If you're looking for a new fence for your yard, you can save some money by recycling or reusing your old chain link fence. Chain link fencing has plenty of use still left in it, and can be put to use in other people's yards or even in your community. Even if you can't find a way to reuse chain link, it is always best to recycle than to simply throw it away. 

Free-cycling

Chain link fencing is one the best fencing types for reuse. The panels and poles are made from metal, don't rust or wear out easily, and have a flexible shape so that they can surround almost any type of perimeter. You can post your old fence on classified online sale websites. You normally would have to pay somebody to remove an old chain link fence, but you can save yourself and someone else some money by giving it away if they are willing to do the work of uninstalling and hauling the fence off your property.

Be sure you advise potential buyers about the work involved. Concrete footings are usually attached to fence posts, and they either need to be dug out with post or broken up and then removed in smaller pieces. A small tractor or a heavy sledgehammer might be needed. But, with a the work, they'll have great quality fencing materials for a fraction of the price, and you won't have to worry about removing it yourself-- or paying for removal. 

Donations

You might be surprised that chain link fencing could be used in your community. Before deciding to scrap your chain link fence, consider:

• calling the local animal shelter to see if the fence is needed for animal cages or enclosures.
• donating it to a building coalition that can use it to fence low-income houses.
• giving the fence to a community garden, where it can be used as plant trellises or fenced plots
• animal crisis centers. Centers that deal with abused and rescue animals always need fencing for traumatized dogs and cats. 

Your fence will help those who have a greater need and put it to good use. You won't make any money off a donated fence, but you can feel good that you are helping to make your community a better place.

Scrap Metal Recycling

If another homeowner or a community member does not need your fence, it's still good to resist the urge to toss the old panels and posts in the dumpster. Instead, you can sell your chain link, which is usually made from galvanized steel or a type of aluminum, as scrap metal. Aluminum pieces can sell for around 50 cents a pound, while ferrous (iron containing) pieces can garner about 10 cents per pound. The good thing about selling your old fence as scrap is that you can make a little money off it, but many scrap or junk collectors will do the work of removing the heavy rolls of chain link from your property. The size and weight of the fence can make it difficult to move if you don't have the right equipment. 

Talk To A Fencing Contractor

When you're learning more info and making plans to replace your fence, you can also discuss disposal options with your contractor. They might give you a discount if they are permitted to take your old metal fence. They also might lump the removal and installation work into one sum, which could be cheaper for you than handling the removal or the old fence and the installation of the new fence as separate entities.

When getting rid of a chain link fence, don't simply throw the pieces in the trash. Your community, other homeowners, and even you can still get some use out of it.