Recycling

Metal recycling in Pakistan

Metal recycling turns scrap back into raw material. In Pakistan, iron and steel scrap is melted by steel mills and re-rolled into bars and sheets, while copper, brass and aluminium go to furnaces and foundries. Recycled metal uses far less energy than producing metal from ore, which is why scrap always has a buyer.

Sell your scrap

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Ferrous metals contain iron and stick to a magnet: iron, steel and cast iron. They are the largest volume but have a lower price per kg. Non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, aluminium, lead, zinc and stainless steel do not stick to a magnet (or only weakly) and are worth much more per kg.

From your scrap to new metal

Collection: kabaris and dealers buy scrap from homes, shops and factories.
Sorting: material is separated by metal and grade, and non-metal parts are removed.
Processing: scrap is cut, baled or shredded to fit furnaces.
Melting: mills and foundries melt the scrap and adjust its chemistry.
New products: bars, sheets, castings, wire and utensils go back to market.

Why sorting earns you more

Every recycler wants one clean material. Mixed scrap has to be sorted by someone, so buyers pay the rate of the cheapest metal in the pile. A magnet, a few bags and twenty minutes of sorting can raise what you are paid noticeably.