Leftover metal during the construction or manufacturing of machines is called scrap metal. Scrap metal is recyclable and can be used in different products after recycling.

Determining ferrous or non-ferrous metals: (1)

The first and main step is to identify ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It is the easiest process as a magnet is only required for identification. If the magnet gets stuck to the metal then it is identified as ferrous metal. If it fails to get attached to the magnet, then it is called non-ferrous metal. Non-ferrous is the most useful metal for the process of recycling.

Commonly non-ferrous metal doesn’t contain IRON and they show resistance to corrosion. Non-ferrous metals include:

  • Magnesium
  • Tin
  • Lead
  • Nickel
  • Aluminium
  • Copper
  • Brass
  • Zinc

Ferrous metals are not as valuable as non-ferrous but still, you can earn some money if you have them. Steel and iron are the most commonly found ferrous metals. Steel can easily get from so many things such as a chair, shelves, cabinets, and cars.

Most valuable non-ferrous scrap metal for recycling.

Following are the most valuable non-ferrous scrap metal that is used for recycling:

Brass: it is one of the most common but demanded scrap metals and it can be easily found in the KEYS, DOOR HANDLES, FITTING OF LIGHTS, and PLUMBING FIXTURES. The colour of brass varies from yellow to tin red. Brass can be made with the combination of two non-ferrous metals ZINC and COPPER. Properties of brass include high density and high weight when it is in pure form.

Aluminum: this non-ferrous metal can be found around us in many home materials. It can be easily recycled and used for different purposes. Aluminium is easily found in the empty DRINK and FOOD CANS, but you can also be found in window frames whether external or internal, guttering and so many other things. It is very valuable to recyclers as eighty percent of the process is already done during its first making and less energy is used during recycling.

Copper: this metal can also be found easily in home structures. Copper is also very important to recyclers and it is the most demanding non-ferrous scrap metal at the scrap yards. Copper can be seen in reddish colour if it is found in the good condition. Copper found in the fittings and fixtures is usually dark brown or green. This metal is mostly used in the plumbing of pipes, guttering of roofs, and electric wires in the air conditioning.

Benefits of scrap metal recycling: (2)

There are many reasons to recycle scrap metal. Sellers and manufacturers can get benefit from this small business. Here are some top benefits of recycling scrap metal:

  1. It puts cash in your pocket

This is the first and most important benefit you get when you bring scrap metal to the yard and get paid for your collection. The price you get can vary from market to market and it usually fluctuates due to various conditions. Factors involved can be any additional fee or tax from the state. You can find the general market trends by visiting different websites and apps that help you to find the price varies according to geography. These prices only give you an idea of the average and they are not fixed.

The best way to know the price is to visit your nearby scrap metal yard and ask the price for the day.

  1. It keeps hazardous materials out of the landfills

A long time is required by the metals to break down into elements and a very small amount of them return to earth in the landfills. Almost hundred or thousand of years will take to complete the process. Hazardous metals such as mercury and lead will reach the surrounding soil and water with time. These metals should be safely disposed of. Due to all these reasons, bringing scrap metal to the yard can reduce all these risks in a better way.

  1. It saves energy

When manufacturers produce new products from VIRGIN RAW MATERIALS, more energy is used for the process as compared to recycling scrap metals. According to the survey report of CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION, if you recycle aluminium it can save energy that can be used to power a bulb of 100-watts for at least four hours.

If energy can be saved with this method it will help consumers to buy products at a cheap cost so it is a win-win situation.

  1. It saves business money

When you bring scrap metal to the yard it not only helps you to make money but also to the manufacturer who buys those metals. The manufacturer can reduce their production cost and they can save the money that might be used for buying virgin raw materials.

  1. It creates jobs

A report published by the INSTITUTE OF SCRAP RECYCLING INDUSTRIES says that scrap recycling is very powerful in the UNITED STATES as it has created around 531,510 jobs and thirteen billion dollars tax is generated per year with the business of scrap metal recycling.

Prices of scrap metal used for recycling

Recycling scrap metal is one of the best ways to earn your livings. You can make your environment clean by doing so and it is like icing on the cake when you get money from them. Recycling scrap metal helps you to get rid of your old and useless home appliances. These materials are just covering extra space in your home and nothing else. Here is the list of prices of some useful scrap metals:

  • Number 1 copper is for 3.80 dollars per lb.
  • Clean brass red is for 2.50 dollars per lb.
  • Coated wire is for 1.10 dollars per lb.
  • Clean aluminium is for 0.90 dollars per lb.
  • Clean stainless steel is for 0.85 dollars per lb.
  • Vehicle batteries are for 0.25 dollars per lb.
  • Electric motors are for 0.15 dollars per lb.
  • Clean cop rads are for 2.25 dollars per lb.

References:

  1. https://www.asm-recycling.co.uk/blog/what-is-scrap-metal/
  2. https://www.cohenusa.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-scrap-metal-recycling/