Recycling scrap metals has become increasingly important in recent years as the demand for these materials continues to grow. There are a variety of scrap metals that can be recycled, including copper, aluminium, brass, and stainless steel. When it comes to recycling, scrap metals are some of the most valuable materials you can collect. Ferrous metals like iron and steel are always in high demand, while non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium can also fetch a good price.
Of course, the value of scrap metals can fluctuate quite a bit, so it’s a good idea to check prices before collecting. But if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, here we share a few of the most valuable scrap metals you can keep an eye out for.
Recycling scrap metals is crucial because it helps conserve resources and reduce pollution. Recycling also helps to create jobs in the recycling industry.
Here, your trusted local skip hire company will discuss some of the most common types of scrap metals that you should know about:
Steel
Steel is among the most common metals you’ll encounter when scrapping. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, and it’s used in various applications, from construction to automotive manufacturing.
There are a few different types of steel that you might encounter when scrapping, the most common of which are:
- Mild Steel: This is the most common type of steel, and it’s used in a variety of applications. It’s easy to weld and relatively strong, making it a good choice for many projects.
- Stainless steel: This type of steel is resistant to corrosion, making it a good choice for food preparation and medical equipment. It’s also very strong, making it a popular choice for architecture and construction.
- Tool steel: This type of steel is designed for use in tools, and it’s tough and durable. It’s suitable for cutting tools, drill bits, and other applications where a high level of strength is required.
- Alloy steel: This type of steel is a mixture of iron and one or more other metals, such as carbon or manganese. Alloy steel is used in a plethora of applications, including automotive parts, construction materials, and machine tools.
- Recycled steel: This is steel that has been recycled from other applications. It can also be used in many applications, but it’s often not as strong as new steel.
Lead
Lead is a very common type of scrap metal that is also useful for various applications. Lead is a very dense metal, often used as a weight or to create a barrier. Lead is also very malleable, so it can be easily shaped into different forms. Lead is also very resistant to corrosion. It’s one of the reasons it is typically used in outdoor applications.
Aluminium
This is a silvery-white metal and is the most widely used non-ferrous metal. It is light in weight, corrosion resistant, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminium is generally used in the aerospace, transportation, construction, and packaging industries.
Aluminium scrap can be divided into three main categories:
- Aluminium Cans – These include beverage cans and other cans that are recycled.
- Aluminium Extrusion – This is scrap from the manufacturing process of aluminium products.
- Aluminium Scrap – This includes scrap from household items such as aluminium foil and cooking pots.
Aluminium is a valuable scrap metal, and recycling it can help reduce environmental pollution and save energy.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the planet’s most robust and durable metals. It’s also one of the most popular scrap metals, as it can be recycled and used in various applications.
Titanium is most commonly used in aircraft and aerospace applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. It’s also used in medical implants and prosthetics, as well as in sporting goods and jewellery.
When recycling titanium, it’s essential to know that there are two different metal grades. Grade 1 titanium is pure titanium, while grade 2 titanium is an alloy that contains titanium and other metals.
Titanium is a valuable scrap metal, so check with the local scrap yard for the current prices.
Brass
Brass is a type of scrap metal often used in different applications. It is a durable metal that is resistant to corrosion and highly resistant to wear. Brass is also a good conductor of electricity and heat.
A few different types of brass can be used for scrap metal. The most common type of brass is yellow brass, made from copper and zinc. Other types of brass include red brass, made from a mixture of copper and tin, and white brass, made from copper and nickel.
Brass is often used in plumbing, electrical, and construction. It is also much sought after as scrap metal because it is easy to recycle.
Copper
Copper is probably the most common type of scrap metal that you will come across. It is used in a plethora of applications, from electrical wiring to plumbing. As a result, it is relatively easy to find and collect.
The most common copper type is ‘bare bright’ copper. This is copper that has been stripped of any insulation or other materials. It is typically bright in colour and relatively easy to identify.
Another common type of copper is known as ‘copper wire.’ This is copper that is still attached to its insulation or other materials. It can be more challenging to identify but relatively easy to find and collect.
Finally, ‘copper pipe’ is a type of copper used in plumbing. It is often dark in colour and can be more difficult to find and collect.
Conclusion
You might be pleasantly surprised by how much scrap metal can be worth. Everything, from cables and wires to old alloy wheels, fridge motors, and more can be taken by a local scrap metal merchant. So, next time you’re considering throwing out some old metal, remember that it could be worth something.
At Enviro Skip Hire, we offer fair payment in return for ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals. Contact our local skip hire and aggregate company servicing South and Mid Cheshire today to know more!
