Metals are separated into one of two basic grades, which are referred to in the scrap metal recycling industry as ferrous and nonferrous metals.
Once a metal has been identified as one of these types, it is then further categorized into more specific grades for processing. All of our members grade and process their metals according to international specifications, which determine the price of the metal at the time of purchase. Prices are regularly subject to change as dictated by the fluctuations in the world market, and prices are likely to vary slightly nationwide (i.e. depending on location).
Please note that the information provided below is intended as an introduction to metals only. If you would like further information regarding any of the metals you have for purchase, or any questions relating to metal identification, please contact your local Association member, or our Information Officer whose contact details can be found listed on the Contact Us page.
Ferrous Metals
These metals, scrap iron and steel, are magnetic, and are generally heavier than most non-ferrous metals.
Some of the most common grades of ferrous metals that are handled by our members are described as follows:
| Grade | Description | Examples |
| Cast Iron | Items that have been cast from a furnace. | Brake drums, manifolds, Storm cover gratings, Roller rings |
| Heavy Steel | Steel greater than 3mm in thickness. | Railway iron, Construction steel, Plate steel, Old machinery |
| Lightgrade Steel | Steel less than 3mm in thickness. | Roofing Iron, Ducting, Drums, Spouting |
| Ferrous Inorganic | Products consisting mostly of metals in mixed form. | White ware, Car bodies |
Non-Ferrous Metals
These metals are non magnetic and are generally lighter and more valuable than ferrous metals.
There are numerous grades of nonferrous metals, including aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel and lead.
The most common products handled by our members for each of these grades are described as follows:
| Grade | Description | Examples |
| Aluminium | ||
| Cast Iron | Heavy, dense aluminium which has been cast into moulds. | Mag wheels, Gear box housing, Drain covers |
| Clip | Flat sheet aluminium. | |
| Domestic | Mixed aluminium products | Pots and pans, Registration plates , Corrugated roofing |
| Extrusion | Aluminium which has been extruded through a die. | Window frames, Channel box section |
| Irony | Aluminium containing steel containments. | Brake boosters, Cylinder heads, Vehicle water pumps |
| Swarf | Aluminium turnings. | |
| copper | ||
| Domestic | Copper based products containing various other nonferrous metals in nominal amounts. | Water cylinders, Toilet cisterns, Spouting |
| Grade 2 | Uncoated oxidized copper products free of welds and fittings. These products are typically thinned walled. | Piping Sheet, Off cuts |
| Grade 1 | Copper which is both clean, bright and uncoated. | New pipe off cuts, Punchings, Unsheathed copper wire (No. 16 gauge and >) |
| brass | ||
| Mixed | Brass of varied appearance in weight and colour (though typically yellow). | Fittings, Taps , Piping |
| Swarf | Brass turnings. | |
| Stainless Steel | ||
| Solids | The hardest of all nonferrous metals, usually shiny in appearance and difficult to scratch or make an impression on. | Bench tops, Sinks, Shower trays |
| Swarf | Stainless Steel turnings. | |
| Lead | ||
| Solids | Lead products that are both soft and hard in nature, although generally pliable or easily dented. | Flashing, Sinkers, Piping |
| Batteries | Batteries containing lead acid. | Sourced from automotive vehicles and other machinery (does not include dry cell batteries). |