Most metals are recyclable, and the ability to identify and separate the different types of metals is essential for them to be recycled properly. Here’s an overview of common recyclable metals and how best to identify them.
Ferrous metals
Ferrous metals primarily contain iron and are magnetic.
Steel
- How to identify: Steel is magnetic, heavier than aluminium but lighter than iron, and may rust over time. It’s commonly used in construction, appliances and cars.
- Recycled uses: New steel products, construction materials, appliances and more.
Cast iron
- How to identify: Cast iron is very heavy, magnetic and often has a rough surface. It can be found in older pipes, radiators and cookware.
- Recycled uses: New cast-iron products and steel production.
Non-ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are non-magnetic.
Aluminium
- How to identify: Aluminium is lightweight, non-magnetic and doesn’t rust. It’s commonly used in beverage cans, foil, window frames and bicycle frames.
- Recycled uses: New aluminium products, beverage cans and construction materials.
Brass
- How to identify: Brass is yellowish in colour and heavier than aluminium but lighter than copper. It can be found in doorknobs, keys and plumbing fixtures.
- Recycled uses: New brass products.
Bronze
- How to identify: Bronze is reddish-brown to yellow in colour. It’s generally used in statues, medals and some coins.
- Recycled uses: New bronze products.
Copper
- How to identify: Copper is reddish-brown in colour when clean but can tarnish to a greenish hue (like the Statue of Liberty). It’s common in electrical wires, pipes and roofing.
- Recycled uses: Electrical wiring, piping and roofing.
Lead
- How to identify: Lead is very heavy, soft and can be scratched easily. It’s used in batteries, radiation shields and pipes.
- Recycled uses: Batteries and radiation shielding.
Nickel
- How to identify: Nickel is silvery-white with a slight gold tinge. It’s used in coins, rechargeable batteries and stainless steel.
- Recycled uses: Stainless steel and coins.
Tin
- How to identify: Tin is also silvery-white, soft and malleable. It is commonly used as a coating on steel cans.
- Recycled uses: Tin plating and alloys.
Zinc
- How to identify: Zinc is bluish-white and corrodes in moist environments. It’s often used as a galvanising agent for steel.
- Recycled uses: Galvanising, and new zinc products.
Precious metals
These types of metal are used in small quantities but are high value. They are most commonly found in electronics and jewellery.
Gold
- How to identify: Gold is yellow, non-tarnishing and soft. It’s used in jewellery, electronics and coins.
- Recycled uses: Jewellery and electronics.
Silver
- How to identify: Silver is shiny or matt white and tarnishes to black. It’s used in jewellery, electronics and silverware.
- Recycled uses: Jewellery, electronics and silverware.
Platinum
- How to identify: Platinum is silvery-white in colour and heavier than gold. It’s used in jewellery, automotive catalysts and lab equipment.
- Recycled uses: Jewellery and industrial applications.
Identification tips
Magnet test
- Ferrous metals (like iron and steel) are magnetic. This is the quickest way to differentiate them from non-ferrous metals.
Visual inspection
- Check for colour, signs of rust or tarnishing.
Weight
- Compare the weight of the metal to its size. For example, aluminium is lightweight, while lead and iron are quite heavy.
Sound
- Different metals produce different sounds. For example, aluminium has a distinct ‘tink’ sound.
You can also buy handheld metal analysers and spectrometers to identify the different types of metal. They are particularly helpful in the accurate identification of more complex and/or unknown alloys.
The Hamptons Group buys all grades of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. We ensure fair and highly competitive rates for your scrap metal by using precise weighing methods. You can either schedule a pick-up or personally deliver your metal to our yard at Hamptons Way, Newcastle-under-Lyme (ST5 9JQ).
Message us if you’re interested in finding out more – we look forward to hearing from you.