Got an old brass doorknob lying around? A broken trumpet or some extra pipes from a renovation project?

You can get a reasonable amount of cash out of it! Yes, you heard it right.  

Brass scrap is highly valuable in the recycling industry. And its demand remains steady due to its durability and versatility. However, many people don’t realise how much their brass scrap metal is worth or how easy it is to recycle.

At West Coast Metals, we have been recycling every type of scrap from Perth for 20 years. As a female-run scrapyard business. We are known for our professionalism, customer service, and the best brass scrap price Perth.

Let us tell you the story of brass scrap and the recycling process making it useful again.  

What is Brass?

Brass is a metal alloy made primarily of copper and zinc.

In 500 BC, it was first utilized and called “mountain copper.” The ancient Romans used it for decorative pieces or intricate engraving. The versatility and visual appeal of brass soon made it popular across various cultures and civilizations.

Brass is known for its corrosion resistance, malleability, and aesthetics. And used in many industries, from construction to musical instruments. It is an easily recyclable and environment-friendly material.

The proportions of its constituents, copper and zinc can vary. Creating different types of brass with unique properties. Let’s get into the details of those types.

Different Types of Brass and Their Uses

Brass comes in various grades, each designed for specific applications. Knowing about brass scrap types can help you determine value of the one you have.

1. Red Brass

• Contains 85% copper, 5% zinc, and small amounts of tin and lead
• Highly resistant to corrosion and dezincification
• Commonly used in plumbing fixtures, marine hardware, and electrical connectors

2. Yellow Brass

• Made up of 60-70% copper and 30-40% zinc
• Strong and durable but less corrosion-resistant than red brass
• Found in door handles, hinges, radiators, and plumbing fittings

3. Cartridge Brass

• Contains 70% copper and 30% zinc
• High ductility and strength
• Used for ammunition casings, electrical terminals, and automotive parts

4. High Brass

• 65% copper and 35% zinc
• Harder than other brass types
• Used for screws, springs, and industrial machinery

5. Leaded Brass

• Includes small amounts of lead along with copper & zinc
• Shows improved machinability
• Found in valves, pumps, and precision instruments

Read More At: Common Types of Brass to Recycle | West Coast Metal

All these types have a wide range of applications, which involve repeated mining for new product manufacturing. Recycling brass scrap lessens the need for mining and helps in energy conservation.

Brass Scrap | Where Does it Come From?

Brass scrap is collected from a variety of sources, including:

Since brass scrap recycles Perth-wide, businesses and individuals alike can benefit from it while keeping waste out of landfills.

How is Brass Scrap Valued for Recycling?

The brass scrap price Perth depends on several key factors.

1. Type of Brass

Different brass alloys have varying levels of copper and zinc, affecting their price. Red brass is more valuable than yellow due to its higher copper content.

2. Purity and Cleanliness

Clean brass (free of attachments, solder, or paint) fetches a higher price than mixed or contaminated brass.

3. Market Demand and Metal Prices

Global copper and zinc prices fluctuate with changes in their demands. It directly impacts the value of brass scrap metal Perth.

4. Quantity

Larger quantities receive better rates since scrapyards prefer bulk purchases.

Now moving towards the process of recycling.

Process of Recycling Old Brass Items

Recycling brass scrap is a detailed, multi-step process. That converts old, unused, or discarded brass items into high-quality, reusable metal.

Here’s how brass scrap recycles Perth and across the globe.

Step 1: Collection – Gathering Brass Scrap from Sources

The first step in brass scrap recycling is collecting scrap from different sources.

These sources range from household trash to construction sites and industrial wastes. This collection can be done by scrapyard workers or consumers wanting to make cash. Once collected, these pieces are transported to the scrapyard.

Step 2: Sorting and Separation – Identifying the Brass Grades

At scrapyard, brass scrap undergoes a sorting process to separate it by type and composition.

Sorting is important because different brass alloys have different applications. And mixing them can lower their value. Since brass is non-magnetic, scrapyards use magnetic separation to distinguish it from iron-based metals.

Advanced technology, such as spectrometry and XRF analysis can also be used.  

Step 3: Cleaning – Removing Contaminants

Before brass scrap metal is processed further, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned.

It can have impurities like paint, solder, dirt, or non-metal attachments. That can interfere with the brass in melting and refining stages. Removing these impurities via chemical wash, scrubbing, and brushing enhances the resale value of recycled brass.

