Valuable Metals You Can Scrap for Cash

Scrap metal is a valuable item that you can turn into cash. The metal can be an old car, a damaged household item, or even cans. However, the price of scrap metals varies. Read on to learn more about the most valuable scrap metals to sell.

1. Copper

Copper is a common metal that you can easily find at your home. The metal is present in many old electronics that may no longer work. If you recently did a plumbing upgrade, you may also have old copper pipes. This metal is highly valuable at any scrap yard and could give you a decent income.

Although copper is a non-ferrous metal, it has excellent electric conduction capabilities. Also, the metal has great ductility, excellent thermal conductivity, and impeccable corrosion resistance. These qualities make copper the ideal material for use in motors and wiring. Copper is also a key material for roofing materials and cookware. 

2. Steel

Steel, particularly stainless steel, is a metal that most scrap metal recycling facilities will buy at high prices. Stainless steel is more valuable because it doesn't rust easily. Stainless steel may also contain other metals like nickel, iron, and chromium. Stainless steel is available in many heavy pieces of machinery, warehouses, and factories. 

Steel is prevalent; you can get it on old pipes, ladders, and coat hangers. If you have a piece of damaged kitchen equipment, chances are that the equipment contains steel. Various automotive components also contain substantial amounts of stainless steel.

3. Brass

Brass may not be as popular as other metals, but it is available in many homes. The metal is a combination of zinc and copper and usually has a yellowish color with a hint of red. Brass is present on door knobs, taps, and lamp fittings. Most plumbing components, like the piping in your home, contain brass. If you have a metal that seems to naturally glitter, it is likely brass.

Brass is available in two forms: red brass and yellow brass. Yellow brass is less common but is available in many items. For example, musical instruments, machined parts, and industrial fittings all contain yellow brass. 

Red brass has a higher market value because the metal has a high copper content. You can find red brass in sprinklers, valves, and pumps. 

4. Aluminum

This is a silver metal that is lightweight and flexible but has wide-ranging applications. Aluminum is often present on many products as a finisher. This metal is also the main material for cans.

You can roll aluminum into any shape, and the metal is extremely thin. As a result, aluminum is often found on doors, electrical components, and window frames. Many cookware items, like saucepans and pots, also contain substantial amounts of aluminum. 

Various automotive components, like alternators, radiators, and wheels, also include aluminum. Because aluminum is often lightweight, it has found applications in boats, bicycle frames, and pistons. Aluminum also forms the core of aircraft body parts. 

5. Lead

Lead is a soft but heavy metal that has been popular in the past decades. Many old houses have lead metal on the roofs and plumbing fixtures. This metal is also often present in many batteries. 

One problem with lead is its toxic nature. Proper handling of lead is necessary to prevent health problems. Because the lead is very heavy, you may also have to make special preparations on how to transport it. 

Sell Scrap Metal

Don't let scrap metal lie around your home without any use. The metal can waste precious space and can be an environmental hazard. Instead, sell your scrap metal to a scrap yard facility for additional income. Contact us for more information.