Everything You Need To Know About Scrap Metal Grades

If you’re planning on selling scrap metal and want the best price for it, sorting it into grades can make the process easier and ensure that you’re getting the most for your metals. In this article, we’ll talk about the different grades of scrap metal and their differences in value!

Scrap Metal Grades

It might seem like taking the time to figure out the grades of the metal that you’re selling is a waste of your time, but it can be worth it. Taking some time to sort the metal by grade will give you a better idea of what each type of metal is worth, giving you an accurate estimation of the money you can take home from the scrap facility!  

Mixed Scrap

Mixed scrap is a bundle of different metals with different levels of cleanliness. Mixed scrap is often sold in bulk bundles from dealers, estate sales, and home renovation projects. Cleaning, separating, and grading these mixed bundles can increase the amount of money that you get for the pieces.

Brass

In order to be considered “clean”, brass can only have up to 5% mixed materials with it. However, some scrap services will accept brass mixed with copper even if there is more than 5% copper.

Stainless Steel

Like brass, stainless steel is considered “clean” when it has 5% or below mixed materials. 

Aluminum

There are a couple of different grades for aluminum. Food and beverage cans like soda cans are the most commonly found type of aluminum and are considered the low end of the aluminum spectrum. “Clean” aluminum sheets have less than 5% other materials with nails and screws removed. Dirty aluminum sheets have more than 5% other materials. Extruded aluminum is also considered to be clean if it has under 5% other materials but dirty if it has more than 5% other materials or is corroded.  

Solid Copper

There are two grades of solid copper. Copper 1 must have no brass at all, and it can’t have any corrosion. Copper tubing and pipes that aren’t corroded are often good examples of copper 1. Copper wires that have no insulation and are thicker than the lead of a pencil are also copper 1. Copper 2 is mixed with brass or has over 5% other materials. Corroded copper is also considered to be copper 2.

Copper Wire

Insulated copper wire is graded differently than solid copper. There are three separate grades of copper wire based on the insulation and the weight of the copper inside. 25% copper wire is heavily insulated wire. It’s the lowest grade and is not typically worth as much money as other copper wires. 45% copper wire has less insulation, but the amount of copper inside is thinner than the lead of a pencil. 55% copper wire has the thinnest insulation, and the copper wire inside is thicker than the lead of a pencil. 

Sell Scrap Metal To Second Street Iron & Metal In Everett, MA!
​
If you’re ready to start recycling scrap metal in the Greater Boston area, Second Street Iron & Metal is here for you! We’re always looking to buy a wide variety of different types of scrap metal, including ferrous & non-ferrous metals, appliances, equipment, junk vehicles, and more! In addition to scrap metal purchasing, we also provide our clients with roll-off dumpster rentals! Contact us today by giving us a call at (617) 387-1188 or by filling out the contact form on our website