dwsalvage@dwsalvage.biz

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