Tips On Identifying Common Non-Ferrous Scrap Metals

Sorting your scrap metal before you sell it can make a real difference in what you take home. Non-ferrous metals often bring higher value than ferrous ones, so knowing how to tell them apart is worth your time. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, which means they will not stick to a magnet. That single trait is your first clue. From there, color, weight, and texture help you narrow things down. Below, we’ll discuss how to identify six of the most common non-ferrous metals you may want to sell as scrap metal! To learn more about the scrap metal recycling process or to get started selling and recycling scrap metal in Massachusetts, contact our team at Allied Recycling Center today!

Aluminum

Aluminum shows up almost everywhere, from soda cans and window frames to car parts and siding. It has a silvery gray color with a dull finish, and it feels surprisingly light in your hand. A magnet will not stick to it. If you tap it, the sound is soft rather than sharp. Because aluminum is so common around the home, it is often the first metal people bring to us.

Copper

Copper is one of the most valuable non-ferrous metals you can recycle, so it pays to know it well. Look for a reddish orange color when the surface is clean and shiny. Over time, copper develops a greenish or brown coating as it ages. You will find it in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and old appliances. Copper feels heavier than aluminum and has a soft, bendable quality.

Titanium

Titanium is prized for being both strong and lightweight. It has a dull silver or gray color, similar to steel, but it weighs far less than you might expect for how tough it is. You may come across titanium in aerospace parts, medical equipment, and certain sporting goods. Unlike steel, it will not attract a magnet. If a piece looks like steel yet feels oddly light, titanium is a good guess.

Nickel

Nickel has a silvery white shine with a slight golden tint under some light. It resists rust and corrosion very well, which is why it often appears in coins, batteries, and kitchen fixtures. Nickel is harder than many other non-ferrous metals and holds its polish over time. Keep in mind that some nickel alloys can be slightly magnetic, so pair the magnet test with a look at the color and shine.

Brass

Brass is a blend of copper and zinc, and it carries a warm yellow or gold color. You will often find it in door handles, keys, plumbing fixtures, and musical instruments. Brass feels heavy and dense compared to aluminum. When you tap it, you get a bright ringing sound. If a yellowish metal feels solid and rings clearly, brass is likely what you are holding.

Bronze

Bronze is mostly copper mixed with tin, and it tends to have a duller reddish brown or dark gold tone. People sometimes confuse it with brass, but bronze usually looks darker and can show faint rings or lines on the surface. You will see it in bearings, statues, valves, and marine hardware. Bronze is heavy and gives off a lower, softer sound when struck compared to the brighter ring of brass.

Sell Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal to Allied Recycling Center in Walpole, MA

If you have any questions about identifying scrap metal or are looking to sell scrap metal for the best prices in Southeastern Massachusetts, please contact our team at Allied Recycling Center today! Call us at (508) 668-8699 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible! Visit our facility at 1901 Main Street in Walpole, MA, to get started recycling scrap metal today!