Ferrous Versus Non-Ferrous Metals: Which One Do You Have?
If you are getting ready to engage your company in scrap metal recycling or you are scheduling a one time scrap metal pick up, the salvage company may ask you if you have ferrous or non-ferrous metals to pick up. There is a big difference in the ways that these are recycled. If you do not know how to answer them, here are a few points that may help you out.
What Are Ferrous Metals?
Ferrous metals are comprised of alloys, or a combination of numerous different metals with other substances thrown into the mix. But one of the primary components is iron. This is the metal that gives ferrous metals magnetic capabilities. Ferrous metals are great metals to recycle because with the addition of carbon and a few other substances, these recycled products can be easily converted into steel, and steel is one of the most recycled materials worldwide. According to the Bureau of International Recycling, in 2008, out of the 1.3 billion tonnes of steel produced, more than 500 million tonnes were produced from recycled or scrap metal. In total, approximately 40% of the world's total steel production is created from scrap.
Some examples of ferrous metals include the following:
- Cast iron
- Car bodies
- White goods
- Rebar
- Machinery
- Turnings
- Heavy melting steel
- Old train tracks and much more
Recycling ferrous metals make a better use of the earth's resources. When steel is recycled versus mined, the process uses approximately 74% less energy, 40% less water, and approximately 90% less virgin materials. In addition to these savings, the process also produces fewer water and air pollutants and less mining waste.
Recycled steel can be used to create some of the very same products that it has been recycled from. Some of these are:
- Construction materials
- Vehicles
- Hardware
- Electrical appliances
- Machinery and more
Non-Ferrous Metals
While ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic in nature, non-ferrous materials do not contain iron and are therefore non-magnetic. This means if you are ever in doubt if you are dealing with ferrous versus non-ferrous materials, all you have to do is to see if a magnetic will attach to them. They can be very difficult to tell apart at sight.
In the non-ferrous metals family you will find:
- Copper
- Lead
- Tin
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Zinc
- Lead and others
Most of these metals are very light, but they are very strong, therefore you tend to find them being used in ways which require great strength while remaining lightweight.
Both types of metals are usually accepted by companies who are willing to perform scrap metal pick up. This is because most non ferrous metals, if not all of them are far more easily recycled, while ferrous metals due to their weight produce more value.
What Is Your Metal Worth?
The worth of your metal is directly tied into what type of metal you have, how much of it you have, what is the going market rate and more. Scrap metal prices severely fluctuate. What you you are offered for your scrap metal pick up one day may be very different on the next day.
The best way to determine how much you will be able to make, is to invite a scrap metal pick up company to come and assess the types and amounts of metals you are trying to move. Once they do so they will be in a better position to discuss the pricing options that they are willing to offer you. Call one today and see what they have to say. Not only will you possible make a few dollars, you will be doing your part to reduce the environmental impact not recycling can have.
For more information, visit a website such as http://www.scrapmetalprocessors.com/.
