Metal recycling is a vital initiative for our planet. Not only does it help preserve our natural resources and reduce our need to mine for new ores, all of which also reduces air pollution produced by the metal refining process, but metal recycling also stimulates our economies, provides jobs, and teaches us the value of what we would otherwise consider junk. If you are interested in recycling metal, start with scrap metal around the house. All metal is 100% recyclable, including alloys like brass. We mention brass because many people are unaware that old brass items and objects can be recycled. You would be surprised to see just how much brass junk your house contains!
Continue reading to learn more about brass, and how to recycle metal in your community for cash on the spot.
Facts About Brass
Brass is not a pure, naturally-occurring metal. It is an alloy, which means it is made from a combination of other metals and elements. Brass is mostly composed of zinc and copper, but can sometimes contain other elements, such as lead, depending on its intended application. Due to the varying content ratios of copper and zinc, there are several different kinds of brass.
Why We Use Brass
Brass retains a wide range of properties that makes it a useful commodity in our society. It is malleable, more so compared to other metals, especially bronze and zinc. This quality makes it ideal for casting, shaping, and designing. It also has a white-to-gold finish, making it ideal for art and decorative items. Brass also retains acoustical properties, which it why it is used to make musical instruments. Additionally, brass is a good conductor of heat, resistant to corrosion, and has a low melting point.
The most common applications for brass are the manufacturing of musical instruments like trumpets, trombones, horns, and saxophones, as well as radiators, plumbing pipes and tubing, water installation fittings, screws, ammo and gun cartridge casings, architectural trim and moldings, and art décor.
Brass is Not Bronze
Many people wrongly assume that brass and bronze are the same element, but they are actually different. Brass is made from copper and zinc, while bronze is primarily made from copper and tin, but sometimes contains other elements like aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, and manganese. Bronze is mostly used for art and decorative items, as well as mirrors, reflective materials, submerged parts, springs, electrical connectors, and ship fittings.
How to Recycle Brass in Indianapolis
Any local scrap metal recycling company will take your brass items. But if you want the best service and a little profit, choose Garden City Iron & Metal in Indianapolis, Indiana for all your scrap metal recycling needs. We pay cash on the spot for any and all metal, including brass, bronze, steel, iron, copper, and more!
Ready to see how much you can make from recycling scrap metal? Contact us at 1-888-586-5322 for an instant, over-the-phone quote for metal recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana.
You Should Read:
Do You Know What Makes Brass and Bronze Different From Each Other?
Facts About Zinc Metal
The Best Corrosion-Resistant Metals
