The Three Best Metals To Scrap

metal shavings from best metal to scrap

There is a category of metals that earns scrappers the most money.  Unfortunately, most scrappers simply scrap any kind of metal they find, not giving much thought as to what type of metal they scrap or what prices they can earn. If you spend your time wisely while scrapping, you can earn a few hundred dollars extra each month just by scrapping specific types of metal.  These types of metal are called non-ferrous metals and we purchase non-ferrous metals anywhere from $.30/pound to a whopping $2.00/pound at Klein Recycling.  

Metal, as you know, is surprisingly heavy.  Just by collecting some metal lying around, it is easier than you think to earn some real cash.  There are three common non-ferrous metals, which include copper, brass, and aluminum. By focusing on these three metals, you put yourself in a position to earn top dollar and spend your time scrapping wisely.    

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most common type of non-ferrous metal.  You can find aluminum almost everywhere, like cans, automobile parts, bicycles, household appliances, and aluminum foil.   Aluminum is easily melted down and reused indefinitely making it environmentally friendly and when melted down, you’re also helping to save around 90% of the energy it takes to create a new aluminum product. The rates for aluminum change daily but they average around $.30 per pound.  Scrapping aluminum is an easy way to earn extra cash each month because of how accessible it is.    

Brass

Finding brass can be tricky but also one of the most rewarding metals to scrap.  Some household items that contain brass are bed frames, serving trays, brass faucets, door handles, and lamps.  Usually, the brass that you find in these items is known as yellow brass. Yellow brass is often found in plumbing materials and pipes as well. 

Another type of brass is red brass, which contains some copper in it.  We’ll pay you more for red brass than yellow brass but don’t worry, you’ll still earn good money for both types. We’ll pay you around $1.50/pound for your brass.  Just make sure your brass is clean with no plastic, rubber, or steel in it. The next type of scrap that is extremely valuable is copper.    

Copper

Copper is in high demand at scrap yards and you’ll earn the most money by finding and scrapping copper. It is used in nearly every industry that requires metals and is infinitely recyclable. It’s re-used to make motors, construction materials, industrial machinery and more.  Copper prices often fluctuate and you’ll want to do some background research before selling to make sure you get the best price for your copper. You may even need to wait a short period of time for copper prices to rise.   

There are three main types of copper that are recycled and can earn you upwards of $2.00/pound. Copper #2 is the third most valuable type of copper and is composed of pipe, a solid metal that has paint, solder, or any other coating, and unalloyed wire.  To meet the #2 copper grade, the copper must not have insulation or be thinner than 1/16 inch in diameter. Copper #1 is the second most profitable copper and is made of bus bars, clippings, commutator segments and wire of at least 1/16 inch in diameter. 

The most valuable copper is known as Bare Bright copper and is 99% pure copper, which must be at least 1/16 inch thick and uncoated.  Bare Bright copper must be stripped of any fittings or insulation as well as uncoated and unalloyed. Overall, your time is spent wisely by scrapping non-ferrous metals because these three metals, aluminum, brass, and copper are priced high enough to make your time scrapping worth it.    

Quick Tip

Each container of metal is priced based on the lowest value metal in that bin.  You should separate all metal pieces by metal type. This sorting ensures that your metals are priced at the highest price according to each metal type.  At Klein Recycling, we’ll be happy to purchase your metals from you at an amazingly profitable rate. Give us a call today at (908) 722-2288.

Understanding Twitch in the Metal Market in 2019

What is Twitch?

In order to understand the twitch metal market, we first have to define what exactly “twitch” is. When a vehicle is scrapped for metal, the combination of non-ferrous metals that have been separated from the shredded material (known as Zorba) and further processed into something called “light fraction” (achieved by separating the aluminum and magnesium contents from the copper, zinc, brass, bronze, and stainless steel) is called twitch. Twitch is an important part of the scrap metal industry because aluminum, one of the chief metals found in twitch, is such a versatile material with countless usages. It is easy and cost effective to work with, resists corrosion unless under extreme circumstances, conducts electricity, and is lightweight yet durable. Aluminum is so strong and versatile, it is used by the U.S. Army and even NASA.

Twitch is Good For the Environment and the Economy

Recycling aluminum is important because it costs less and is more environmentally friendly than mining for raw metals. Aluminum can actually be recycled an indefinite amount of times, so it’s extremely beneficial to keep it in circulation rather than trashing it. Additionally, aluminum makes cars, planes, and rockets lighter, causing them to require less energy when in use. This is called “lightweighting” and has the potential to significantly lower the carbon footprint of the transportation industry.

Not only is recycling aluminum better for the environment, but it also benefits the economy. The Aluminum Association reports that 3.3 employment opportunities are created in response to each aluminum industry job. The industry itself employs over 160,000 employees. It is also cost-effective to recycle aluminum. A study done by the Center for Resource Recovery and Recycling at the Metal Processing Institute found that the recycling rate of automotive aluminum is 91%, meaning that only a small percentage of aluminum is lost in the recycling process.

Pricing Pressure in the Twitch Metal Market

As reported by the American Metal Market magazine, international demand for twitch is growing, but suppliers are trying to raise prices. Buyers have been tempted by the lower prices of non-twitch shredded metal, putting pressure on the twitch industry to be more competitive. The price difference between twitch and other secondary aluminum alloys is currently 31 cents per pound. Additionally, some auto shredder operators have seen as much as a 20% drop in inbound materials, which could negatively impact the success of the twitch metal market if the pattern continues or becomes more widespread. Consumers are pushing for a price reduction and negotiations are ongoing.


The benefits of recycling aluminum are significant. Bring your scrap metal to Klein’s Recycling to contribute to the health of the planet and the creation of jobs in the recycling industry.