Scrap metal recycling is the best practice for reducing waste and conserving natural resources. It also offers a rewarding opportunity to earn from your discarded materials.

Whether you’re an industrial business with loads of metal waste or a homeowner with a pile of old appliances, understanding the types of scrap metal and their uses can help you make the most out of your recycling efforts. At West Coast Metals, we’ve been committed to providing efficient and reliable scrap metal recycling services in Perth for over 20 years. Our expertise ensures that you get the best prices for your scrap while contributing to a greener planet.

With a focus on professional service with competitive pricing, West Coast Metals helps you turn your scrap metal into cash. Let’s explore the different types of scrap metal and how they can be reused effectively.

Types of Scrap Metal | Ferrous and Non-Ferrous

Scrap metal can be broadly categorised into two main types: ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It’s important to understand the key differences between these two categories for effective recycling.

Let’s review them in detail.

• Ferrous Scrap Metal

This type of metals contain iron, which makes them magnetic and prone to rust. These metals are important in many industries because of their strength and durability. They’re considered one of the most fundamental types of recyclable metals. You can easily identify ferrous metals by their magnetic properties.

Properties of Ferrous Metals

The primary feature of ferrous metals is their iron content, which makes them magnetic. This magnetic property is a simple way to distinguish ferrous metals from non-ferrous ones.

However, the presence of iron also makes these metals prone to rust and corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture. An exception to this is stainless steel, which contains chromium that prevents rusting. Another exception is wrought iron, which resists oxidation due to its low carbon content.

Common Types of Ferrous Metals

Here are some common types of ferrous metals to scrap:

• Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is widely used in:

• Construction
• Automotive
• Home Appliances

When recycled, stainless steel is melted down and reformed into new products, which helps reduce the need for new raw materials. This not only saves resources but also conserves energy.

• Alloy Steel

Alloy steel is a combination of iron and other metals.

It’s used in automotive parts, tools, and machinery. Recycling alloy steel helps reduce the environmental impact of mining new materials and preserve its valuable components.

• Carbon Steel

Carbon steel contains iron and carbon. It’s known for its strength and hardness and commonly used in buildings, bridges, and manufacturing tools. Recycling carbon steel allows for the production of new steel items, which helps conserve raw materials.

• Cast Iron

Cast iron is often found in pipes, machinery, and automotive parts.

When recycled, it is melted down and repurposed for new construction materials and industrial products. This recycling process helps decrease the waste in landfills and reduces the need for new iron ore.

• Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is known for its flexibility and resistance to rust. It’s commonly used in decorative items like fences and railings. Recycling wrought iron allows these items to be reused or remanufactured, maintaining their unique properties and aesthetic appeal.

Uses of Recycled Ferrous Metals

When ferrous metals are recycled, they go through a process of being melted down and purified. This allows them to be reused in new products, conserving raw materials and energy. For instance:

• Construction: Recycled steel is frequently used in building structures, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, contributing to sustainability in the construction industry.
• Automotive Industry: Many car parts are made from recycled steel, helping reduce the cost and environmental impact of producing new vehicles.
• Household Appliances: Items like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens often contain recycled ferrous metals, promoting a circular economy.
• Industrial Machinery: Advanced machinery and tools can be made from recycled alloy steel and cast iron, ensuring that industries can work efficiently without excessive environmental harm.

Explore: Scrap Metal Pickup Perth | West Coast Metal

• Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal

Non-ferrous metals are unique because they don’t contain iron, which makes them non-magnetic and resistant to corrosion. These characteristics make them highly valuable in various applications.

Properties of Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal

Their key properties include excellent conductivity, lightweight, and the ability to resist rust. Because of these properties, non-ferrous metals are often used in industries where metal needs to be shaped into specific forms or must withstand exposure to the elements.

