Identifying different metals correctly is the most effective way to maximise your financial return when recycling scrap at a scrapyard. While most people see a pile of old pipes or appliances as rubbish, professional recyclers categorise these materials based on their chemical composition and market value. By learning to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, you ensure that high-value materials are not sold at bulk steel prices.
Metal identification directly determines the price per kilogram you receive at a recycling centre. Scrapyards pay significantly higher rates for non-ferrous metals, such as copper and brass, compared to common ferrous metals like iron and steel. Mixing a small amount of high-value copper into a bin of steel leads to a loss of profit, as the entire load is typically graded at the value of the cheapest metal present.
Proper sorting also supports environmental sustainability. Different metals require specific smelting processes; therefore, pre-sorted scrap reduces the energy consumption needed for secondary processing. At Metal Biz, we provide the equipment and expertise to help you process these materials efficiently, ensuring you get the most out of every kilogram.
The fastest way to categorise any metal is by using a magnet to check for magnetic properties. If the magnet sticks to the metal, it is ferrous; if it does not, it is non-ferrous.
Ferrous metals contain iron, making them magnetic and prone to rust over time. Because they are abundant and widely used in construction and manufacturing, they hold a lower market value than non-ferrous alternatives. Examples of ferrous metals include:
Carbon Steel: Found in car frames, beams, and household appliances.
Cast Iron: Used for heavy machinery, engine blocks, and old cookware.
Wrought Iron: Often seen in decorative fencing and gates.
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, are not magnetic, and are highly resistant to corrosion. These metals are essential in electronics, plumbing, and aerospace due to their conductivity and light weight. Examples of non-ferrous metals include:
Copper: Found in electrical wiring and plumbing pipes.
Aluminium: Used in beverage cans, window frames, and car rims.
Brass: Common in doorknobs, valves, and musical instruments.
Experienced recyclers use 4 primary methods to identify metals when a magnet test is inconclusive. These techniques rely on visual cues, weight, and physical reactions to determine the specific alloy.
| Method | Identifying Feature | Examples |
| Visual Inspection | Colour and Oxidation | Copper is reddish-orange; Brass is yellowish-gold. |
| Weight/Density | Heavy vs. Light | Lead is extremely dense; Aluminium is very lightweight. |
| Hardness Test | Resistance to scratching | Lead is soft enough to scratch with a coin; Steel is very hard. |
| Spark Test | Colour and shape of sparks | Carbon steel produces long, yellow sparks when ground. |
Copper is the most valuable common metal found in residential and industrial scrap. It is a soft, reddish-orange metal that turns green (patina) when exposed to the elements for long periods.
Bright Shiny Copper: This is the highest grade, consisting of clean, unalloyed, and uncoated wire.
No. 1 Copper: This includes clean pipes and heavy busbars that are free of solder or paint.
No. 2 Copper: This grade consists of copper with paint, solder, or oxidation, such as old plumbing manifolds.
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Aluminium is a silver-coloured, lightweight metal that does not rust. It is the most recycled metal in Australia due to its prevalence in everyday items. You find aluminium in 3 main forms:
Extruded: High-quality aluminium found in window frames and sliding door tracks.
Cast: Found in engine parts and BBQ grill plates.
Sheet: Low-grade aluminium used in gutters, siding, and soda cans.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, appearing yellowish-gold. It is significantly heavier than aluminium and is often found in plumbing fixtures and decorative hardware. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, has a deeper, brownish-gold hue and is commonly used in industrial bearings and marine hardware.
Identifying metal is only half the battle; knowing where to look allows you to collect larger volumes for better recycling rates. Metals are found in 5 primary environments:
Home Renovations: Demolition projects yield copper piping, brass taps, and aluminium window frames.
Automotive Repairs: Old cars contain heavy steel frames, lead-acid batteries, and aluminium radiators.
Electrical Upgrades: Electricians often have “burnt” or insulated copper wire and electrical panels.
Appliance Upgrades: Refrigerators and washing machines contain electric motors rich in copper windings.
Industrial Sites: Factories produce “offcuts” of stainless steel, steel plate, and heavy machinery scrap.
To decide if manual sorting is right for you, consider the trade-offs involved in the process.
Pros:
Higher Payouts: Separating copper from brass increases the total value of the load.
Faster Service: Pre-sorted loads are weighed and paid out more quickly at the weighbridge.
Market Insight: You learn which materials are currently trending at higher prices.
Cons:
Time Consumption: Stripping insulation from wires or removing steel screws from aluminium takes effort.
Safety Risks: Sharp edges and heavy lifting require proper PPE, including gloves and steel-capped boots.
Metal Biz provides a streamlined recycling experience for individuals and businesses across Brisbane. We operate 3 convenient sites in Rocklea, Slacks Creek, and Geebung, equipped with certified scales to ensure you receive an accurate payment for your sorted materials.
Whether you have a small box of copper wire or a fleet of end-of-life vehicles, our team assists in the final identification of your metals. We offer competitive daily rates based on the global metal exchange, ensuring that your efforts in identifying and sorting your scrap result in the best possible financial return.
To maximise your profit, follow these 3 final steps before visiting the yard:
Clean Your Metal: Remove plastic, rubber, and wood attachments from metal pieces.
Strip the Wire: Use a wire stripper to remove insulation from copper wire to reach “Bright Shiny” status.
Separate by Grade: Keep No. 1 and No. 2 copper in separate containers to avoid “downgrading” the entire batch.
If you are unsure about a specific item, the specialists at Metal Biz are available to help. Contact us today to check current prices or to book a scrap metal pickup for larger industrial loads.
