Understanding the variations between the many sorts of scrap metal, which vary from common home items to industrial offcuts, is essential for the right sorting, recycling, and financial return.
Recognising the various kinds can help you save time, raise your earnings, and support greener practices—whether you’re clearing out a garage or handling materials from a construction site. Everything from simple classifications to valuable things that are worth recycling is covered in this guide.
What Is Scrap Metal?
Any used or new metal that can be obtained, processed, and used is referred to as scrap metal. It consists of used motor vehicles, broken appliances, construction waste, and surplus metal from manufacturing.
Both ferrous (having iron) and non-ferrous (not containing iron) metals are collected by WB Phillips Metals Ltd. In an effort to help reduce the demand for virgin resources, these are subsequently sorted and ready for reuse in new products and factories.
By reducing environmental damage and providing financial incentives for both individuals and businesses, recycling scrap encourages the circular economy.
Scrap Metal Classifications
What Are Ferrous Metals?
Ferrous metals are magnetic and contain iron. They are often used in heavy machinery, cars, and construction as they are durable and long-lasting. These are often reused in huge quantities, are usually heavier, and are more likely to rust.
Iron
One of the most common materials in ferrous scrap, iron is found in old tools, pipes, cast iron radiators, and railings. Both wrought iron and cast iron are recyclable and useful in heavy manufacturing.
Steel
Used extensively in construction and infrastructure, steel is strong and versatile. Recyclable forms include Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, and carbon steel, found in everything from beams to appliances.
What Are Non-Ferrous Metals?
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are generally more resistant to corrosion. They’re often lighter and more valuable, particularly for recycling purposes.
Aluminium
Lightweight, non-magnetic, and corrosion-resistant, aluminium is used in drink cans, window frames, car parts, and cookware. Stainless and Aluminium materials are collected widely for recycling.
Copper
High in demand, copper is found in copper wire, plumbing pipes, roofing sheets, and electronics. It includes variants such as Dry Bright Wire, burnt copper wires, and oily copper.
Brass
A mix of copper and zinc, brass is used in taps, light fittings, door handles, and keys. Items marked as Mixed Metal often include brass components.
Lead
Common in old pipes, batteries, roofing, and cable sheathing. We buy scrap lead and ensure it’s handled safely due to its toxicity.
Nickel
Used in batteries, alloys, and electrical components. Nickel is durable and corrosion-resistant, often found in high-performance materials.
Zinc
Found in galvanised products like roofing and gutters. Zinc also forms part of some alloys such as brass.
Titanium
Highly resistant to corrosion, titanium is used in aerospace, surgical tools, and bicycles. It’s valuable due to its strength-to-weight ratio.
Stainless Steel
This popular metal combines steel with nickel and chromium, making it rust-resistant and ideal for sinks, utensils, and industrial equipment. We collect Stainless Steel scrap from homes and businesses across Kent.
How to Tell the Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous
To identify whether a metal is ferrous or non-ferrous, try these simple methods:
- Magnet Test: If the item sticks to a magnet, it’s likely a ferrous metal.
- Rusting: Ferrous items often rust over time; non-ferrous ones tend not to.
- Weight: Ferrous metals are typically heavier.
- Spark Test: When grounded, ferrous metals emit a distinctive spark pattern.
Knowing the type of scrap you have allows for better sorting, pricing, and recycling efficiency.
Most Valuable Scrap Metals to Sell
High-Value Non-Ferrous Metals
These metals tend to yield higher returns:
- Copper: Plumbing tubes, wiring, cable, and motors.
- Brass: Fixtures, hardware, and decorative items.
- Aluminium: Wheels, frames, foil, and cans.
- Lead: Car batteries, pipes.
- Nickel & Titanium: Found in machinery, electronics, and medical-grade tools.
- Precious Metals: Gold and silver components from electronics.
Common High-Value Items
- Burnt copper wires, greasy copper, oxy copper from demolition or rewiring jobs.
- Stainless and Aluminium sinks and appliances.
- Carbide tools and inserts.
- Batteries, especially those containing lead or nickel.
Selling these can offer excellent returns while reducing landfill waste.
Why Recycle Scrap Metal?
Environmental Benefits
Recycling metal cuts greenhouse gas emissions, saves natural resources, and diminishes the need for mining. It’s also a more environmentally friendly method of handling residential and commercial waste.
Economic Impact
The UK scrap metal industry supports thousands of jobs and provides a steady supply of materials for manufacturers. By recycling, businesses lower costs and contribute to a stronger circular economy.
Energy Savings
Reprocessing aluminium, steel, and copper uses significantly less energy than creating them from raw ore. These energy savings also reduce pollution and production costs.
Examples of Everyday Scrap Metal Sources
Here are common places to find recyclable items:
- Household: Cookware, curtain poles, taps, cables, radiators.
- Garden: BBQs, furniture, fencing, and lawnmowers.
- Vehicles: Batteries, body panels, catalytic converters, wheels.
- Trades: Plumbing offcuts, copper wire, cable, old fittings.
- Electricals: Appliances, wires, heaters, fans.
- Construction: Beams, rebar, scaffolding, wrought iron, and cast iron sections.
- Demolition: Structural steel, lead, brass, zinc, roofing sheets.
- Office/IT: Hard drives, cables, computer casings, wiring looms.
Sorting these materials helps recover valuable metals, whether ferrous or non-ferrous. We provide guidance, collection, and competitive prices for all recyclable scrap metal types in Kent – contact your local scrap team today!