Moreover, they also tend to be more resistant to corrosion and rust compared to ferrous metals. This resistance makes them perfect to be used in the environment where they are exposed to moisture or other corrosive elements. Additionally, many non-ferrous metals have excellent conductivity, which is why they are frequently used in electrical and electronic applications.

Common Types of Non-Ferrous Metals

• Aluminium

Aluminium is used in:

• Packaging
• Transportation
• Construction

Recycling this type of metal is way more energy-efficient which saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium. This metal is lightweight, non-corrosive, and has high thermal conductivity, making it incredibly versatile.

• Copper

Known for its high conductivity, copper is commonly used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics. When recycled, copper retains all its properties, which makes it just as valuable as newly mined copper.

• Brass

Made from zinc and copper, brass is an alloy used in plumbing equipment, musical instruments, and decorative items. Recycling brass helps reduce the need for mining new materials, conserving resources and energy.

• Stainless Steel

This metal is renowned for its corrosion resistance and is used in kitchenware, medical instruments, and construction materials. Recycled stainless steel maintains all its original properties, making it ideal for reuse in various applications.

• Lead

Lead is frequently used in batteries and radiation shielding. Recycled lead can be used to produce new batteries and other industrial products, helping to reduce the need for new lead mining.

• Nickel

Nickel is used in the production of batteries and stainless steel. Recycling nickel helps lower the costs associated with mining and processing new nickel.

• Zinc

Zinc is often used for galvanizing steel to prevent rust. Recycled zinc can be used in new galvanizing processes and die-casting alloys, reducing the need for new zinc extraction.

• Bronze

Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is used in sculptures, medals, and marine hardware. Recycling bronze decreases the demand for newly mined raw materials.

• Titanium

Titanium is valued for its strength and lightweight properties. It’s commonly used in aerospace, medical implants, and sports equipment. Recycled titanium retains these valuable properties, making it suitable for reuse in high-performance applications.

• Carbide

This material is used in cutting tools and abrasives. Recycling carbide allows for the production of new tools, which helps reduce manufacturing costs.

Uses of Recycled Non-Ferrous Metals

When non-ferrous metals are recycled, they have the ability to retain their valuable properties and can be used in a wide range of applications. Recycling these metals also reduces the need for mining new raw materials, which conserves natural resources and reduces environmental impact.

Benefits of Recycling Scrap Metals

Recycling scrap metals offers numerous benefits, including:

• Environmental Conservation: Recycling metal reduces the need for mining and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energy Efficiency: It uses less energy as compared to producing new metals from raw materials.
• Economic Benefits: Metal recycling provides a source of income for individuals and businesses, and supports the recycling industry.
• Resource Conservation: It helps conserve natural resources and reduces waste sent to landfills.

Explore: Top Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling | How It Helps Your Business?

Looking to recycle your scrap metal in Perth?

West Coast Metals is here for all your metal recycling needs.

We are dedicated to providing efficient and reliable scrap metal recycling in Perth. Our experienced team of metal recyclers ensures that you receive the best prices for your scrap metal, making the recycling process both profitable and environmentally responsible.

Whether you have a small amount of domestic scrap or large industrial quantities, we handle it all with professionalism and efficiency.

Ready to turn your scrap metal into cash?

Contact us today for expert scrap metal recycling services.

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FAQs

Q1: What types of scrap metal do you accept?

We accept all types of metals, including aluminium, brass, copper, stainless steel, iron, lead, nickel, zinc, bronze, titanium, and carbide.

Q2: How do you determine the price for scrap metal?

Scrap metal price is determined based on the type, quantity, and current market value of the metal. We ensure competitive pricing for all types of scrap metal.

Q3: Do you offer scrap metal pickup services?

Yes, we offer convenient pickup services for large quantities of scrap metal. Contact us to schedule a pickup.

Q4: What are the environmental benefits of recycling scrap metal?

Recycling scrap metal conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizes landfill waste.

Q5: Can I recycle household items made of metal?

Yes, household items such as appliances, furniture, and cookware made of metal can be recycled.