Scrap is the combination of scrap metal, metallic material, and any metal-containing product that can be recycled from previous consumption or product manufacture. Whether it's vehicle parts, building materials, or surplus project materials, scrap metal has tremendous monetary value. Scrap can come from commercial and private uses. Whether it is a ferrous or non-ferrous metal, processing it into an important secondary raw material for the casting of new
metals is vital. These scrap metals have a high market value because they can be used over and over again. For example, electricians may have electrical wiring and equipment, plumbers may have used copper tubing and brass fittings, and even builders have girders on steel beams that could literally be brought to life. But all too often these are thrown away due to a lack of knowledge and sources for metal recycling.
Before recycling metals, the first important step is to determine whether a metal is ferrous or non-ferrous. This is a very simple process and only requires a common magnet. If the magnet sticks to your metal, it's a ferrous metal. If the metal doesn't stick to your magnet, it's a non-ferrous metal. The most valuable scrap metals for recycling are non-ferrous metals; The most common are those that do not contain iron and are more resistant to corrosion, such as copper, brass, aluminium, zinc, magnesium, tin, lead, and nickel. Ferrous metals are less valuable to metal recyclers but still, bring back some value if you have enough of them. This includes metals such as steel and iron. Steel can be found in so many places; from carts to chairs, cabinets, shelves and more.
Easily found in door handles, lamps, faucets and plumbing fixtures, brass is one of the most common but sought-after non-ferrous metals. Often yellow in colour with hints of red, brass is a combination of zinc and copper that can be extremely dense, increasing its value by sheer weight alone.
Another metal that is often found in so many places in a regular home, aluminium can be recycled and reused in an alternative form within a month. Empty food and beverage cans are the most common places to find this metal, but areas like gutters, quarter panels, and interior and exterior door and window frames are also good places to look. Aluminium is such an attractive metal for recyclers because the process saves 80% of the energy used to produce it.