Are you new to the scrap metal business? It would be best if you familiarized yourself with the entire sorting process. In that case, we suggest you read more about separating junk metals.

After reading this article, you’ll learn more about determining the kind of metal you have. That way, you’ll find it easier to separate your junk before recycling or selling.

Are you ready? Let’s go.

How to Separate Scrap Metal

Sorting is an essential preparatory measure when selling or recycling junk metals. When you sort your garbage, you can identify the highest-value metal you have.

Additionally, you can maximize profit from your scrap metals.

  • Common Reasons to Separate Scrap Metals

Most scrapers find it undesirable to sort through their scrap metals. That’s because the process takes time and effort. But for some reason, you’ll need to separate your scraps.

Firstly, not all metals have the same scrap value in the market. You should take the time to differentiate the kinds of metals you have. Doing so lets you know which metal has the highest and lowest value.

Another reason to separate your junk metal is to avoid wasting time with a buyer. For instance, scrap metal recyclers and RCM require sellers to bring their scraps already separated.

If your junks are not separated, you’ll have to wait for the entire chunks to be sorted out. Only then you’ll receive your payment.

How to Separate Your Junk Metals

Sorting out scrap metals can be an easy task but time-consuming. You can start by setting up a work area and getting containers to collect each metal.

Large plastic bins, cardboard paper boxes, and other containers., can be used for collection. But you’ll need to label them for easy identification.

Once you’re done, take them to your working area and begin sorting. Items such as batteries, car radiators, and appliances will first be removed and kept aside.

Such components contain toxic chemicals and will require special handling.

Next, you test each metal using the scrap magnet. It’s a powerful tool used to sort ferrous from non-ferrous metals. Regular household magnet needs to be more reliable to help identify your metals.

So don’t wastes your time getting one.

Now, place the magnet on the surface of the metal. If, after pulling, it sticks on the attraction, it’s ferrous metal. But if otherwise, it’s non-ferrous.

Ferrous metals are composed of iron and are less valuable in the market. But non-ferrous has little to no iron and is highly valued. Examples of non-ferrous metals include aluminum, lead, copper, brass, etc.

  • Identifying Non-Ferrous Metals

It’s challenging to differentiate non-ferrous metals. Such metals have a lot of similarities in terms of color, thickness, weight, etc. Generally, pipes and wires with reddish brown color are copper.

Then metals with yellow color are mostly brass. But be careful not to confuse them with gold. Brass is typically found in bullet casings, pipe fittings, valves, faucets, and more.

As for aluminum, they’re lightweight and silver in color. You can get them from window frames, bikes, wheelchairs, and airplanes. You can use the aluminum magnet to ensure it’s iron free.

Finally, stainless steel is often found in household appliances and kitchen wares like pots, pans, and spoons.

Tools You’ll Need for Sorting Junk Scrap Metals

Specific tools will be needed to separate your junk metals efficiently.

As mentioned earlier, the first tool you’ll require is a magnet. This tool is referred to as the “scraper best friend.” Next, you’ll need containers to collect each type of metal.

Leaving them altogether may mess up your plans.

Buyers such as scrap yards may demand you separate the metals before coming back. In other cases, they may pay you based on the least valuable metal in the bunch.

Finally, you’ll need sufficient knowledge of how to separate metals. We aren’t saying you must be a metallurgist. But a little knowledge about scrap metal separation may ease the process.

Additionally, you can be able to estimate the value of your pile accurately.

As a starter needs to know the various kinds of scrap metals. Plus, you should also know about recycled scrap metal prices and more.

Mistakes to Avoid When Sorting Junk Metals

Scrapers are fond of making common mistakes, which lowers their chances of maximizing profits.

One of the common errors they make is a lack of knowledge of scrap metal values. Others include mixing various non-ferrous metals, sorting them into piles, and failing to clarify requirements.

Lastly, they’re fund of breaking up recyclable items. Let’s briefly run through a few of these mistakes.

  • Ignorance of Current Scrap Metal Values

Unfortunately, most scrapers aren’t always aware of the current market values of scrap metals.

As such, they need help to maximize profit as they should. As mentioned above, scrapers must know different kinds of scrap metals.

  • Mixing Non-Ferrous with Ferrous Metals

Knowing how to separate ferrous from non-ferrous metals would be best when sorting out junk metals.

These two classes of metals vary accordingly, and their worth also differs. As highlighted above, mixing these two categories of metals will only complicate your sales and lower your profit margin.

  • Don’t Know the Requirements for Recycling Junk Metals

Most recycling centers have rules and procedures scrapers must follow. You must learn about these requirements to avoid making regrets after sales.

Therefore, you must become familiar with the criteria for junk metals. For more details, contact a recycling center near you.

Safety Measures When Separating Junk Metals

Safety should be your primary concern when sorting out scrap metals.

You may be handling items that are heavy and with sharp edges. You can only protect yourself and others if you take appropriate safety measures.

First, you must dress correctly by bringing your first aid kits and have the right working equipment.

Separating junk metals comes with a few perks.

Firstly, it’ll save you time when dealing will scrapyards or other potential buyers. Secondly, you can determine the true worth of your scraps.

However, the information above should guide you if you need help separating scrap metals. See you next time.