Metal Guide

Types of Metal

Ferrous

A ferrous metal is any metal that has iron as its primary component, giving it characteristics such as magnetic properties, high strength, and a tendency to rust. Common examples include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron, and they are widely used in construction, automotive, and manufacturing for their durability and load-bearing capabilities. Ferrous/magnetic metal is typically of lower value as scrap metal as it breaks down faster.

Non-Ferrous

Non-ferrous metals are any metals that do not contain iron (not magnetic). They are characterized by their lack of magnetism, high resistance to rust and corrosion, and lighter weight compared to ferrous metals. Common examples include aluminum, copper, lead, tin, zinc, gold & silver. Due to these properties, they are used in applications like electronics, plumbing, and roofing. Non-ferrous metal is usually worth more in scrap value due to its lasting nature.

How Scrap Metal Is Graded

A scrap metal grading guide starts with classifying metal as ferrous, which is magnetic and contains iron (example - steel) or non-ferrous, which is non-magnetic (example - copper & aluminum). Within these two categories, grades are determined based on the metal's form, purity, and contamination level. Higher grades (#1) are cleaner and more valuable than lower grades (#2). A few factors important for grading include: color, weight, and the presence of paint, dirt, or other unwanted materials.

Check out the videos below to see how scrap is analyzed and graded.

Helpful Videos for Grading your Metal

Identifying different types of Scrap Metal

Watch this video to see how different types of metal are graded to help you best separate what you have to maximize your return as you scrap.

How to grade ALUMINUM

Watch this video from iScrap App to learn how to get the most from your scraped aluminum. The following are the most common classifications for scraped aluminum:

Clean Aluminum
Dirty Aluminum
Aluminum Cans
Aluminum Wheels

Each classification will have its own price - in $ per lb. Give us a call to check the current rate for any of the classifications above or describe what you have and we will do our best to let you know what the pay rate will be.

How to grade COPPER

Watch this video from iScrap App to learn how to get the most from your scraped copper. Grades are:

#1 copper (bare bright)
#2 Copper
#1 Insulated Copper
#2 Insulated Copper
#3 - Sheet Copper

Reminder: TN State Law requires we hold payment for 5 days. You get a voucher to bring back with you to pick up payment in person or we can mail the check directly to you.