Step 4: Shredding and Breaking Down – Preparing for Recycle

After cleaning, large pieces of brass are broken down into smaller, uniform fragments.

Because smaller pieces heat up and melt more evenly and quickly. Shredding also allows for better handling and storage. Scrapyards use heavy-duty crushers, cutting machines, and industrial shredders to break down brass scrap.

Step 5: Melting – Solid Brass into Molten Metal

After shredding, brass is fed into a high-temperature furnace where it is melted down.

The melting temperature depends on brass composition. But generally, falls between 900°C and 1,050°C. During the process, impurities like oxides and residues float to the surface and are skimmed off as slag.

The melting process allows brass to be reshaped and re-alloyed for future use.

Step 6: Alloying – Composing for New Uses

The next step involves modifying the brass composition for desired alloy properties.

Depending on its intended use, additional metals are added. E.g. If the brass needs to be stronger, more zinc is added. If corrosion resistance is a priority, copper content is increased. In some cases, lead is introduced to improve machinability for industrial components.

Step 7: Casting – Shaping into Usable Forms

In the desired composition, brass is poured into moulds to take on new shapes.

The most common forms include ingots, billets, rods, sheets, and strips. They are easier to transport and used in various manufacturing processes. E.g. brass ingots make the plumbing fittings, while sheets are used in automotive parts or musical instruments.

Step 8: Manufacturing – New Products from Recycled Brass

The recycled brass is now in a usable form to create new products.

Manufacturers use recycled brass in plumbing and electrical equipment, automobile parts, musical instruments, and decorative hardware. Recycled brass in the place of newly mined materials reduces production costs and conserves natural resources.

Step 9: Quality Control – Confirming High Standards

Recycled brass undergoes a strict quality control process before distribution.

This step certifies that the metal meets industry standards and is defect-free. Quality control tests include spectrometric analysis, which checks the alloy composition. And mechanical testing, which evaluates strength and durability.

Step 10: Distribution – Practicing Sustainability

If the recycled brass passes all quality tests, it is sent to manufacturers and industries worldwide. From there, it will be transformed into new products. Continuing the sustainable cycle of brass scrap recycling.

Benefits of Brass Scrap Recycling

Recycling brass scrap is a crucial step toward conserving resources. Some of the top benefits are as follows.

1. Conserving Natural Resources

Brass is made from copper and zinc, both of which are extracted through mining.

These metals are finite resources and excessive mining can lead to their depletion. Brass recycling Perth reduces the need for new mining operations and saves essential resources for future generations.

2. Reducing Energy Consumption

Producing brass from raw materials requires significant amounts of energy.

In contrast, recycling brass consumes up to 80% less energy. Since it skips the intensive mining stage. The results are lower carbon emissions and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a greener planet.

3. Minimising Waste

Every year, tonnes of metal waste end up in landfills taking decades to break down.

When brass items are discarded instead of recycled, they add up to growing waste problems. Brass scrap recycling helps divert waste from landfills, prevent environmental contamination, and keep valuable metals in circulation.

4. Supporting the Economy

Recycling brass doesn’t just help the environment—it also provides economic benefits.

The scrap metal industry creates jobs in collection, processing, and manufacturing. For individuals, selling brass scrap is an easy way to earn extra cash. Businesses can also benefit by cutting disposal costs and making money from unwanted metals.

How Much is Brass Scrap Worth?

The value of brass scrap price Perth can range from $2.50 to $4.50 per kilogram depending on market conditions.

Prices can fluctuate according to:

• Copper and zinc prices
• Supply and demand
• Brass type and purity

To get the most accurate pricing, contact the scrapyard near you.

Searching for A Reliable Scrap Metal Recycling in Perth?

Sell Your Brass Scrap to West Coast Metals Today!

Got brass scrap metal Perth sitting around? Don’t let it go to waste. Bring it to West Coast Metals and turn it into cash!

We can provide you:

• Best Brass Scrap Prices Perth – Get a reasonable price for your scrap.
• Professional, Clean, and Organised Yard – No messy piles, just an efficient, welcoming space.
• Customer-Focused Approach – Enjoy a friendly chat and a coffee while we process your metal.
• Quick and Transparent Transactions – No hidden fees, just honest pricing.

So, don’t Wait.

Get in Touch with Us Now

Get the Details of Our Brass Scrap Recycling