Types of Scrap Metal and How to Sort Them
Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap explained: copper, brass, aluminium, lead and steel, and how to sort them for a better price.
Scrap yards price metal by type and by how clean it is. Mixed loads are weighed as the cheapest metal in the pile, so a little sorting pays.
Start with a magnet
If a magnet sticks, the metal is ferrous: iron or most steel. Ferrous scrap is plentiful and worth the least per kilo. If the magnet does not stick, you probably have a more valuable non-ferrous metal.
The main non-ferrous metals
- Copper: pipes, cylinders and cable. Clean, bright copper with no solder or fittings is usually worth the most.
- Brass: yellow and heavy. Taps, valves, door furniture and plumbing fittings.
- Aluminium: light and silvery. Window frames, drinks cans, alloy wheels and pans.
- Lead: very heavy and soft. Old flashing and pipework.
- Stainless steel: barely magnetic or not at all. Sinks and catering equipment.
Cable and mixed items
Insulated cable, motors and electrical items are graded separately because the metal inside has to be recovered. Ask the yard how it wants them.
Things yards may refuse
Gas bottles, sealed containers, fridges and anything containing oil or asbestos often need special handling. Always check before you load up.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.