Not sure what types of scrap metal you can recycle? You’re not alone. Most individuals have old appliances, wires, or broken devices sitting around without knowing whether they are worth something, or even recyclable.
The good news? Many of the metals you see around your home or office can be recycled, and some even pay you cash. In this guide, we will take you through different scrap metals available for recycling, how to recognize them, and some helpful tips to begin with absolutely free.
Why Recycle Scrap Metal?
Recycling scrap metal is one of the easiest things you can do to help the environment. Instead of mining new material, recycling enables us to reuse what we already have, saving natural resources and cutting down on energy usage. Recycling also prevents bulky chunks of metal from filling up landfills where they would otherwise remain for decades. So, every piece of metal you recycle does make a difference.
There is also an economic consideration. Much scrap metal, including aluminum and copper, commands a high price on the resale market. Even an old pipe or two or several scraps of wire scattered about can add up quicker than you realize. And when you recycle with a local company like Sydney Metal Corp, you’re investing in jobs and your community, too.
Finally, recycling metal is a big part of a concept called the “circular economy.” That’s another way of saying we get the most mileage out of materials rather than getting rid of them. Old metal gets turned into new stuff, all over again. It’s a smarter, more environmentally conscious way of doing things, and you’re helping make that happen by recycling.
Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals: What’s the Difference?
If you’re sorting scrap metals, one of the first things to know is whether it’s ferrous or non-ferrous. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds.
1. What are Ferrous Metals?
Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron. Common examples include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. You’ll usually find these in things like:
- Old tools
- Car parts
- Pipes
- Appliances (like washing machines or fridges)
Ferrous metals are magnetic and will rust if exposed to water over time. So, if the metal is drawn to a magnet and shows signs of rust, it’s probably ferrous.
2. What are Non-Ferrous Metals?
Non-ferrous metals contain no iron. These include copper, aluminum, brass, zinc, lead, and tin. These are regularly found in:
- Electrical wires (copper)
- Drink cans (aluminum)
- Plumbing fixtures (brass)
- Roofing materials (zinc)
Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic and are usually rust-resistant. They are lighter in weight and more expensive, especially copper and brass.
3. Try the Magnet Test at Home
Want to know the method for knowing? Simply use an everyday fridge magnet.
- If it sticks, then you’ve got a ferrous metal, most likely.
- If it doesn’t stick, you’ve got a non-ferrous metal.
4. Tip: Sort Before You Recycle
Before you visit a recycling plant like Sydney Metal Corp, it’s helpful to sort your metals out into ferrous and non-ferrous piles. It saves time and could get you a better rate, especially for precious metals like copper.
Common Types of Recyclable Scrap Metal
You probably have scrap metal that can be recycled in your home, garage, or office building right now; you just might not realize it. From soda cans to old wires and broken tools, everything can be recycled for profit or at least disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. What follows is a list of the most common types of scrap metal you can recycle and how to handle each one appropriately.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Aluminum
Aluminum is everywhere, think soft drink cans, window frames, car parts, and even old cookware. It’s silver, lightweight, and doesn’t rust, so it’s a recycler’s dream. Aluminum is in great demand because it’s extremely easy to melt and recycle. Remove food or liquid from cans or containers by rinsing them out prior to recycling. Keep aluminum items separate from other metals, too, for simplicity in sorting.
2. Copper
Copper is among the most valuable scrap metals. You’ll typically see it in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, air conditioners, and electronics. It’s reddish-brown and turns greenish after some time when it’s exposed to air. To get the best value, strip plastic insulation from wires if you can; it puts value into copper. Sort clean and dirty copper.
3. Steel and Iron
These dense, durable ferrous metals go into appliances, car bodies, shelving, and construction materials. Less valuable than copper, but widely accepted at recycling centers, are iron and steel. They will rust and are magnetic, so sorting is easy. A magnet will stick to these metals, an easy way to separate them from non-ferrous types. Store steel in a dry, clean state to avoid added weight from rust or residue.
4. Brass
Brass is yellowish in color and widely utilized in plumbing fixtures, keys, door handles, and ornaments. It is often confused with bronze, even though brass is lighter in color and softer. It is made by mixing copper and zinc and therefore holds good value. Try removing plastic or non-metallic items adhering to it. The purer the brass, the more valuable it will be at the yard.
5. Stainless Steel
You’ll spot stainless steel in kitchen sinks, medical tools, water bottles, and appliances. It doesn’t rust easily and often contains small amounts of nickel, which can raise its recycling value. There are different grades of stainless steel; 304 and 316 are common, with 316 being more valuable due to its nickel content. While it’s not worth as much as copper, it’s still a good item to recycle. Try to separate stainless steel from plain steel during sorting.
