A scrap yard can be a treasure trove of valuable and useful materials with far more types of metal than you might expect. At Makers Metals, we can sort and manage all kinds of metals and make sure they get a second life. So, what are the different types of scrap metal we deal with?

Ferrous Vs. Non-ferrous Scrap Metals.

There are two main categories of metals that we deal with when handling scrap metal at Mackers Metals. The first is the ferrous group, which essentially means it is magnetic. The other is non-ferrous, and these are the metals we can’t collect with the magnet. All ferrous metals contain iron to some degree to make them magnetic, which could be pure iron or an alloy like steel. Non-ferrous metals have no iron content and include a wide variety of options.

Ferrous Metals.

A lot of ferrous scrap in scrap yards is industry scrap. These are the iron, steel, and other alloy materials created in the industrial sector. In addition to used scrap material from projects, there is all the surplus metal in need of a better home. Scrap yards will also handle fuel and burr scrap, which includes all the waste material generated when finishing metal products.

Non-Ferrous Metals.

The rest of the metals in the scrap yard are non-ferrous and cover a range of materials from various sources. Here are some common examples.

– Aluminium. This is something we know to recycle as best we can when dealing with drinks cans. Repurposing this malleable metal is much more environmental, and we can do this on a larger scale with aluminium sheets and other materials from past building projects.

– Copper. This is a highly advantageous material for everything from large-scale piping systems and industrial uses to small-scale kitchenware and cables. The more we send to the scrap yard, the more we can reuse it for future products.

– Other decorative metals such as brass and bronze.

– Zinc roofing.

– Pieces of old tin.

– Old gun metal, which is a tin, zinc, and copper alloy.

– Lead. When equipped to do so, your local scrap metal yard can even handle lead. However, it is best to arrange this ahead of time.

The Most Valuable Scrap Metals.

Value varies based on the condition, the demand, and the potential for reuse. Ferrous metals have the potential to degrade without proper protection, and it isn’t uncommon to find plenty of rusted iron in scrap yards. Stainless steel should last for much longer and handle the elements better, allowing for reusable materials of higher value. Non-ferrous metals can be much more valuable due to the potential for reuse, but some are more sought after than others. Copper has the best value and doesn’t fluctuate as much.

Buying And Selling Scrap Metal with Mackers Metals.

Whatever metals you have as scrap, or whatever you need for your project, Mackers Metals can help. We are on hand to assist in disposing of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals or sourcing what you need. Scrap is about so much more than rusted iron and some sheets of aluminium, so come and see what we have on offer.