Know Your Metal: Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Scrap (And Why It Matters)
Learn how to tell ferrous from non-ferrous metals, why it matters, and how to get paid more for your scrap metal in New York City.
Ajax Scrap • 2 min read
What's the Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals?
Ferrous Metals
- Contain iron
- Magnetic
- Examples: steel, cast iron
Non-Ferrous Metals
- No iron
- Non-magnetic
- Examples: copper, aluminum, brass
Why It Matters for Scrap Prices
Non-ferrous metals are usually more valuable — especially copper, brass, and aluminum.
NYC Examples
- Old pipes? Probably copper.
- Car parts? Often steel.
- Window frames? Likely aluminum.
Pro Tip
Use a magnet to sort your metals — separate before we arrive, and we'll pay more.
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