When scrap metal arrives at a metal recycling facility, there are often many kinds mixed together. They need to be separated to make new products. Facilities have different ways of sorting the different types of metal, from chemical and electrical analysis down to hand sorting. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Is Metal Sorting Important?

Each metal has different properties that make them useful for particular products. For example, aluminum is lightweight, steel is one of the strongest metals available, and copper is an efficient electrical conductor. Each of these metals needs to go to different facilities and be processed. Since each of these metals is so useful, it’s worth the trouble to sort them.

How It Works

The easiest metals to separate are “ferrous,” such as iron and steel. Running a magnet over the scrap separates them from the rest.

There are several methods to sort the remaining scrap for recycling. Some facilities run an electrical current through the metal and analyze the results to identify the separate properties. Some use chemical testing to identify various pieces. Some facilities sort by hand since metals like copper are easy to identify on sight. Also, melting down metals can naturally separate them because of their varied melting points and densities. Most facilities use a combination of these methods.

What This Means for You

When you bring scrap metal to a recycling center, you don’t need to sort the materials, as the facility is equipped to do it. You may still want to pre-sort the materials because some facilities will pay more for a load of a specific metal than for mixed scrap. However, if you can’t identify the types of metal you have, your recycling center can handle the job.

If you have unsorted scrap metal, bring it to Holmes Iron & Metal in Salisbury, NC, for sorting and recycling. They have been serving Rowan County for over 40 years, and they accept a full range of large and small metal items. They also provide demolition and container rental services. Call (704) 633-6119 with any questions, or visit their website today.