Top 5 Most Valuable Recyclable Metals

Selling scrap metal to local scrap yards is a great way of generating income, but you might not be aware of how much recyclable metals tend to differ in value. Of course, scrap metal prices do fluctuate anyway, but it’s needless to say that these metals should remain firmly at the top of your recycling pile all year round. This blog will help you determine which scrap metals you should invest your time into by highlighting four of the most valuable materials - starting from the lowest value and working our way up.



Lead

At the tail end of a great bunch is lead - once one of the most widely used materials - which is still an extremely valuable asset in the scrap metal industry. Though it has been somewhat phased out due to its toxicity, we still find it in large car batteries, gym equipment, radiation protection and much more. Its use in heavy weights means that a lot of people will simply have it lying around their homes, without knowing that it can be profitable to scrap. Additionally, because it’s still used in industrial projects such as car batteries, businesses may well have access to large quantities of it which can be recycled in bulk.

Aluminium

Aluminium is not only a component of tinfoil, kitchen utensils and cans, but is also extensively used in electronic devices thanks to its lightweight consistency. This popular metal can be recycled in bulk or on a small scale and still fetches a decent price. Plus, recycling aluminium saves around 90% of the energy it takes to make new aluminium, making it an extremely sustainable choice. However, aluminium doesn’t rust but it does corrode, so make sure to recycle it before corrosion sets in.

Titanium

Although less frequently used than aluminium, titanium is still handy for a number of products - electronics, sporting equipment, lightweight vehicles and even joint replacements - thanks to its low density and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Titanium also doesn’t rust which makes recycling it far easier, and can even be recycled multiple times without losing its quality.

Brass

Made from a combination of zinc and copper, brass can be found in various products. Its resistance to corrosion means that it is used in a lot of items that incur a lot of friction, such as hinges, locks and gears. Brass is probably best known as a material used in the manufacturing of music instruments. For these reasons, this everyday material has the ability to be recyclable on a mass scale.

Copper

Taking first place is copper - the most valuable scrap metal, and the one that scrap metal merchants will be most pleased to see. Copper is used extensively in wiring, motors, jewellry, kitchen utensils and so much more. It is considered the most valuable by far thanks to its infinite recyclability and, much like titanium, will never lose its quality. Plus, due to its low iron content, it's also highly unlikely to ever rust. Copper is almost always going to come out on top regardless of market fluctuations, so be sure to always take it to your local scrap yard.

Reliable Metal Scrap Yard in South Wales

Broughshire Waste Metals is a leading commercial scrap yard and waste management company in South Wales. For more information on scrap metal value and how to recycle them, please get in touch.