Are Non-Ferrous Metals Worth More Than Ferrous Metals?

The key difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is that ferrous metals contain iron. Additionally, ferrous metals are magnetic, while non-ferrous metals are not. Because of their iron content, ferrous metals can more easily develop rust when compared to non-ferrous metals. When metal products are recycled, the recycling facility transforms them into a new material that can be used for an entirely new product. In this article, we’ll further break down the differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals and discuss what kind of scrap value each type carries.

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are very common. For instance, iron alloys are everywhere. Metals like carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and wrought iron contain various degrees of iron. Because ferrous metals require a great deal of carbon for their formation, their tendency to rust increases. While wrought iron and stainless steel do not often rust, most metals that rust are ferrous metals. 

Non-Ferrous Metals

​Non-ferrous metals are more malleable compared to their ferrous counterparts. The different types of non-ferrous metals include brass, copper, lead, bronze, nickel, tin, zinc, titanium, and aluminum. Gold and silver can be converted into jewelry because of their malleability. Additionally, non-ferrous metals are lightweight, which is why gold is employed in aerospace, and aluminum is vital to the canning and airline industries. It has been stated earlier that non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, thus making them resistant to corrosion. Metals that are used for pipes, road signs, gutters, and roofing are typically non-ferrous. It should also be stated that the non-magnetic nature of non-ferrous metals makes them suitable for electric wiring and small electronics. 

Pricing Estimates for Ferrous & Non-ferrous Metals 

The amount of money that a particular kind of scrap metal is worth depends on a few factors: supply & demand, market conditions, location, and the price & quality of virgin metals. With that being said, many non-ferrous metals carry more scrap value than ferrous metals. For example, copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals. While prices are constantly fluctuating, bare bright and #1 copper often sell for north of three dollars per pound. If you have any more questions about scrap metal pricing, please contact us or visit our pricing pages!

Contact Second Street Iron & Metal!

If you’re looking to sell scrap metal in the Greater Boston area, Second Street Iron & Metal is here for you! We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the best scrap prices in the region and the very best customer service! Contact us today by giving us a call at (617) 387-1188 or by filling out the contact form on our website!