Interesting Facts About Ferrous and Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Posted on January 18, 2022 by gardencity

Metal recycling is an excellent initiative that can be accomplished by just about anyone and with very few resources. If you are interested in getting started with a scrap metal recycling program, whether at home or for the business, it helps to start with an understanding of ferrous and nonferrous metal materials. After all, these metals will be the basis of everything you select for recycling.

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about ferrous and nonferrous metal recycling, including the types of metals that fit within these categories, where to recycle metal in your town, and the various benefits that come along with the entire endeavor.

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The Difference Between Nonferrous and Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals, or ferric metals, are distinctive from nonferrous metals because they contain iron; nonferrous metals do not contain iron. The word ferrous actually translates to iron, giving you an easy way to remember this difference. Although metals are not immediately distinguishable as ferrous or nonferrous simply by sight, there is a very simple way to make the determination. All you need is a strong magnet!

That’s right; ferrous metals, or metals that contain traces of iron, are magnetic. Iron and steel are not magnetic, and most ferrous metal objects contain both iron and steel. If the magnet sticks, the metal object contains traces of iron. In some cases, the concentration of iron is too weak to attract a magnet, so additional equipment would be necessary in determining its true composition. Look below to learn some examples of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their common applications.

Types of Ferric and Non-Ferric Metals

Ferrous metal contains iron, but they can also contain other metals, making it an alloy. Common ferrous metal alloys include cast iron, wrought iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and mild steel. Common nonferrous metals are copper, aluminum, lead, chromium, titanium, cobalt, brass, zinc, nickel, and precious metals.

Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Because nonferrous metals are lower in volume than ferrous metals, it may seem like they are worth less, but in fact, they are worth more in most cases. Nonferrous metals generally have a higher value per pound compared to steel and iron metals. For this reason, they tend to make up the majority of the metal recycled in the country.

Here in the United States, on an annual basis, research suggests that nonferrous metal recycling centers process an average of:

▶ 1.3 Million Tons of Lead Scrap
▶ 1.5 Million Tons of Copper Scrap
▶ 2.5 Million Tons of Aluminum Scrap
▶ 300 Tons of Zinc Scrap

Why Recycle Metal?

Whether ferrous or nonferrous, all metal should be recycled. Both categories of metal are 100% recyclable and can be reprocessing over and over again. This has many environmental and economic advantages. Not only does metal recycling help us preserve our planet’s natural resources by reducing our need to mine for new ores, but it also reduces air pollution generated by the metal refining process, decrease waste in landfills, boost our local and global economies, creates employment opportunities, promotes energy savings, and even puts cash in your wallet!

How does metal recycling pay off with real cash? Just choose a responsible and professional metal recycling center in Indiana to sell your scrap metal to! Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including junk cars.

3 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Scrap Metal Buyer

Posted on December 9, 2021 by gardencity

If you have a freight of scrap metal ready to be recycled and repurposed, you are in a great position. Not only will you be helping the environment by reducing our need to mine for new orders and generate air pollution through the metal refining process, but you are also sitting on a worthy profit. right now, scrap metal prices are good, which means you can make a decent amount of money by selling your scrap metal to a local Indianapolis scrap metal buyer. But beware, not all scrap metal buyers are alike. It is important to choose the right Indiana metal recycling center if you want to bring home the maximum payload for your scrap metal materials.

Continue reading to learn the top three factors to consider before choosing scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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How to Select the Right Scrap Metal Recycling Center

there are certain attributes you should be looking for when researching scrap metal recycling centers in Indiana. These attributes best speak to the overall culture and character of the business. The things you want to focus on include adequate insurance coverage, environmentally-friendly business practices, experience, client testimonials, and customer amenities.

However, the top 3 factors to consider before selecting a scrap metal recycling center in Indianapolis include insurance, experience, and customer support.

Scrap Metal Recycling Businesses Should Be Insured

Sufficient insurance coverage is important for any business that provides a service. Not only should they have full liability insurance, but they should also have insurance coverage that is designed to protect tow truck operators and heavy haulers from accidents caused by heavier shifting cargo loads. Choosing an insured metal recycling business protects both you and the company from any liability in the case of accidents or property damages.

