Scrap metal recycling can be a bit confusing for some, especially when you have little to no knowledge when it comes to metals. There are all sorts of different scrap metal classifications, grades, and types of metals that can make things easier if you’re just starting out. While it all seems irrelevant, it’s important to know what type of metal you’re dealing with in order to establish a strong foundation for your business.
Whether you’re building a structure from recycled scrap metal or just trying to recycle some scrap metal for extra cash, knowing scrap metal classification will eventually help you develop your business.
Although scrap metal is often considered waste, it is still a valuable product and a popular commodity to very much all industries. However, before you start recycling, it is essential that you understand the different classifications.
Types of Scrap Metal:
There are numerous types of basic metal and almost thousands when you get down to the nitty-gritty classifications. When you know the types of scrap metal you are dealing with, it’s easier to know what you can and can’t do with it, where it’s commonly found, and what could it bring to the table.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most commonly recycled scrap metals. You can find aluminum in soda cans, food wrap foils, screen door frames, or storm windows—just to name a few items.
Brass
Brass is a common metal to find in and around your home. You can find it in places such as your doorknobs, brass-plated crockery, and old bed frames.
Carbide
If you have many tools, you will find carbide in the tool bits or drill bits. So if you get a new toolset for Father’s Day or just replacing broken pieces, remember that you can recycle them instead of tossing them in the trash.
Copper
This is the third most used metal in construction and manufacturing. Copper is highly valuable and sought after. This metal is commonly found in your household plumbing, living room decor, appliances, kitchen sinks, pots, and electronic wiring.
Iron
Common household items such as cast iron pots and pans, lawnmowers, swings in your backyard, and iron railings are perfectly acceptable as scrap metal. A lot of outdoor furniture is also commonly made of iron.
Lead
This requires so much energy to mine that manufacturers prefer purchasing recycled lead because it saves time and money. It is also a highly toxic metal, so be sure to protect yourself and your surroundings when handling it. Many older houses were made with lead water pipes which need to be replaced as soon as possible, as these are dangerous to your health.
Titanium
This is used in just about everything, from jewelry to airplanes, and that’s why it’s so valuable. When you have a metal that is so versatile you can use it on a number of projects. It’s also very durable and resistant to corrosion.
Today, WM Metals and Alloys have built recycling expertise over a hundred years. We have excellent material know-how, specialist expertise, and passion for the environment which continues to help develop a more efficient and more precise way of metal scrap recycling. We have also minimized the amount of waste going to landfill — currently able to recycle about 90% of the materials we collect ‒ and in some cases even more.
So whether you need to buy alloy scrap or sell a quantity of alloy scrap, please do not hesitate to contact us at +65 86182069 or business@wmmetalsandalloys.com.