There are many different grades of scrap metal. Once everyday items reach the end of their usable lifespan, it’s time to recycle them. We buy items that are either made of metal or have a large amount of metal in them. We then process them to international specifications, ready for export.
Steel, Lead, Aluminium, Copper, Zinc, Nickel etc are found in many different products which you come across every day.
When we use the term “clean” to describe scrap metal, it means it’s free of contaminants and within the required specification.
The general rule of thumb is “the purer the metal = the higher the value”.
Listed below are some of the products we buy. If you have any questions, please contact us!
Steel items with non-metallic contaminants (plastic, wood, rubber, glass etc) e.g. Fridges, Stoves, Washing machines, bicycles, and other appliances etc
Coated, unalloyed Copper sheet, pipes and wire. Tin or Nickel plated wire and burnt Copper wire also acceptable. Must be free of excessive grease, dirt, solder and ash.
Miscellaneous Copper including hot water cylinders, guttering, kettles and plumbing scrap. A nominal amount (less than 5%) of brass and non-metallics is acceptable. Should be free of iron, grease and dirt.
Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. Taps, sink wastes, lamp fittings, valves, ornaments, pipes etc. Chrome or Nickel plated Brass is accepted also. Must be free of iron, dirt and excessive plastic.
Electrical wiring covered in plastic insulation. The value is determined by the amount of Copper recovery in the material. The less insulation, plugs and fittings- the higher the value. Includes car looms, household electrical wiring, extension leads, mains cable offcuts etc.
Scrap Aluminium material, generally household scrap. Includes ladders, pots and pans, paneling, painted sheet, joinery, corrugated roofing, number plates, outdoor furniture etc. Should be free from excessive steel and other contaminants.
Aluminium that has been cast into a shape. Includes lawnmower bodies, engine parts, machinery housings etc. Should have less than 1% steel contamination and be free of excessive oil, dirt and rubbish.
Clean non-magnetic Stainless Steel including benchtops, sinks, shower trays, sheet off cuts, pipes, nuts and bolts etc. Must be free of wood, steel and other contaminants.
Electric motors, whole or dismantled, containing Copper windings. Includes alternators, starter motors, washing machine motors etc. Does not include fridge motors (sealed units)
Mixed metals is a low grade of scrap including Aluminium, Copper, Stainless Steel which is contaminated with steel or other metals. Includes machines, gearboxes, Irony Aluminium engine parts etc. Must be free of excessive dirt, oil and grease.