Metal Recycling Centers Should Have a Lot of Experience

Experience is also pretty universal when it comes to choosing a company you can trust. When selecting a metal recycling center in Indianapolis, look for one that has plenty of experience and who is well established within the community. Ample experience indicates that a business is worthy of trust and that customers continue to do business with them because of the integrity and customer support.

Scrap Metal Buyers Should Offer Convenient Amenities

when you begin your search for scrap metal recycling centers, you will notice that there are plenty of options to choose from. But you want to look for a company that has the above to mention attributes, as well as award the list of client amenities. Client amenities are services that make the scrap metal recycling process easier for customers, such as free junk car removal, free haul-away for large scrap metal materials, free estimates, and more.

Would you like to skip the hassle of finding the right scrap metal buyer in Indiana to do business with? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis and bring home the largest payload for your materials. We accept all metal and metal commodities, including junk cars, which we haul away for FREE!

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Are You Looking for Scrap Metal to Sell for Cash?

Posted on May 15, 2019 by gardencity

Local scrap yards and metal recycling centers generally pay you to turn over your scrap metal and junk metal items. In fact, it is a great hobby that not only helps the environment and contributes to the economic health of the local town, it also puts some extra cash in your wallet!

Best of all, countless commodities are made from or contain metal, all of which are 100% recyclable. And finding such commodities to sell for cash can be easier; you can start in your very own home! From there, enter the neighborhood, visit the city, and even go store to store asking for their junk donations.

Continue reading to learn where you can find scrap metal around your home and within the community, including where to sell it for an instant profit!

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Home and Office

There are plenty of items that you can be dismantled for their metal constituents, and therefore, can be sold for a profit to a local scrap metal buyer! Some of the most common items to add to your search include kitchen cutlery and appliances, gardening equipment, automotive parts, power tools, and even whole cars or boats. Anything electronic or motorized is a prime item to sell, such as computers, Mopeds, golf carts, jet skis, cell phones, tablets, stereo systems, GPS navigation, and more.

Community

You can also reach out to your local community in search of scrap metal to recycle. In fact, many people, especially business owners, would be glad to hand off their junk without having to pay for the service. Start by creating an online ad requesting all junk metal commodities. Then go to local businesses to ask for their scrap metal. Some businesses to consider include gun ranges, farms, ranches, hospitals, retail stores, clinics, and even dumpsters and construction sites.

Additional Metal Items to Recycle:

Basically, anything made of metal can be recycled, and therefore, sold to a local scrap metal buying company.

Who to Trust for the Best Offers in Indy

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all metal and metal commodities, including vehicles, car parts, appliances, construction equipment, farming equipment, and much more! Collect all the scrap metal you can, and then sell it to us for the highest profit in town! Request a free estimate or information, today.

What is Prime Scrap Metal?

Posted on March 5, 2019 by gardencity

Also known as “prompt” or “new” scrap, prime scrap metal is a fervently sought-after commodity, and for many good reasons. Continue reading to learn some facts about prime scrap metal, including where to make the most money by selling it in your town.

Prompt Scrap Metal

Prime scrap metal is simply a manufacturing by-product. Basically, it is the clean, pure, scrap metal that is leftover after a certain type of new product production, whether that be plumbing fixtures, automobiles, or electronics. For this reason, prime scrap metal can come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes, colors, finishes, quality, and composition.

Fun fact: According to reports on Balance.com, prompt scrap metal is said to make up virtually 50% of the ferrous scrap metal supply on the planet! Basically, ferrous metals contain iron, and non-ferrous metals do not. See our blog, “The Discerning Attributes of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal” to learn more about ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling

Scrap metal is easily melted down and repurposed into new commodities. As you can see, recycling scrap metal is a critical initiative for our planet, as it reduces the need to mine for new ores, which takes a lot of energy. So not only does scrap metal recycling help to preserve our natural resources, it reduces the amount of energy, time, money, and harmful emissions it takes to mine for new metal. See our blog, “4 Benefits of Recycling Scrap Metal” to learn the top reasons why you should start a metal recycling effort at home and in the office!

How to Profit From Recycling Scrap Metal

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal and junk metal commodities in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.

FAQS About White Rust

Posted on September 17, 2018 by gardencity

Steel, like many other ferrous metals, is susceptible to rust formation. For this reason, steel is often galvanized. Galvanizing is the process of adding a layer of protective coating made of zinc to metal for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of rust. Although the zinc is intended to act as a protective layer against rust, it too can develop a similar condition, called “white rust.”

