Get More Value For Your Non-ferrous Scrap Metals
| 06 October 2010
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Scrap metal recycling can be a good way to pick up a little extra cash, while helping the environment and reducing the amount of material that goes into landfills.
Knowing a few things about how scrap metal is graded will help you get the best prices.
Scrap metal is divided into several different categories: ferrous, non-ferrous, precious metals and several others. The two most common scrap metals that are recycled are ferrous and non-ferrous scrap.
Ferrous scrap has an iron component to it and is identified by using a magnet to see if it sticks to the metal or not. If it sticks it is ferrous. Ferrous scrap is priced per 100 pounds or by gross tons.
Non-ferrous scrap metal will not stick to magnets. It may pull a magnet but won't stick. Typically non-ferrous scrap is priced by the pound. It is also divided into various grades within each type of material, and each grade has its own set price. Non-ferrous scrap metal can include all different types of copper tubing, insulated copper wires, as well as aluminum siding and gutters, aluminum window frames and doors, and aluminum wires. Among brasses there are plumbing fixtures, valves, and ornamental brass, such as plates and candle stick holders.
In the current non-ferrous scrap market environment it is important to acknowledge three fundamental factors. The factors include (1) is today’s value up or down, (2) what is the current demand, and (3) what is the status on the market supply for each material. With these three variables we base all scrap material values.
To receive our best possible pricing for your scrap, sort it into its appropriate piles to the best of your ability. Remember the more time and effort you put into the sorting the more you will get out of it. Separate aluminum, copper and brass and any other metals you have.
Once you have separated your material, really look at it. What is the make up of each pile? Is there glass, wood or iron in your aluminum scrap metal? That will lower the grade and the price. Does your brass still have the iron handles on it, or does your copper have brass valves attached to it? These things also lower the value of your scrap.
Look at your material objectively when assessing the grade. Is most of the material free of contaminants? Could you raise the grade by removing screws and handles and other items? Remember, you can make #2 Copper out of #1 Copper but #2 Copper will never be #1 Copper. Take the time and it will pay off with the best price, which will translate into more money in your pocket.
Looking for a scrap metal facility... Call us at 770-425-6600 - We provide Container and Roll-Off Service in the Atlanta.
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