| Scrap metal recycling can be a good way to pick | | | | In the current non-ferrous scrap market |
| up a little extra cash these days, while helping the | | | | environment it is important to acknowledge three |
| environment and reducing the amount of material | | | | fundamental factors. Value is up, demand is down |
| that goes into landfills. Knowing a few things about | | | | and supply is limited. It is with these constraints |
| how scrap metal is graded will help you get the | | | | that scrap dealers purchase your scrap material. |
| best prices. | | | | In order to get the best possible pricing for your |
| Scrap metal is divided into several different | | | | scrap, sort it into its appropriate piles to the best |
| categories: ferrous, non-ferrous, precious metals | | | | of your ability. Remember the more time and |
| and several others. The two most common scrap | | | | effort you put into it the more you will get out of |
| metals that are recycled are ferrous and | | | | it. Separate aluminum, copper and brass and any |
| non-ferrous scrap. Ferrous scrap has an iron | | | | other metals you have. Within those categories |
| component to it and is identified by using a | | | | separate them into like piles as well. |
| magnet to see if it sticks to it or not. If it sticks | | | | Once you have separated your material, really |
| it's ferrous. Ferrous scrap is priced by per 100 | | | | look at it. What is the make up of each pile? Is |
| weight or by gross tons. | | | | there glass, wood or iron in your aluminum scrap |
| Non-ferrous scrap metal does not stick to a | | | | metal? That will lower the grade and the price. |
| magnet. It may pull a magnet but won't stick. | | | | Does your brass still have the iron handles on it, |
| Typically non-ferrous scrap is priced by the pound. | | | | or does your copper have brass valves attached |
| It is also divided into various grades within each | | | | to it? These things also lower the price of your |
| type of material with each grade having it own | | | | scrap. |
| set price or value. Non-ferrous scrap metal can | | | | Look at your material objectively when assessing |
| include all different types of copper tubing and | | | | the grade. Is most of the material free of |
| insulated copper wires as well as aluminum siding | | | | contaminants? Could you raise the grade by |
| and gutters, aluminum window frames and doors | | | | removing screws and handles and other items? |
| and aluminum wires. Among brasses there are | | | | Remember, you can make #2 Copper out of #1 |
| plumbing fixtures and valves and ornamental brass | | | | Copper but #2 Copper will never be #1 Copper. |
| such as plates and candle stick holders. | | | | |