If you have a pile of old metal from a garage, workshop, factory or renovation job, knowing exactly what you have can make a real difference when the time comes to sell it. The first distinction is usually ferrous vs non-ferrous metal. These two groups have different properties, uses and recycling values, and understanding the difference can help you make better sense of non-ferrous scrap metal prices in the UK.

Fortunately, you don't need to be a metallurgist to tell them apart. A few basic checks, along with proper sorting, can go a long way.

Key Takeaways

• Ferrous metals generally contain iron, while non-ferrous metals generally do not.
• Non-ferrous scrap often has a higher value per tonne or kilogram, although the actual price depends on the metal, grade, purity and market.
• Copper, aluminium, brass, bronze and lead are common examples of non-ferrous scrap.
• Separating metals by type and grade can help achieve a more accurate valuation and may improve the price offered.
• MetCat purchases and processes non-ferrous metals and provides collection and drop-off options for qualifying material.

What Is the Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal?

The simplest difference comes down to iron content.

Ferrous metals are primarily iron-based. Steel and cast iron are two common examples. They are generally strong and durable, which is why they appear extensively in construction, vehicles, machinery and industrial equipment.

Non-ferrous metals generally contain little or no iron. This group includes metals such as copper, aluminium, brass, bronze and lead. Many are valued for properties such as corrosion resistance, conductivity or low weight.

There are exceptions and alloys that make identification slightly more complicated, but this distinction is a useful starting point for most scrap.

How Can You Tell If Scrap Metal Is Ferrous?

One of the quickest checks is with a magnet.

Many common ferrous metals are magnetic, so if a magnet sticks firmly to the material, there is a good chance it contains iron. If it does not stick, the item may be non-ferrous.

The magnet test isn't perfect. Some stainless steels, for example, have weak magnetic attraction despite containing iron. Appearance, weight and the original use of the material can therefore provide useful clues too.

Common ferrous scrap metal includes:

• Mild and carbon steel
• Cast iron
• Steel cuttings and offcuts
• Brake discs
• Structural steel
• Machinery and vehicle components

Non-ferrous scrap can include everything from copper pipe removed during a renovation to aluminium production offcuts or old brass fittings.

What Are the Most Common Non-Ferrous Scrap Metals?

Copper

Copper is easy to recognise in many forms thanks to its reddish-brown colour. It is widely used in wiring, plumbing and electrical equipment.

There are also different copper scrap grades. Clean, uncontaminated copper is generally treated differently from copper attached to insulation, solder or other materials.

Aluminium

Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and widely used in transport, construction, manufacturing and packaging. Scrap can include cast aluminium, sheet, extrusion and other grades.

Brass and Bronze

Brass is an alloy primarily made from copper and zinc, while bronze is typically copper-based with tin or other alloying elements. Plumbing fittings, valves, bearings and decorative components are common sources.

Lead

Lead is dense and heavy for its size. It can be found in applications including roofing materials and some industrial components. Because lead requires responsible handling, sellers should take appropriate care when storing and transporting it.

Are Non-Ferrous Metals Worth More Than Ferrous Metals?

Generally, non-ferrous metals can achieve a higher scrap value by weight than common ferrous materials, but there is no single price for "non-ferrous metal".

If you're researching non-ferrous scrap metal prices in the UK, several factors influence the figure you may be offered:

Metal type: Copper, brass, aluminium and lead all trade at different values.

Grade: Two pieces of the same base metal may fall into different scrap grades.

Purity and contamination: Paint, plastic, insulation, steel fixings and other attached materials can affect how scrap is classified.

Quantity: Commercial or bulk volumes may be handled differently from small individual loads.

Market conditions: Metal markets move, meaning the value of material can change over time.

This is why an old online price list can only tell you so much. For an accurate idea of value, the material itself needs to be correctly identified and current pricing considered.

Why Sorting Your Scrap Metal Matters

Throwing copper, aluminium, steel and brass into one container might save a few minutes at the workshop, but it can make valuation harder later.

Sorted scrap requires less separation and processing. Keeping different metals and grades apart can therefore make your material easier to assess and may result in a better price.

For businesses generating scrap regularly, creating separate storage areas or containers for different materials can make the process much easier. Even basic organisation helps.

And if you're unsure what something is? Don't guess. A specialist metal recycler can help identify the material before it is graded.

Selling Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal to MetCat

MetCat has more than 45 years of experience in metal recycling and works with scrap yards, manufacturers, tradespeople and members of the public.

For metal purchasing, the current service focuses on non-ferrous metals and tungsten, including materials such as copper, aluminium, brass, bronze, lead and cable. Material and grade can be checked before arranging the sale.

Sellers can request a quote and, depending on the material and quantity involved, arrange collection or drop their metals off at MetCat's site.

FAQs About Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Scrap

Is steel ferrous or non-ferrous?

Steel is generally classed as a ferrous metal because iron is its principal component. Different steel alloys can have very different properties, however.

Is aluminium a ferrous metal?

No. Aluminium is a non-ferrous metal. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and widely recycled across manufacturing, construction and other industries.

What is the easiest way to identify non-ferrous metal?

A magnet is a useful first check because many non-ferrous metals are not magnetic. Colour, density, application and professional identification can then help narrow down the specific metal and grade.

Which non-ferrous scrap metal is worth the most?

There is no fixed answer because scrap metal markets change. Copper commonly commands more per unit of weight than metals such as aluminium, but grade, purity and current market conditions all influence value.

Does sorting scrap metal increase its value?

It can. Correctly separated material is easier to identify and requires less processing, so sorting different metals and grades before selling may help you achieve a better valuation.

Know What You Have Before You Sell

Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap can both be recycled, but their composition, properties and values differ considerably. A little identification and sorting before selling can make the valuation process clearer and help you understand what your material is actually worth.

If you have non-ferrous scrap ready to sell, contact MetCat for a free, quick quote or discuss collection and drop-off options with the team.