Learn the 3 Main Metal Grades for Scrap Yards in Toronto
Posted on 19 October 2021When scrap metal is collected for recycling, there’s far less scrap that goes to landfill sites. This benefits both the economy and the environment – primarily because the recycled scrap is being reused over and over again. There are even more benefits to scrap metal when participating in aluminum recycling, where the metal can be recycled infinitely without losing its integrity.
For local scrap yards, aluminum is usually in demand – and it fetches a good price compared to other metals. Full-time collectors (and casual collectors) can do well with high-quality scrap aluminum. The main thing for collectors is to work with a reputable scrap yard, and here, Tal Metal is one of the more established scrap yards in Toronto.
3 Main Grades of Metal
Scrap metal collectors should have an understanding of metal grades in order to assess potential value at the scrap yard. After all, why not focus on scrap metal that fetches the best price? As well, collectors should know where to find specific scrap metals in sizable amounts. Generally, metals are classified into separate groups or grades – like ferrous, non-ferrous, and alloys. Each of these categories represent the properties of the metal and usually impact their return. It’s good to understand the value of each grade prior to collecting scraps, but scrap yards in Toronto will help you get started. At Tal Metal we’re happy to answer any questions regarding scrap metal and aluminum recycling you may have.
Ferrous Metals: Ferrous metals are composed primarily of iron. They might have small amounts of other metals to enhance some properties, but typically the ferrous metals are all prone to corrosion and oxidation (rust). Ferrous metals like iron and nickel have significant magnetic properties, which is a good identifier for collectors. These metals can certainly be found at large construction sites, home renovations, and automotive repair shops. Needless to say, these are the heavier metals.
Non-Ferrous Metals: Non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron. They aren’t magnetic (a good identifier for collectors) and are usually corrosion resistant. Aluminum, copper, silver, and gold are examples, and these are often in high demand at the scrap yard. It’s not surprising that clean, pure scrap will fetch the best price. As an example, aluminum can be found in old screen doors, home siding, playground equipment and even end-of-life appliances. Scrap aluminum is always in demand.
Metal Alloys: A metal alloy is fabricated by mixing two or more other metals together. This is most commonly done by melting the separate metals, mixing them together, and allowing them to solidify. Alloys are used in industry because they have enhanced properties – such as hardness, strength, and machinability. When it comes to recycling alloys, the most efficient way is to only recycle common materials. That’s typically the only viable way to reuse the alloy metal in a meaningful way.
Aluminum – The Most Common Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal
Scrap aluminum can be found practically everywhere – from beverage cans to automobile parts to outdoor furniture to household appliances. It’s an ideal metal for recycling because it can be easily melted down, processed, and reused indefinitely. More than that, aluminum recycling is environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and economically viable. As one of the leading scrap yards in Toronto, Tal Metal offers highly competitive prices for scrap aluminum – a great source of cash for both serious scrap collectors and casual collectors alike.
Call us today to learn more or schedule your scrap metal pick up in Toronto.