What type of metal is worth money

Examples of ferrous metals include steel, wrought iron and cast iron. Because of its iron content, ferrous metal is attracted to magnets. Even a basic refrigerator magnet can indicate whether the metal in question is ferrous.

This makes it really easy to separate your scrap metal into categories. Depending on where you sell your scrap, the recycler may not require you to separate ferrous from non-ferrous metal, but we recommend that you do so anyway. There are a few reasons for this. For one, separating your scrap certainly makes things easier for your recycler if you have a lot of mixed metal.

Sorting your scrap may also get you more money for it. Keep your ferrous metal separate from your non-ferrous metal to make sure you get top dollar for the latter type.

Scrap metal prices fluctuate according to supply and demand and fuel costs. Companies have decreased their use of lead over the years due to its toxic nature. Today, you may only find trace amounts of it in certain products.

If you do have access to a large amount of lead, it could be very profitable. Make sure to take the proper safety precautions when handling lead to protect yourself and your surroundings. Lead is also difficult to transport because of its weight. You may not associate precious metals with scrap metals, but the two categories have something in common — they can both get you a good price at the scrap yard.

When you need cash on the spot, precious metals are some of the most persuasive items you can offer to get a high price. Here are some of the most expensive metals in the world:. You may not have an endless source of precious metals to bring to the scrap yard.

Here are some of the best scrap metals to collect and bring to the scrap yard for extra income. Many people consider aluminum to be the best metal to scrap because of the sheer amount available. People throw out their beverage cans all the time. You could ask several of your friends and family members for their empty cans, and you may end up with an amount that could fetch you a large sum at the scrap yard. Aluminum is also common in some of your old household items. These include old electronic devices, automobile parts and even some bike frames.

Aluminum is light and durable, making it a popular material across industries. Start setting aside your discarded aluminum and scrap it for cash. Brass is more common in your everyday life than you might think. Turn your spring cleaning session into extra cash by scrapping your brass items. Possible items include candlestick stands, old trophies and plates. You can also find brass in your plumbing and electrical systems in the form of brass fittings, which come in all shapes and sizes.

Door handles and knockers and old bed frames are also top candidates for brass items that you may be looking to get rid of. Companies are always searching for more copper to use in many of the most common household and business appliances.

Scrap yards are eager to take your copper in exchange for cash. Some of these metals include copper, steel, aluminum, brass, and iron. Unfortunately, these materials often end up in the garbage due to the lack of knowledge and sources for metal recycling. This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase through these links we will receive a small commission from the sale that helps fund our recycling database. Scrap metal yards deal with customers in industries that handle metal on a daily basis. For example, construction companies may have tons of steel beams from structures, electricians could have old wires and electrical equipment, or plumbers might have old or broken copper piping and brass fixtures that they need to dispose of. While scrap yards see a large quantity of metal from the trade industry, they also welcome homeowners and other individuals.

By bringing your metal scrap to scrap yards, you can make money and recycle the materials at the right place. Determining if you have a ferrous or non-ferrous metal and separating the two types is the first important step before bringing metal to be recycled.

The easiest and most common way to figure out what kind of metal you have is by grabbing a magnet. Hint: Any magnet will do — even one from your fridge. If the magnet sticks to your metal: You have a ferrous metal in your hands — something common like steel or iron. Ferrous metal is not worth very much when you bring it to the scrap yard, but the scrap yard will accept it and make sure it is recycled properly.

If the magnet does not stick to your metal: The metal you have is a non-ferrous metal. Many common metals — like copper, aluminum , brass, stainless steel, and bronze — are categorized as non-ferrous metals. These metals are very valuable to recycle and are worth more money at the scrap yard. Once you have your metals separated, search for a local scrap yard and call to see what metals they accept. Make sure you ask about their procedures and requirements so you know before you go.

Oftentimes, homeowners feel intimidated going to a scrap yard. By calling ahead for information and making sure you have your metals separated to the best of your ability, you can proceed with confidence.