Scrap metal refers to any unwanted metal items that are beyond repair or are no longer wanted. This is the stuff you would be throwing away, if it wasn’t for scrap metal recycling. But what is scrap metal and what can you do with metal you no longer need?
So what is scrap metal?
Whether it’s old appliances, unwanted machinery, leftover building materials, cables, or even an old garden gate, scrap metal comes in many forms and types. If the metal items are no longer needed for their original purpose, you might classify them as scrap metal. This also includes metal that is damaged or obsolete, and may include:
- Old radiators
- Copper pipe
- Electrical cable
- Aluminium frames
- Steel beams
- Metal fencing
- Brass fittings
- Old machinery
- Vehicle parts
- Metal appliances
- Manufacturing offcuts
- Industrial equipment
It’s important to note that some items may contain several different materials, which means that they may need to be dismantled or sorted before the metal can be processed.
Where does scrap metal come from?
Scrap metal is generated in homes, construction sites, and in commercial properties.
- Homes: Your house may have accumulated more scrap metal than you realised. This is because items like old washing machines, unwanted garden furniture, broken tools, radiators, bicycles and other metal household items can all eventually become scrap. During a home renovation, the amount can increase considerably as old plumbing, fixtures, appliances and fittings are removed.
- Construction sites: Construction and demolition projects often produce substantial quantities of scrap metal. Steel framework, pipework, aluminium, cable, roofing materials and metal offcuts may all be left over once work has been completed. Rather than placing these materials into general waste, they can often be separated and sent for recycling.
- Businesses and commercial premises: Businesses can also generate scrap metal through everyday operations, refurbishment and maintenance. Factories, warehouses, workshops and commercial premises for example, may have unwanted machinery, shelving, equipment, cable and fabrication offcuts that are no longer required. For companies producing scrap metal regularly, arranging collection or using a dedicated scrap metal skip can make managing these materials considerably easier.
What are the different types of scrap?
Scrap metal can be broadly divided into two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous. Ferrous scrap contains iron and includes metals such as steel and cast iron, while non-ferrous scrap does not contain significant amounts of iron and includes metals such as copper, aluminium, brass, lead and zinc. This distinction is important because different metals have different characteristics and values.
For example, copper and brass are often considerably more valuable as scrap than ordinary steel. As a result, separating different materials can help ensure that scrap is assessed and processed appropriately.
Is all scrap worth money?
Not all scrap metal is necessarily worth money, but many types of scrap metal do have a monetary value. The amount you could receive depends on factors such as the type of metal, its weight, quality and current market conditions.
Non-ferrous metals are often particularly valuable. Copper, brass and aluminium are commonly sought after by scrap metal merchants because of their applications across construction, manufacturing, electrical work and other industries.
Ferrous metals such as steel can have a lower value per kilogram, but large quantities can still be worth recycling.
What happens to scrap metal?
Once scrap metal reaches a professional recycling facility, the material is assessed and sorted so that different metals can be separated. This allows each material to be processed appropriately. Depending on the type of scrap, the process may involve:
- Sorting
- Separating different materials
- Removing contaminants
- Cutting or shredding larger items
- Processing the metal for reuse
The recovered metal can then be supplied back into manufacturing and used to create new products. This is what makes scrap metal so valuable.
What can I do with unwanted scrap metal?
If you have unwanted metal, there are several options available.
- Take it to a scrap yard
- Arrange scrap metal collection
- Hire a scrap metal skip
For more information about scrap metal recycling, get in touch with our experienced team today here at X-Met Metals. We offer competitive weigh and pay services, convenient scrap metal collection from your chosen location, scrap metal skip hire for larger projects, and fully licensed scrap yards where you can recycle a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. In fact, for scrap metal recycling across the North West, from Chorley to St Helens and Blackburn to Skelmersdale, we are the team you can count on. Whether you’re clearing a home, managing a construction site or disposing of industrial scrap, our experienced team is here to help you recycle your metal quickly, safely and responsibly.