Continue reading to learn more about white rust, including what causes it to form and how it can be prevented.

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What is White Rust?

White rust is a white, chalky film that can develop on the surfaces of zinc alloys and zinc-coated materials, commonly galvanized steel. In fact, it is a prevalent problem in the galvanized steel industries. It basically looks like a cloudy layer or dry, milky-looking substance on metal.

What Causes White Rust Formation?

When zinc is exposed to hydrogen and oxygen, zinc hydroxide is created, which is the root of white rust formation. This is in contrast to iron oxide, which is what causes standard rust to form. The most common reason why zinc-coated materials are ever exposed to such conditions are during the process of galvanization, when newly-galvanized steel comes into contact with water, or hydrogen dioxide.

White rust forms when this happens because the new zinc coating has not yet had time to develop stable oxides, so instead, the hydrogen and oxygen bond with the zinc, which then forms zinc hydroxide. Condensation that develops as a result of storing galvanized steel is another common cause of white rust formation.

Will White Rust Have Negative Effects on Metal?

Not only is the appearance of white rust unappealing, the effects are destructive to the coating, making the galvanization useless. White rust can render the base metal more vulnerable to discoloration, corrosion, reduced strength, and more.

How Do You Get Rid of White Rust?

Although one cannot necessarily reverse the effects or formation of white rust, it can be prevented. When you have galvanized steel, be sure to store it in a cool, dry area to avoid condensation. Furthermore, avoid exposure to water or any hydrogen-rich environments, and try to use passivating chemicals or oils for added protection. It helps to allow the zinc oxides to stabilize by allowing your steel to age in a low humidity environment for a while.

What Should I Do With White Rusted Steel?

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Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We buy and recycle any and all scrap metal and metal-containing commodities, regardless of condition. Whether it is covered in rust or not, we will accept anything with metal, including appliances, vehicles, auto parts, farm equipment, construction equipment and materials, boats, watercrafts, scooters, motorcycles, RVs, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Where Can I Collect Scrap Metal?

Posted on April 9, 2018 by gardencity

If you are looking for a new hobby, scrap metal recycling could be a great fit. Not only is it a magnificent initiative that supports environmental preservation, it is a pursuit that can make you a great deal of money. Best of all, it is an activity that anyone, at any age, can do! Make it a family pastime, a student project, a side job for extra cash, or an eco-friendly volunteer program for your local community!

Whatever your reason for recycling scrap metal, the first place to start is learning where to get it and who to sell it to for the most cash. Continue reading to learn some of the best spots to find scrap metal materials.

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Around the House

The first place to look for scrap metal to sell is around your house. There are several household items that contain a gainful amount of recyclable metal in them, including appliances, electronics, motorized equipment, machines, car parts, old cars and trucks, scooters, motorcycles, trailers, tractors, bicycles, hoverboards, power tools, plumbing pipes, fixtures, window frames, and more. Whether broken or operational, they are accepted by scrap metal buyers.

Post-Construction Sites

When construction takes place, whether commercial or residential, there is always a post-construction mess to clean up. General contractors will gladly give you permission to salvage whatever debris and leftover materials you can find. This saves them time cleaning up and discarding it themselves. Just be sure to always ask permission before trespassing onto the premises. Look for leftover sheet metal, beams, piping, bearings, and anything else made of metal.

Hospitals and Clinics

After asking permission, many medical centers will hand over old junk that is being sent to the garbage. Recyclable metal items include wheelchairs, hospital beds, bed pans, walkers, appliances, machines, leftover construction equipment, and more. You can check with hospitals, retirement homes, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other medical facilities. Simply schedule a meeting with an office administrator so that you can ask permission and explain that you will remove these items for free.

Local Repair Shops

Any business that provides repairs will likely have old junk laying around. And in many cases, they will be more than happy to let you take them off their hands. Repair shops for appliances, cars, electronics, and furniture are great places to check with. Retail stores may also have old steel shelving, shopping carts, metal displays, and other large metal items they no longer need. When you offer to take this stuff away free of charge, it is appealing to business owners. So there is really no harm in asking!

Additional Sources to Consider:

Shooting Ranges » If there are public or private shooting ranges in your area, check with the manager about collecting the discharged brass shells.

