Metals that can be Recyled: top most commonly recycled scrap metal and their sources

Metals that can be Recyled: top most commonly recycled scrap metal and their sources

Contrary to popular opinion, scrap metal recycling is actually a great way to reuse resources and avoid the high economic and environmental costs of mining. Because metal is common in almost any product and item that we use on a daily basis, scrap metal will not easily downgrade. Even so, much more recycling could be done than what is actually happening in the global market. As a matter of fact, only about 30% of metals are currently recycled, meaning that 70% of metals could be recycled, but aren’t.

Learn more about the most commonly recycled scrap metals and their sources so that you can make sure that you’re sustainably and efficiently recycling as much as possible. As an added bonus, scrap metal recyclers pay for metals that people bring in. If you collect your scrap metal, over time, you can make some additional income. Check out the list below to see if you might have any of these most commonly recycled metals on hand:

Iron

This metal, once used commonly for pipes, barbecues, gas heaters and more can be found in older items around the home or industrial site. Because iron is highly corrosive, newer, more resistant metals such as steel have replaced iron as the top pick for many items. But, it is still useful for scrap metal. It can be melted down and used for creating new items.

Steel

steel recycle

Steel is one of the most widely used metals in large appliances and products. Cars, chairs, shelves and household appliances are just a few of its many uses. It is also often used for construction purposes. You’d be surprised to know that many cans you find in the supermarket are also made of steel. Both steel and iron have magnetic properties, making them some of the easiest metals to recycle. This is because impurities are easily separated from the metal with the use of a strong magnet.

Aluminum

Aluminum is popularly known for its use in making aluminum cans for beverages. However, this versatile metal can also be found in car parts, window pieces, siding, gutters, doors and more. This common metal is also frequently recycled. It’s especially known for its quick turnaround time from scrap metal to consumer product or packaging. Aluminum can go from scrap metal to the supermarket shelf in as little as 60 days!

Brass

This heavier metal is a combination of zinc and copper. It is popular for making light fixtures, bathroom fixtures (faucets), door handles, keys and other plumbing pieces. Brass typically commands a higher price than other common metals due to the presence of copper, which is quite valuable.

Copper

Copper is a valuable metal that commands good prices as scrap metal. It is used in a variety of applications such as pipes, electrical components, and electric wires. This is the third most used metal in manufacturing, which shows how common it is. Hold on to your old copper and recycle it for some extra cash.

The more awareness about recycling there is, the more scrap metal can be recycled and will eventually lead to a significant reduction in the impact on humans and the environment.

Scrap Metal Classifications: What Are The Different Types of Scrap Metal?

Scrap Metal Classifications: What Are The Different Types of Scrap Metal?

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.

aluminum

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.

brass

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.

carbide

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.

copper

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.

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.

lead

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.

titanium

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.