Recycling Non-Ferrous Metals – Info for Businesses

If you work for an industrial or manufacturing business in Maricopa County, chances are you have produced some sort of non-ferrous scrap metals on the job. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. These include lead, zinc, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, titanium, and tin. Precious metals like gold and silver are also considered non-ferrous. Non-ferrous metals tend to be more malleable than ferrous ones (steel, cast iron, carbon steel, etc.) Because of this, they make it easier to machine and be applied to brand new non-ferrous metal products. Applications of such metals vary from electronics, car parts, piping, batteries, industrial castings, and sculptures.

How to Identify Non-Ferrous Metals

No large equipment is required to detect a non-ferrous piece of scrap metal. This can be done with a simple, small magnet. Non-ferrous metals will not stick to a magnet. Ferrous metals (containing iron) will stick to the magnet. These are not usually the high-dollar items, but can and should still be recycled if you have them!

Benefits for Your Business of Recycling Scrap Non-Ferrous Metals

Easily Forged – As stated above, non-ferrous metals are easily applicable which make for a great recyclable scrap option. Non-ferrous metals such as aluminum can be easily forged. Aluminum is also lightweight and works well with large-scale items such as aircrafts in addition to small everyday items such as cans and kitchen utensils. Other forms of transportation are made from this alloy as well – cars, bicycles, rail transport, and ships all have aluminum parts.
Contributes to a Circular Economy – Recycling non-ferrous metals has been proven to provide noticeable benefits within our economy. This practice increases the value of the non-ferrous scrap industry each year, adding more revenue to the U.S. economy than ever before.
Preserves our Environment – As for environmental benefits, the list is long. 95-98% of aluminum can be recycled and upwards of 75% of all aluminum is still in circulation. Recycled aluminum saves 95% of the energy that it would have taken for manufacturers to create from raw materials. Not to mention, with recycling there will be less landfill waste and less mining impact on our land.
High in Value – Non-ferrous metals such as copper and brass are high ticket recyclable items. Copper is very common, found in writing, piping, motors, roofing materials, and more. Red brass has a high copper content (about 85-88%) and is the most valuable form of brass because of this.
Resilient – Non-ferrous metals are resistant to rust and corrosion due to the lack of iron content. This allows for ideal fabrication for various forms of transportation, home projects, batteries, jewelry, and more.