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Keys to Recycling Scrap & Non-Ferrous Metals

Recycling is an important part of an environmentally responsible lifestyle, and potentially quite profitable. Whether you are starting your own recycling business or simply interested in making some extra money it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of steel and other metals that can be melted down and reused. Many different types of metal exist, classified according to magnetic property and other traits. By knowing all you can about the different metals in demand, you increase your chance to maximize your profit.

  1. Ferrous Metals

    • Ferrous metals are magnetic, and the most common ferrous metal is steel. The international recycling code for steel is No. 40 FE, and many different kinds of steel are recyclable. Alloy steel is made with additions of one or more alloying elements during the smelting process. The most common alloying elements are manganese, chromium, molybdenum and nickel. Electrical steel contains up to 6 percent silicon. Wrought iron is iron with a carbon content of less than 0.15 percent. Iron does not come with a recycling code, as it is less commonly recycled compared to steel. Cast iron is a metal with 2.1 percent carbon content and typically also has significant amounts of silicon, normally in the 1 to 3 percent range. The price offered for scrap steel varies by location. Anywhere that is disposing of large quantities of these metals is a potentially lucrative opportunity to stock up on scrap. Junk cars contain a great deal of recyclable steel and if you have the equipment, it can bring in quite a bit of money. When recycling steel, it is important to think big, as it takes a long time to accumulate several pounds of steel cans.

    Non-Ferrous Metals

    • Non-ferrous metals are non-magnetic. The international recycling code for aluminum in No. 41ALU. Other metals such as copper, gold, and brass seldom make it to the landfill due to the fact that their value is well known. These metals do not come with recycling numbers and their price changes daily. The price of scrap copper as of November 2010 was $3.92 per pound, and nickel was $11.04 according to Kitco. The price of aluminum varies by location. Gold and brass are extremely difficult to find and it is highly unusual for someone to discard them as scrap. Copper pipes and wiring can come from demolished buildings. Many fences are made of aluminum, and empty aluminum cans are almost anywhere where there is a large concentration of people.

    Tips

    • Demolished homes and business will typically contain a wealth of ferrous and non-ferrous recyclables. You will have to gain the consent of the owner of the property, but it is not uncommon for individuals wishing to be rid of a water heater, furnace, or electric generator to allow you to take these items off their hands. If you plan on investing a great deal of time into making money off of scrap metal recycling, it is a good idea to establish a relationship with local demolition and remodeling businesses so that you will be able to find out where a great deal of scrap is about to be disposed of conveniently.

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