All scrap metal falls into two broad families: ferrous and non-ferrous. Knowing which is which is the first step to sorting your scrap and getting a better price.
Ferrous metals
Ferrous metals contain iron. They include carbon steel, cast iron and most structural steel — beams, rebar, pipes, plates and old machinery. They are strong, heavy, usually magnetic, and produced in very large volumes, so they are priced lower per kilo but traded in big tonnages.
Non-ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals contain little or no iron: copper, aluminium, brass, bronze, lead, zinc and nickel. They are usually non-magnetic, resist corrosion and are worth much more per kilo.
The magnet test
A simple magnet is the quickest check: if it sticks strongly, the metal is most likely ferrous. Note that some stainless steel grades are only weakly magnetic or not magnetic at all, so they are graded separately.
Why sorting matters
When non-ferrous metal is mixed into a steel load, it is often paid at the lower steel price. Keeping copper, brass and aluminium separate ensures each metal is paid at its own rate.
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