When it comes to scrap metal, there is a range of different types.
For an effective waste management system or Sydney rubbish removal project, it’s imperative to know the different types of metal that can make up scrap.
This is because you should understand the value of various metals, as well as how they can be reused down the track.
Metals can be divided into two categories – ferrous and non-ferrous. Here are the most common types of scrap metal, and where they are found.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are metals that are either iron or steel or contain iron.
The best way to know if a metal is ferrous is to use a magnet. If it sticks, it’s ferrous. If it’s not magnetic, it’s not a ferrous metal.
The USA processes enough ferrous metal each day to build 25 Eiffel Towers!
Iron
Iron can be found in many household items, such as cast-iron pots and pans, iron railings, outdoor furniture and even lawn mowers.
On a building site, iron is usually present in wrought iron, cast iron, sheet iron and of course, in steel. However, it’s not as popular as it once was in the building industry.
Steel
Steel is created with iron ore but is a stronger material.
This is an extremely common scrap metal and appears abundantly in the construction industry, as well as in homes and commercial businesses.
Hiring a professional Sydney rubbish removal company will help you to get the most out of your steel scrap.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. Therefore, they aren’t magnetic.
As well as that, non-ferrous metals are generally more resistant to corrosion and rust. Therefore, they have a variety of qualities and uses.
Aluminium
Aluminium is one of the most common types of metal that makes up scrap.
This metal is found in plenty of everyday items, including drink cans, screen door and window frames, demolition waste and construction waste.
In our work as a rubbish removal company, we see aluminium on a regular basis.
Brass
Brass is an alloy metal, made from a combination of copper and zinc.
Found in virtually every home, brass often appears in air-conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, doorknobs, old bed frames and brass plated crockery.
Lead
Lead is highly expensive to mine, so using recycled lead is now the preferred method of sourcing materials for manufacturing.
It is considered a highly toxic material, so must be handled with care. Lead is usually found in older houses, often in the form of lead piping.
As well as that, lead can be found in old roofing, old wheel weights and scrap from used hospital beds, wheelchairs and fixtures.
Because of the risky nature of lead, it’s imperative that you hire a professional rubbish removal company to handle it for you.
Copper
Copper is one of the most sought-after scrap metals, due to its value.
In fact, copper theft has become a big problem throughout the country, as people steal cables and building supplies to on-sell for cash.
Copper is usually found in plumbing, kitchen utensils, appliances and of course, electrical wiring and cables.
To discuss disposing of your scrap metal efficiently and responsibly, get in touch with Sydney City Rubbish here.