Craigslist » You can post an advertisement on Craigslist, or a similar free public website, stating that you will collect junk or scrap metal from anyone who wishes to give it away for free.

Social Media » You can post an announcement on Facebook and/or other social media platforms asking family and friends to donate their old metal junk to you.

Dumpsters » There is no shame in dumpster diving when it is for the good of the environment and your wallet! Always check with business owners and property managers before getting started.

Farms » You can contact local farms and ranches to see if they have any old equipment to give away. They may have old or obsolete tractors, bulldozers, fork lifts, farming equipment, and more.

Where to Recycle Your Scrap Metal for INSTANT Cash

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Facts About Modern Metal Recycling Technologies

Posted on March 13, 2018 by gardencity

The metal recycling industry has come a long way over the past several decades. The current innovative technologies available for metal identification, mathematics, assessment, and production are fairly new, but proven to be highly effective thus far.

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about the modern metal recycling technologies most commonly used by scrappers and other industry contemporaries.

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One of the primary purposes of the current metal recycling technologies today is to accurately identify and locate metals within objects. These new advancements allow all us to identify and separate many types of metal, including precious metals, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and more. In fact, the separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals is a chief objective for most metal recycling plants, therefore making it one of the most significant phases in the scrapping process.

Eddy Current Separation

Since ferrous metals contain iron, they are magnetic; which up to this point has been a primary method of metal separation in the recycling industry. When it comes to separating mixed waste streams of recyclable materials, a technology known as the Eddy Current Separation is implemented to pull the iron-clad metals from the rest of the mixed waste pile. Here’s how it works:

First, paper is usually removed. After that, only plastic and metal materials remain. Then, electric currents are transferred across the waste pile, affecting only metal. This electrical current picks up all metal items, even aluminum, and castoffs all plastic and paper materials.

Precious Metal

Precious metals like palladium, platinum, gold, silver, and other valuable metals such as copper and lead, are commonly found in electronics. However, they are not always worth extracting using advanced technology and sophisticated recycling equipment unless there is enough material to remove. The time and cost of extracting such valuable metals does not always fall below the value of what can actually be recovered. If there is not enough material there, it is usually not economically viable to use such innovative methods of metal separation.

Infrared Sensors

Large recycling centers often use infrared sensors and x-ray scanning technologies to sort through metal waste. Metal sensing can take place using various methods, but the three most popular include hydrometallurgy, biotechnology, and pyro-metallurgy. These three metal sensing technologies have been effective for improving metal recovery rates.

Recycle Your Scrap Metal for Cash!

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4 Benefits of Recycling Scrap Metal

Posted on July 7, 2017 by gardencity

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Millions of tons of scrap metal are used and discarded each year. From bottles and cans, to vehicles, electronics, and more, metal is a highly useful commodity that is 100% recyclable. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (http://www.isri.org), 150 million tons of scrap metal was recycled in 2008. This rate of metal recycling has remained strong over the years, and we are still recycling millions of tons of scrap metal today!

Continue reading to learn why metal recycling is so valuable to our environment, economy, and more!

❶ Environmental Protection

Recycling scrap metal is good for the environment for many reasons. For example, the mining of new metal ore creates larger amounts of harmful greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to making new products with recycled metal. These emissions cause air pollution to rise in metropolitan areas, and can even influence climate changes overtime. According to the National Institutes of Health, making new products using recycled metal produces 97% less mining waste and uses 40% less water!

❷ Energy Conservation

Scrap metal recycling conserves energy since there is no need to drill, refine, process, and manufacture new ore. Here’s a fun fact: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling just one single aluminum soda can saves enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for more than four hours!

❸ Natural Resource Preservation

One of our most precious natural resources on Earth is our natural ore deposits. Unfortunately, there is only a limited amount. By recycling scrap metal, we can reduce the need to mine for new, virgin ore, thus preserving our planet’s natural resources.

❹ Economic Support

The scrap metal recycling industry is not only philanthropic in terms of the environment, it also aids the local economy by providing jobs, promoting cash flow, and allowing for economic gain. According to the National Recycling Coalition, the recycling industry generates virtually $236 billion each year, and employs more than one million workers across America.

Recycle Scrap Metal in Indianapolis

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal and junk metal commodities in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and more. Call 1-888-586-5322 to request a free estimate for your scrap metal, today.