Scrap Metal Recycling FAQs

There are many common questions customers have regarding scrap metal recycling. Below are some of the most common questions we receive.

Click on a question to see the answer.

Metal Basics

  • What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal?

    Ferrous metals contain iron, and non-ferrous metals do not. That means each type of ferrous and non-ferrous metal has different qualities and uses.

    Ferrous metals are known for their strength, and include steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron. Ferrous includes metals from automobiles, appliances, bicycles, cast iron, chain link, metal roofing, propane tanks, rebar, sheet metal, steel, and tin. Ferrous metals are used to make railroads, bridges, skyscrapers, and automobiles.

    Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are usually more corrosion-resistant than ferrous metals. Examples of non-ferrous metals are aluminum, aluminum alloys, and copper, which are used in industrial applications such as gutters, roofing, pipes, and electrical.

    Non-ferrous metals also include brass, gold, nickel, silver, tin, lead, and zinc. Other common properties of non-ferrous metals are non-magnetic, malleable, and lightweight. This makes them ideal for use in aircraft and other applications.

    Non-ferrous metals include aluminum including cans, siding, or sheets, coils, copper, electric motors, parts or wiring, lawn furniture, lead-acid batteries, plumbing, radiators, stainless steel, or zinc.

  • What do I do if I have both ferrous and non-ferrous metals to recycle?

    Before you come, make sure to separate your scrap into the different types of metal that you have. Then when you arrive to recycle your metal, be sure to mention that you have various types so that we can direct you where to go to properly sort and get credit.

  • What’s the difference between #1 and #2 copper?

    In order to be considered #1 copper it must be free of contaminants, such as solder or paint. If your recycling copper pipe used for plumbing, we recommend cutting off the soldered ends and separating it in order to receive the best price.

Metal Pricing

  • What is the difference between net ton and gross ton?

    The purchase of scrap metal is done in two ways, by NET TON or by GROSS TON.

    A Net Ton is 2000 pounds of metal, while a Gross Ton is 2240 pounds. This is an important difference that affects that total purchase price.

    Example:

    • Scrap Processor A quotes $500 per NET ton
    • Scrap Processor B quotes $525 per GROSS ton

    Scrap Processor B sounds like the better deal, right? But, let’s do the math…

    If you bring 2000 pounds of scrap to Scrap Processor B (GROSS TON) you’d walk away with $468.75.

    If you bring 2000 pounds of scrap to Scrap Processor A (NET TON) you would walk away with $500.

  • Does the price vary for every kind of metal?

    Yes. Each kind of metal has its own corresponding price.

  • Do you have certified scales?

    Yes, our scales are certified by the state and regularly maintained for accuracy.

Acceptable Items

  • Do you accept old power tool batteries?

    Yes, we accept various types of rechargeable power tool batteries, such as lithium ion. Don’t just throw them away! Bring them to us and we’ll properly recycle them, and you’ll earn some money for them.