Scrap glossary
What is Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap?
Ferrous scrap contains iron and is usually magnetic: iron, steel and cast iron. Non-ferrous scrap contains little or no iron and is not magnetic: copper, brass, bronze, aluminium, lead, zinc, nickel and good stainless steel.
A simple magnet is the quickest sorting tool: keep it in your pocket while sorting scrap.
Ferrous scrap is sold in large volumes at a low price per kg; non-ferrous scrap is sold in smaller volumes at much higher prices.
Mixing the two always costs you money, because buyers price a mixed pile at the cheaper rate.
Related terms
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