The secret is out about scrap metal. No longer is scrap metal simply selling your empty cans for a penny. Instead, it’s about scrapping quality metals for a higher price. Earning a penny per can does add up in time; however, making a few dollars per pound of copper is a different ballgame. Understanding scrap metal can help you to get ahead and prepare for your future of scrapping.

Which metals can you scrap?

If you want to make as much money as possible, you will want to know what kind of metal you have to scrap so that it can be separated. On the other hand, if you are just looking to get rid of some metal for a little extra money, you don’t have to know what you’ve got, nor do you have to separate the metals. Many kinds of metal can be scrapped, including:

• Copper
• Aluminum
• Iron
• Brass
• Steel

You can find scrap metals in various locations. One of the most common scrapping projects is selling old vehicles for scrap metal. 

Can you make good money scrapping metal?

If you’re hoping to walk away with hundreds of dollars with one piece of scrap, it is unlikely. However, if you separate your metals and scrap more valuable pieces, you could make decent cash. If you collect metals that are more valuable than others, you could make good money from scrapping. 

The cost of metals is constantly changing. Contact your local scrap yard for current pricing in your area. Aim for reasonable finds that sell at a good price. Be wise in your search, and you may be surprised!

What are ferrous metals? Non-ferrous metals?

In simple terms, ferrous metals are those containing iron. These are magnetic, so finding out which pieces are ferrous is a simple process. If you plan to scrap metal, be sure to have a quality magnet on hand. Ferrous metals are not necessarily straight iron but have enough iron within them to be magnetic. 

Non-ferrous metals are those without iron. These materials are not magnetic. Most commonly, non-ferrous metals are aluminum and copper. Aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous metals should be appropriately identified for the maximum earning potential. 

Ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals are not necessarily different in value. There is a reasonable cost difference between many non-ferrous metals. The benefit of scrapping these metals is in the environmental advantages. Scrapping metal is recycling metal. Scrapped metal, both ferrous and non-ferrous, gets combined with other metals to reinforce its strength and made into something new. The reuse of metal aids the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.