How to Sort Scrap Metal for Recycling

The Basics: Ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals

The first and most important rule of scrap metal sorting is to know the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Basically, non-ferrous metals tend to be more valuable.

Let’s start with ferrous metals. These metals contain iron and will be magnetic and often heavier. Common examples include steel and iron. While ferrous metals are less valuable per pound than non-ferrous metals, they are heavy and have good resale value in bulk.

Non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel are non-magnetic metals. They’re often more valuable than ferrous metals and used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and specialized industrial applications. Even small amounts of non-ferrous metals can fetch a high price at the scrap yard.

In short, a magnet test can help you separate the two metal types. Just hold a magnet to your metal; if it sticks, then you’ve got ferrous metal. Otherwise, congratulations – it’s non-ferrous!

Separate metals by type

Once you’ve divided your pile into ferrous and non-ferrous metals, it’s time to split further. A trustworthy scrap metal buyer will often pay different rates depending on the metal’s purity and type, so it’s worth sorting each type of metal individually. Here are some common types of scrap metal to separate:

• Aluminum: Lightweight and often found in items like cans, window frames, siding, and car parts.
• Copper: One of the most valuable scrap metals. Copper is commonly found in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and certain appliances. Its distinct reddish-brown color makes it easy to identify.
• Brass: Brass is a yellowish-gold metal used in plumbing fixtures, door handles, and musical instruments.
• Stainless Steel: Non-magnetic stainless steel is often used in appliances, kitchen equipment, and industrial machinery.
• Iron and Steel: These two ferrous metals are both magnetic but steel is often heavier and shinier while iron is darker and more prone to rusting.

Remove non-metal attachments

A scrap metal buyer in Lakeland, FL is not going to pay for plastic, rubber, or wood attached to your metal items. In fact, they often deduct from your payout if they have to remove non-metal parts themselves.

Strip insulation from copper wiring and remove any screws, hinges, or plastic fixtures from aluminum frames. If you have mixed-material appliances like fridges or washing machines, then keep them separated from your purer metals to keep from lowering the value of your metals.

Clean and strip your metals

You’ve probably caught onto the name of the game now. Scrap metal companies want pure and isolated metals. In addition to removing non-metal attachments, spend some time cleaning the scraps of dirt, rust, paint, or any other debris.

Check the current scrap prices

Now that you’ve separated your metals and cleaned them, you can start selling. Prices for metals change daily based on market demand, so it’s worth checking the current rates before you head to the yard.

After you’ve done some research, consider contacting Just Scrap It to learn about our going rates. Our team is here to take your call or message today.