The recycling of scrap metal saves a huge amount of money and energy that would otherwise be spent mining and smelting. So what do metal recycling plants see most often in their metal processing?  Metalico Rochester seeks to answer that question and tell their customers what these recycled metals will go on to be used for and where they stand in scrap metal prices. 

Scrap metal can be broken down into two varieties, ferrous and non-ferrous, which make up the bulk of metal recycling. Ferrous metal is metal that is magnetic, like steel and iron, and is the most common type of metal in scrap yards. These metals are used for nearly every building material imaginable and appear in furniture, vehicles, shelving, housing, tools, and a lot more. Although they are very useful, the common nature of ferrous metals means they aren't worth very much at a scrap yard.

Non-ferrous metals are less common and are often more valuable at a scrap yard. Identifiable because of their non-metallic nature, non-ferrous metals consist of copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum. 

• Copper is one of the most valuable metals to recycle. It's found in homes and electronics and is used chiefly in plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. 
• Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, and because of it's durability and attractive color is often used fixtures, keys, and musical instruments. Although it only fetches a medium-range price in scrap metal yards, it's price can quickly add up because the metal is so dense.
• Bronze is also a copper alloy, traditionally with tin. Also valued for it's beauty, it is used often in architectural trim, railings, door and window hardware, and art pieces. Like brass, it is very dense and fetches a medium-range price.
• Aluminum is the most common non-ferrous metal to enter recycling yards due to prolific aluminum can recycling. Aluminum has a wide variety of other uses, as well. Due to it's light weight and durability, it is used heavily in automotive manufacturing and building materials like siding and roofing. 

Metalico Rochester wants to make sure their customers are informed about the use and worth of their metals, and wants them to feel as if they are getting the most out of their recycling experience. With three locations in Rochester and Bergen, they are ready to take those metals off your hands and replace it with cash. To find out today's prices, give them a call at (585) 436-0713 or visit their  website.