At Second Street Iron & Metal in Everett Massachusetts, we are constantly working with local residents and businesses to help them make a profit on scrap metal. As one of the leading scrap metal yards in Greater Boston we often are asked a variety of questions on how to properly recycle scrap metal. We picked out a few of the more common questions and answered them here. 

How Do You Recycle An Old Car?
We actually have a vehicle scrapping FAQ on our website on how to scrap vehicles at our location. But to summarize; make sure to have your paperwork for the vehicle (title & registration), and to bring a drivers license that matches the name on the title or registration. You should also remove the fuel tank before you scrap your car.

What Is The Difference Between Non-Ferrous & Ferrous Metals?
The difference between non-ferrous and ferrous metals is in magnetism. A ferrous metal is any metal that will stick to a magnet whereas a non-ferrous metal will not. Copper, aluminum, and brass are all examples of non-ferrous metals. Generally speaking, a non-ferrous metal will be sold for higher value because it is a rarer metal. Iron and steel are very commonplace and are therefore are sold for less. 

What Is The Difference Between #1, #2, and #3 Copper?
Copper is graded into three categories. The lower the number, the better the copper. #1 copper is any copper tubing or wire that is free of solder, brass, insulation, or paint. This is also considered “clean” metal. #2 copper in comparison is any copper wire or tubing that has small amounts of solder, brass, paint, oil, or rubber attached. This metal is sold for less because it is more difficult to process. #3 copper is copper metal with extensive amounts of other metals, paint, oil, and similar substances.

Can You Sell & Recycle Old Appliances?
The short answer is yes but it is complicated. Many scrap yards do take old appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. However, you always need to check with the scrap yard on specific appliances. Any appliance that uses freon like a freezer, refrigerator, or cooler, will likely not be recyclable at a scrap metal yard. The EPA requires that those appliances are handled by a licensed HVAC professional. 

How Do You Tell The Difference Between Brass & Copper?
If you are unsure what type of metal you have there are a few ways to distinguish it. Brass tends to be yellowish in color and copper is reddish in color. To see the true color of your metal, take a file and file the metal. The flakes will tell you whether you have brass or copper. Brass is made of zinc and copper, the yellower the brass the more zinc was used in the alloy. 

For More Questions, Please Contact Second Street Iron & Metal
if you have any other questions about selling and recycling scrap metal in Massachusetts, please contact our office or come to our yard in Everett. Our team would be happy to help answer your questions and help you get the most for your scrap metal.