Maximize Scrap Metal Profits: Know Your Ferrous from Non-Ferrous Metals

Not all scrap metal is created equal, and if you’re recycling it all together, you could be leaving serious cash on the table.

Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out the garage or a contractor sorting job site leftovers, understanding the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals can help you get the best price for your scrap.

Here’s how to tell them apart, where to find them, and why it pays (literally) to sort before you drop off and recycle your scrap metal for cash.

What’s the Difference?

The key difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal comes down to one thing: iron.

Ferrous metals contain iron. Think steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. These are strong, magnetic, and prone to rust.
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. This includes aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, and more. They’re lightweight, non-magnetic, and resistant to corrosion.

And here’s why it matters: non-ferrous metals are typically worth more, sometimes a lot more.

Even a quick magnet test can help you tell them apart. If it sticks, it’s ferrous. If it doesn’t, it’s likely non-ferrous, and potentially more valuable.

To get the most for your scrap, sort it by type before drop-off. Keeping similar metals together and removing non-metal attachments like plastic, rubber, or wood can also boost your payout and speed up the process once you arrive. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in what you walk away with.

Where to Find Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals

Scrap metal adds up fast once you know where to look. Here’s where these metals commonly show up:

Ferrous Metals

Washing machines, dryers, and ovens
Steel roofing, beams, and rebar
Hot water heaters and furnace shells
Lawnmowers, snowblowers, and garden tools
Metal shelves, bed frames, and filing cabinets
Bikes, BBQs, and swing sets
Metal siding and fencing

Non-Ferrous Metals

Copper: Wiring, plumbing pipes, motors
Aluminum: Siding, patio furniture, window frames
Brass: Faucets, door handles, decorative fixtures
Stainless steel: Sinks and kitchen equipment

Pro tip: Even small amounts of copper or brass can add up fast, don’t overlook them.

Want a full breakdown of what we accept? See our What We Buy page.

The Inland Steel Products Recycling Process

At Inland Steel Products, we’ve made it easy to turn your scrap into cash, whether you’re clearing out the garage or managing a major project.

Here’s how the process works:

Eight convenient locations: Drop off your scrap at any of our sites in Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Swift Current, Bonnyville, or Medicine Hat.
Quick drive-in service: Our streamlined weigh-scale system gets you in and out fast
Competitive pricing: Get fair market rates and paid on the spot (cash or cheque)
No load too small or too big: From a handful of metal to truckloads — we’ll take it
Bin service available: For larger jobs, we offer 24–48 hour bin delivery and pickup
Local impact: A portion of proceeds goes back into supporting community programs across the Prairies

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 eight locations across Western Canada with convenient drive-in and drop-off facilities.