Scrap metal can be obtained from both residential buildings and commercial premises. Generally, this group of materials refers to recyclable metals that are obtained after manufacture of products or consumption of metallic commodities. If you have these types of materials in your property, you should consider taking them to specialist companies for recycling. You will receive some monetary compensation for the scrap, and you will contribute to energy conservation because scrap requires less power during processing. Here are simple guidelines to get you started on scrap metal recycling.

Types of Scrap Metal

Scrap recycling companies accept most of the common metals in homes and places of work. Therefore, you can collect a substantial amount of materials, particularly during spring cleaning, deceased estate clean-out and general renovation and construction projects. The most common metal that you will find is regular carbon steel. This material is used in structural features of the building, so you will find the metal in form of reinforced steel bars, construction rods and even roofing sheets.

Aluminium is also a fairly popular material in buildings because it is used in the manufacture of aluminium cans, window frames, decorative facades and cooking ware. You will find copper as wiring in electrical systems and electronics. Additionally, bronze and brass are typically used in fabricating jewellery, door knobs, cabinet handles and decorative items in office and residential space.

Sorting Tips

Sorting of scrap metal is not obligatory in most recycling businesses, but you can improve the efficiency of the weighing process. Each metal is weighed separately, so there will be delays if all your metals are mixed up. Scrap metal items are categorised as ferrous and non-ferrous materials. The term ferrous is used to refer to iron or other metals with iron such as steel. You will be able to identify these by using a magnet because these are attracted to it. Aluminium is a lightweight material, and it is silvery and non-magnetic. Stainless steel is also non-magnetic, but it is relatively heavy and shiny, so you should be able to distinguish it from aluminium. Copper is reddish-brown, and bronze and brass are its alloys, so you can put these together.

Value of Metals

The value of scrap metal is not extremely high, but you might be able to make a little extra money. The most valuable metals are pure copper, its alloys, stainless steel and aluminium, while ferrous metals have little monetary value. The exact amount offered by the recycling business can vary, so you should inquire when setting up an appointment.