Sorting Your Metals for Recycling
Metals for recycling are generally separated into two major categories: ferrous and non-ferrous.
Ferrous Metals
This includes metals made up primarily of the element iron. For example, Steel and Cast Iron.
Non-ferrous Metals
Here are some examples of common non-ferrous metals we purchase:
- Copper: Commonly sorted into five main categories: bare bright wire, #1, #2, light copper, and finally insulated wire. The insulated wire price depends on the percentage of copper we can recover after removing the insulation.
- Brass: Typically sorted into two categories: red or yellow. Red contains roughly 10% tin and is becoming more rare.
- Aluminum: The most common grades are extrusions, cast, siding, beverage cans, alloy wheels, and electrical wire.
- Stainless steel: Generally comes in one of two types: 304 or 316. Alloys with greater nickel content fetch a higher value.
- Lead: Often used in car batteries and x-ray screening.
- Zinc: Used in modern plumbing fixtures, usually for components that don’t come into direct contact with water.
Recycling Items Other Than Metals
- Clean Corrugated Cardboard
- PC and other Circuit Boards
How We Determine Value For Your Metals
For all metals, the value is based upon the purity often influenced by other metals alloyed in.
The scales at Reliable Recycling are certified by weights and measures officials from the State of Maryland, and inspected semi-annually. Our scales range from platform scales that can weigh as little as one pound, up to large truck scales able to accommodate tractor-trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds.
Metal recycling prices fluctuate based upon world market values, so please call (301) 663-4482 to confirm pricing.
Click here to see a list of materials we do not accept.
If you need more help with sorting your scrap metal check out our blog for tips and resources!
