How To Identify The Most Common Types Of Scrap Metal

Because different metals are worth different amounts, being able to identify what kind of metal you have is a key component of scrap metal recycling! Metals can be split into two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are magnetic, while non-ferrous metals are not. Some of the most common types of non-ferrous metals include brass, bronze, aluminum, lead, and copper. The most common types of ferrous metals are steel and iron. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how you can identify each different type of scrap metal! If you’re ready to sell scrap metal for cash, come see us at Second Street Iron & Metal in Everett, MA!

Copper 

Most people who are familiar with construction projects have some sort of knowledge about copper. Copper is a non-ferrous metal that you can often find lying around after the completion of most homes & buildings. Copper is one of the most valuable types of scrap metal, so it’s a great idea to keep your eye out for it! You can usually identify copper by its color. Copper has a reddish-brown hue (like a penny), while brass (which is sometimes confused for copper) has more of a yellowish tint. Keep and eye out for copper in piping, wiring, and electronics!

Aluminum
 
Aluminum can be found in everything from soda cans to airplane parts! While aluminum is not the most valuable scrap metal by weight, the abundance of this metal makes it easy to find a lot of it, which can then be turned into cash! In fact, aluminum is the most recycled metal in America! Aluminum is typically a silver-colored metal that is very light and completely non-magnetic.

Brass
 
Brass is a metal alloy made from copper and zinc. While brass is not quite as valuable as copper, it is more abundant in some places. Brass is commonly found in musical instruments, pipes, valves, and more. Brass typically has a yellowish hue with a touch of red and is much heavier than most other non-ferrous metals!

Steel 

Steel is one of the most common metals on the planet and can be found virtually anywhere! You can test to see if a metal is steel by putting a magnet to it. If the magnet sticks, it’s likely steel. If it doesn’t, then you’ll know for sure that it is not steel! Steel is also relatively heavy and hard, while other metals like aluminum are light and soft. While steel is not the most valuable metal, it is abundant and can be found easily!

Sell Scrap Metal to Second Street Iron & Metal in Everett, MA!

Second Street Iron & Metal purchases many different types of scrap metal for the best prices in the Greater Boston area! Our recycling services are open to businesses, demolition companies, homeowners, and the general public in the Boston region. Contact us today to get started by giving us a call at (617) 387-1188 or by filling out the contact form on our website!