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.