Your Guide to Identifying Different Types of Scrap Metal

Each type of scrap metal in Tucson has its own unique attributes and can be recycled and reused in different ways. Fortunately these characteristics are typically easy to spot if you know what to look for. Here is your guide to identifying different types of scrap metal.

Copper

If you want to find copper, it is a good idea to look towards your electronics. The most valuable kind of copper you could come across is called bright copper, which is pure and usually comes in wire form. Pure copper is an attractive shade of pink, but copper may also be red or brown. The green color of the Statue of Liberty comes from oxidized copper. Copper number one and two refer to clean and painted copper, respectively.

Brass or Bronze

Although brass or bronze may not fetch as much money as clean copper, it is still worth recycling. Fortunately it can be relatively easy to identify as well. You can find this metal in many musical instruments like trombones and trumpets as well as in pipe valves. You can typically identify brass or bronze by its characteristic yellow hue.

Aluminum

The word “aluminum” might make you think of cans of soda, beer, and other beverages. However, it can also be found in a range of other products and materials. Aluminum is a light metal that is not prone to rust. It will not draw a magnet or spark when you grind it down with an angle grinder. Certain forms of currency are made using aluminum, and you can get such currency for recycling your scraps.

If you would like help identifying your scrap metal, please do not hesitate to contact Tucson Iron and Metal or visit our website. We are happy to offer metal recycling in Tucson. Feel free to stop in and meet with us or call us at (520) 884-1554 if you’d like to learn more about our services.