What Is Industrial Equipment Removal — and When Does Your Facility Need It?
Heavy equipment or machinery used in demanding applications can lose function over time. When machinery ages and no longer serves a purpose, it takes up valuable space. Disposing of it is often the best option but knowing where to start can be challenging.
How Do I Get Rid of a Large Machine?
If you have a large machine that has reached the end of its life span, you can auction, sell, work with a broker or scrap your old heavy equipment. Assess your machine’s condition to determine the best course of action. Depending on your chosen method, you can get rid of your machinery and purchase new equipment instead of letting the old model gather dust.
How Do I Scrap Old Equipment?
Scrap machinery removal is an excellent option when your old equipment’s condition makes it difficult to sell. Many recycling or scrap yards accept heavy industrial equipment and will reuse the materials, diverting them from landfills.
Consider looking for scrap machinery buyers near you. Although you won’t get a significant amount in return, scrapping old heavy equipment is better than leaving it in the warehouse.
How Do I Sell Old Machinery?
There are two ways to sell your old equipment — working with a broker or selling it directly to a buyer. Direct selling requires time and effort, but you will likely get better returns. Look for potential buyers until you find the right person to take the equipment off your hands at a fair price. Consider posting an ad online to reach a broad audience.
Partnering with a broker requires less work on your part and often results in a fast sale. Brokers are knowledgeable about industrial equipment and have a network of buyers. When your machinery breaks down in the future, you will know who to call.
Can I Auction Equipment?
Auctioning is a great way of disposing of old machinery, especially if the equipment is in high demand. You can put your machinery up for sale online through bidding sites. These sites usually have an extensive list of potential buyers, making this route an excellent alternative to direct selling. With a larger audience, your industrial machinery is more likely to sell.
What Are Other Options for Old Machinery Removal?
If you have old, under-utilized machinery taking up space, consider other options for heavy equipment removal, such as donating or trading. Donating is suitable when you feel charitable and keeping the equipment inconveniences you. While you won’t make a profit, the donation may be tax deductible if made to an eligible organization.
You can also trade your equipment in for a new one. This process involves turning over the equipment to a dealer and negotiating a trade-in value. This method of junk removal can reduce the out-of-pocket costs of a new unit.
Your Environmental Compliance Guide to Recycling and Scrapping Industrial Equipment
In addition to guidelines set forth by the EPA, there also are state-level environmental regulations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the main federal law regarding the disposal of debris and hazardous waste, and violations can lead to criminal fines of up to $50,000 per day plus imprisonment. Civil penalties under the RCRA also can reach more than $70,000 per day.
Responsible recycling of industrial equipment includes draining and properly disposing of hazardous fluids and other materials. Recoverable metals such as copper, brass, steel, and aluminum must be separated. Scrap yards that receive scrap metals should hold R2 or e-Stewards certifications, and the chain of custody must be thoroughly documented for compliance. Equip Trucking is an experienced, compliance-aware scrap metal removal partner who can help you ensure your equipment is disposed of in the most appropriate manner.
Safety Protocols That Protect Your Team During Industrial Equipment Removal
Moving industrial equipment can be risky if not handled properly — unsecured loads can fall, power lines can shock workers, overloaded floors can collapse, and ruptured hydraulic lines can cause hazardous chemical spills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 770 workers died from contact with industrial equipment in 2023.
Having professionally provided safety assessments is critical for load calculations, lockout/tagout procedures for electrical and pneumatic systems, proper crane and rigging selection, floor load verification, and escort procedures for oversized loads on the road.
With three generations of hands-on experience, Equip Trucking makes sure every equipment removal goes as smoothly as possible. We follow all necessary and established safety procedures with specialized equipment purpose-built to handle heavy machinery.
How Your Heavy Machinery Removal Works — From Assessment to Final Transport
Our professional equipment removal process consists of the following steps:
- Site survey and equipment inventory
- Engineering assessment for rigging points, floor loads, and egress paths
- Disconnection and preparation including utilities, anchors, and fluid drainage
- Rigging and lifting with appropriately rated equipment
- Loading onto transport vehicles
- Permitted transport to destination or disposal facility
Each stage of the process calls for specialized equipment, from heavy-duty forklifts to hydraulic gantry systems to lowboy trailers for oversized loads. Equip Trucking has the fleet as well as the expertise to handle these projects in the most efficient and effective manner. We serve clients across PA, NJ, DE, and MD, helping them keep their projects on-time and on-budget.
Contact Equip Trucking & Warehousing, LLC for Heavy Equipment Removal Near You
Disposing of heavy machinery also means transporting it from one place to another. This step can be challenging since few vehicles are suitable for transporting hundreds or thousands of pounds. At Equip Trucking & Warehousing, LLC, we have decades of experience moving heavy equipment of various types and sizes. Rely on us to get the job done safely.
If you are looking for a company to dispose of your old machinery in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware or New Jersey, contact Equip Trucking for exceptional service.