6. Lead
Lead is a heavy, soft metal that’s widely used in car batteries, weights, and some older water pipes. It’s toxic, so always wear gloves when handling it, and keep it out of reach of children. Because of safety concerns, not every recycling center accepts lead, but Sydney Metal Corp does, and we handle it safely. Never place lead in the trash; it must be recycled properly. If you’re unsure, call us to check first before bringing it in.
7. Tin
Tin is utilized as a coating for other metals, most commonly steel, and is present in food cans, electronics, and some furniture components. It’s not highly valuable but is still worth recycling, especially in bulk. Wash out food residue and, if possible, paper labels from food cans prior to recycling them. Tin is not heavy, but it does add up when performed on a continual basis. It’s an effortless way to reduce household trash.
8. Zinc and Other Specialty Metals
Zinc is used in roofing sheets, die-cast toys, and some metal furniture parts. Other specialty metals, like nickel or titanium alloys, may be in tools or electronics. These types of metals are less common around homes, but still have value. When in doubt about a metal item, ask our Sydney Metal Corp professionals before you throw it away. We are happy to help you determine and sort out what you have.
What Metals cannot be recycled easily?
Not every metal is recyclable; some cannot be processed or are not safe to process. It’s nice to know the ones you won’t need to toss into the recycling bin.
1. Radioactive Metals
Metals like uranium or plutonium are extremely dangerous and shouldn’t be handled by standard recycling centers. These are generally stored in specialized industries, not your average household, but if ever you find something shady looking, don’t attempt to handle it yourself.
2. Contaminated or Mixed Metals
Heavy chemicals, paint, or oil-contaminated things are hard to recycle. Besides, combined-metal products (like machinery or electronics) made with more than one metal and material can’t be easily dismantled. They may need special disposal or handling.
3. Too Much Plastic or Rubber in Metals
If something is covered with thick plastic, foam, or rubber that cannot be removed, it might not be acceptable. Appliance items with non-metal parts that are hard to remove are some examples.
How to Prepare Scrap Metal for Recycling?
Scrap metal recycling is a great way to reduce waste and even earn a little extra money, but it will be most worth it if your metal is properly ready. Don’t fret, it’s easy! Just follow these simple steps before visiting a recycling center like Sydney Metal Corp:
- Sort by Metal Type
Sort your metals into categories first. The easiest way is to divide them into:
- Ferrous metals contain iron, like steel or cast iron (a magnet will stick to them).
- Non-ferrous metals – no iron, like copper, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel (magnet won’t stick).
You can also sort by color and weight, copper is reddish, aluminum is silver and light, brass is yellowish, etc. Sorting allows recycling facilities to sort and process your material faster, and even gets you a better rate.
- Clean the Items
Clean metal is best. Rinse food residue from cans, clean grease from tools, and brush off dirt or dust.
While it doesn’t need to be spotless, removing overt grime or buildup makes the metal more recyclable and valuable in most cases.
3. Detach Non-Metal Items
Take off anything that isn’t metal, like plastic handles, rubber wrappings, foam, or wooden components.
For example, cut rubber insulation off of wires or remove plastic knobs from metal appliances. This reduces sorting labor at the recycling center and gets your scrap cleaner and more acceptable.
4. Keep in Separate Containers
Keep different kinds of metals in separate bins, buckets, or boxes.
This helps you stay organized and reserve time for drop-off. For added credit, label your bins with designations like “Copper,” “Aluminum,” or “Steel” so that you can identify them easily.
Where to Recycle Your Scrap Metal in Sydney?
If you are in search of scrap metal recycling in Sydney, Sydney Metal Corp is the place to go. We make it easy for everyone, from a homeowner clearing out old junk to companies dealing with bulk metal trash. Visit our drop-off center and bring all forms of metals such as copper, aluminium, brass, steel, stainless steel, and lead.
For large loads, we also have bulk pickup services. If you have more than you can haul yourself, no matter if it’s from a tear-down, factory, or shop, just give us a call. We’ll come to you, load up the material, and dispose of it safely and professionally.
At Sydney Metal Corp, we handle scrap the right way: according to proper safety and recycling procedures. Our staff is ready to assist you with sorting or unloading as necessary. Stop by today or contact us online to begin. Let us simplify scrap recycling and worry for you.
Conclusion
Recycling scrap metal is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste, support sustainability, and even earn some extra money. From common metals like aluminum and copper to less obvious ones like brass and stainless steel, there’s a lot you can recycle right from home or work. With just a bit of sorting and cleaning, your old metal items can be turned into something useful again.
At Sydney Metal Corp, we’re here to make the process easy, safe, and rewarding. Whether you’re dropping off a small load or need a bulk pickup, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to recycle? Contact us today or visit our Sydney location. We’ll help you turn your scrap into value.