How to Identify Valuable Metals in Household Items
Maximizing your earnings from scrap metal recycling starts with knowing what metals to look for in your household items. Identifying valuable metals ensures you get the best return on your scrap, turning potential waste into cash. In this guide, we’ll help you discover which common items contain valuable metals and how you can identify them effectively.
Common Household Items Containing Recyclable Metals
Knowing where to find valuable metals in your household can significantly increase your recycling earnings. Here’s a look at some common household items that contain valuable metals:
Plumbing and Electrical Components
- What you can find: Copper, Brass and Insulated Wire
- Where to find it: Scrap plumbing pipes, faucets, scrap electrical wiring and old air conditioners
- Metals in these items: Copper is commonly found in plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. Brass is typically found in faucets and other plumbing fixtures. Insulated wires can contain copper or aluminum inside the insulation
Kitchen Items
- What you can find: Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Cast Iron
- Where to find it: Pots, pans, utensils and sinks
- Metals in these items: Aluminum is found in many kitchen utensils and appliances. Stainless steel is used in kitchen sinks, pots, and pans. Cast iron is commonly found in cookware
Automotive Parts
- What you can find: Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Lead
- Where to find it: Old Cars, Trucks, Machinery, Radiators and Lead-Acid Batteries
- Metals in these items: Radiators contain aluminum and copper, lead-acid batteries contain lead and vehicle and machinery parts are made from steel, aluminum, and copper
Household Appliances
- What you can find: Steel, Aluminum, and Copper
- Where to find it: Washing Machines, Water Heaters, and Dryers
- Metals in these items: These appliances typically contain a mix of metals such as steel, aluminum, and copper
How to Identify Metals in These Items
Visual Inspection
Different metals have distinct colors, textures, and properties that can help you identify them:
- Copper: Copper has a distinctive reddish-brown color and often develops a green patina when exposed to the elements over time.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight, silver in color, and does not rust. Its non-magnetic property makes it easy to identify.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is shiny, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. It has a sleek, polished appearance.
- Brass: Brass has a yellowish-gold color.
- Cast Iron: Cast iron is dark gray or black and very heavy. It is commonly used in cookware and some machinery parts. It is brittle and can break or crack easily.
Magnet Test
A simple magnet test can help you differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals, such as steel and iron, are magnetic, whereas non-ferrous metals, like copper, aluminum, and brass, are not.
Scratch Test
Scratching the surface of a metal item can reveal its true nature. For example, brass items often have a thin layer of coating that, when scratched, reveals a yellowish color underneath.
Weight and Density
The weight and density of a metal item can also be a good indicator of its type. Metals like lead and cast iron are dense and heavy, while aluminum and tin are much lighter.
Where to Sell Your Metal
Once you have identified and safely disassembled your valuable metals, the next step is to sell them for cash.
Inland Steel Products has multiple locations across the Canadian prairies where you can recycle your scrap metal. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to handle a wide variety of metals, ensuring you get top dollar for your scrap metal.
- Convenient Locations: We have facilities in Saskatoon, Regina, Lloydminster, Swift Current, Bonnyville, and Calgary.
- Fast Service: Our efficient processes ensure quick drop-offs and payment, so you can get in and out with ease.
- Competitive Prices: Inland Steel Products offers competitive pricing for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ensuring you get the best return on your metal.
RECYCLE YOUR SCRAP METAL FOR CASH
If you have scrap metal you’d like to recycle for cash contact our team today! We are open Monday to Friday and have six locations across Western Canada with convenient drive-in and drop-off facilities.
