What Is the Difference Between Ferrous & Nonferrous Metals?
Scrap metal comes in various shapes, sizes, and compositions, which can impact its value in recycling. However, one of the most important qualities to know if you plan on selling metal is whether it consists of ferrous or nonferrous materials. Here's a quick guide to each of these categories.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals contain iron, such as cast iron, wrought iron, and steel. They are common in automotive parts and certain appliances. The presence of this element often makes these materials magnetic, so hold a magnet over the scrap metal to test if it's ferrous.
These items are sometimes vulnerable to corrosion because iron can convert into iron oxide when exposed to moisture and oxygen. However, metals with rust can still be recycled, and ferrous pieces are used and recycled in larger quantities than nonferrous materials.
Nonferrous Metals
You can find nonferrous metals in pipes and home fixtures like doorknobs. These items do not contain iron, instead consisting of copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, or tin. Precious metals like gold and silver also fall into this category but are not often included in scrap metal piles.
The absence of iron often protects these materials from rust, and they are also more malleable than ferrous metals. Though they are used and recycled less often than their counterparts, they are worth more because these resources are less abundant. When selling these metals, separate them from ferrous pieces. This guarantees a better price, as lumping the items together will be misjudged as the less valuable material.
If you're looking to sell and recycle scrap metal, contact Metalico Rochester in New York. This scrapyard accepts many materials, from used auto parts to construction debris, offering competitive prices and quality customer service. They even buy metals with rust or damage. Visit the website to see a complete list of items that can be recycled and learn more about the process. Call (585) 436-0713 to request a quote.
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