Scrap metal recycling is a hot topic trending in today's eco-conscious world. Recycling can revive old scrap metals and convert them into valuable products, thanks to metal recycling plants available. One essential element of scrap metal recycling is sorting, which allows efficient grouping of related metals for efficient recycling. This post discusses five vital sorting tips to get the most out of your scrap metal recycling projects. Read on to learn more.
Call The Recycling Firm In Advance
Not all scrap metal recycling centres are the same. Each one has a set of rules and regulations you must adhere to regarding scrap metal recycling. Thus, it's prudent to contact them earlier to ascertain any specific guidelines you should follow when sorting your scrap metals. Some recycling plants might have stringent restrictions you should know about.
Distinguish Between Ferrous And Non-Ferrous Metals
If you are sceptical about the scrap metal type you've got, try establishing whether your scrap contains ferrous or non-ferrous metals. Generally, ferrous metals contain iron, while non-ferrous metals don't. Since iron is a magnetic material, you can quickly determine ferrous metals by using a magnet. Non-ferrous metals are typically more valuable than ferrous metals.
Collate Your Ferrous And Non-Ferrous Metals Further
After sorting ferrous and non-ferrous metals, store them in separate containers to prevent accidental mixing. Since some metals have a higher value than others, separating them can help you get the best return for your scrap metal recycling.
Often, ferrous metals undergo rusting faster than other metals because they contain iron. However, this characteristic doesn't apply to all ferrous metals. Here are some critical features to consider:
Steel – it's naturally solid, with a slight rusting degree
Stainless-steel – it's inherently rust-proof
Tin – it's a soft, pliable and silvery-white metal that's rust-proof
Lead – it's relatively heavier than the rest
On the contrary, non-ferrous metals boast of a higher value than ferrous metals because of specific characteristics, including excellent conductivity, corrosion-resistant and lightweight. They include;
Copper – distinctively red/orange in colour and often found in electrical wires
Brass – conspicuously yellow
Aluminium – silver-coloured
Check For Contamination
If your scrap metal contains rust, dirt and grime, you might want to clean it before sending it to your recycler. Contamination can also mean that a specific type of metal is attached to foreign materials. Therefore, remove any contamination by scraping any unwanted material to achieve pure metals depending on their type.
Work With A Scrap Metal Collection Service
Finally, save yourself more hassle by working with a scrap metal collection service. These companies collect your scrap metal from your home or business, making the entire process more convenient. They can also set up a routine scrap metal collection contract depending on your schedule.