Industrial Metals Demystified: The Differences Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Think all metal recycling is the same? Think again. There are different types of industrial metals, each with different characteristics and values. When recycling, these metals must be separated and sorted to keep like metals together and not contaminate the batch with foreign metals. This article explains the different types of industrial metals—ferrous and non-ferrous—that can be recycled.

What Are Ferrous Industrial Metals?

Ferrum, in Latin, means iron. Ferrous metals, therefore, contain iron. Most ferrous metals are alloys, or a combination of two or more metals. Some common ferrous metals include cast iron, wrought iron and carbon steel.? Ferrous metals have the following characteristics:

??????? Ferrous metals are highly magnetic, except for some stainless steels, which still contain iron and nickel. Most ferrous metals will attract a magnet.

??????? Certain alloys are prone to corrosion and rust. Depending on the alloy, ferrous metals can get corroded and rusty when exposed to moist air. Too much corrosion makes the metal unsalvageable and unrecyclable.

??????? Ferrous metals are strong and hard. They have many architectural and industrial uses, from cars to ships, bridges to skyscrapers.

??????? Of the different types of commercial metal, ferrous metal is the most used. Ferrous metals are recycled in much greater quantities than non-ferrous metal. However, because of its abundance, it has less value.

We Recycle Commercial and Industrial Metals! Call Texas Recycling 214-357-0262 for a Custom Program.

What Are Non-Ferrous Industrial Metals?

By contrast, non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. Some common non-ferrous metals include aluminum, nickel, tin, zinc, and copper. Brass, an alloy combining copper and zinc, and bronze (copper and tin) are also non-ferrous. Different types of commercial metal that fall into the non-ferrous category have the following characteristics:

??????? Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic. Holding a magnet to an unidentified metal is a simple way to determine if it is ferrous or non-ferrous.

??????? Lighter in weight than ferrous metals.

??????? Non-ferrous metals are less likely to degrade, corrode and rust. They are more durable. Uses include jewelry, computer parts, pipes, batteries, and wiring.

??????? Because non-ferrous metals are scarcer, they are more valuable.

Texas Recycling: Industrial Metals Recycling and a Whole Lot More! Call 214-357-0262

How Are Industrial Metals Recycled?

These different types of industrial metals can all be recycled, if in appropriate condition. However, it is important to sort the different types of metal at the recycling center. Some businesses can sort their metal before it is transported to the recycling facility. For others, trained professionals at the recycling center help commercial and industrial companies separate ferrous from non-ferrous metal. These experts use touch, strong magnets, and spark tests with a grinder to differentiate the industrial metal. Often, the metals can be recognized and identified by a knowledgeable, experienced eye.

Once sorted between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, industrial metals may be separated even further. It is then shredded or sheared into tiny pieces. It then goes through a process of being melted down and used for new projects.

Recycling different types of industrial metal is beneficial to the environment. Fewer natural resources need to be harvested and mined, and less metal finds its way into landfills. Plus, selling metal produces additional revenue for industrial and commercial companies such as distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturers as well as companies in the plumbing, electrical, automotive, air conditioning, fabrication, and construction industries.

What About Aluminum Cans?

While we recycle metal only as part of our commercial and industrial program, we do accept aluminum cans from individuals or small businesses at the Texas Recycling Public Buy Back Center.

Recycling aluminum beverage cans (also known as UBCs—used beverage containers) is a necessity to push toward an eco-friendlier world. A recycled can is able to be recycled over and over and over. This process is so efficient, it saves 95% of the cost of making new aluminum cans from iron ore. Plus, the recycling of aluminum cans does not increase hydrocarbons like melting ore commonly known as bauxite.

Texas Recycling buys aluminum cans which are packaged and shipped for quick and easy melting at an aluminum mill such as Alcoa. At the mill, aluminum cans are melted and reformed into new cans. They are now ready to be filled with beer, cola or energy drinks and sold to the public.

Aluminum cans are easy to recycle. Just empty the contents and keep the cans separate from other metal, plastic, and trash. Their value varies with the aluminum markets, but they always bring a rebate to the person recycling the aluminum cans.

Texas Recycling Knows What Can Be Recycled. Call 214-357-0262

Texas Recycling Is Your Partner in Recyclable Materials Revenue

Does your commercial business have different types of industrial metals to sell? Is your industrial company ready to earn money from ferrous and non-ferrous metals while helping the environment? Texas Recycling has the resources to create a custom recycling program to meet your business goals and exceed your expectations.

For more than 30 years, Texas Recycling has been a recycling leader in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! Texas Recycling can customize a recycling program to service the needs of commercial and industrial businesses to increase revenue. If your office or facility generates sufficient volumes of recyclable materials, you may qualify for a commercial and industrial recycling pick-up program.

Help both the environment and your bottom line by calling Texas Recycling at 214-357-0262 to get started on a commercial recycling or industrial recycling program for your company.