5 Great YouTube Resources on Sorting Metals

Recycling scrap metal is not only good for the environment, it also can be good for your pocketbook. If you have a big pile to recycle, how can you easily sort it? Check out these resources and tips we’ve found for more information about sorting your scrap metal:

Get a Good Magnet

A good, strong magnet will help you tell the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, even if they look exactly the same. As the video below shows, two pieces of scrap metal, or two nails, can look the same. But they are made out of entirely different materials and be worth wildly different prices.

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3nZuPqZvB8

Scratch Test Your Non-Ferrous Metals

Many times, one type of metal is plated with a different metal, either to protect against corrosion or for aesthetic purposes. A scratch test can reveal whether that copper washer really is solid copper, or if it’s just copper-plated. The scratch test also can reveal, as in the video below, that you may have a more expensive piece of metal than you think due to plating.

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buA_7LiUVUY

Know Your Red Metals

Copper, brass, and bronze are popular metals in home decor, housewares, and musical instruments. All three metals contain copper, and each has its own uses and value. Learn the differences among these metals to get the most out of your scrap pile.

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysInnHOoouc

Aluminum or Stainless Steel?

Aluminum and stainless steel are both silver, shiny metals commonly found in scrap piles. There are many ways to test whether your metal is aluminum or stainless, and you can test with everything from a grinder to an old house key. As shown in this video, aluminum takes less pressure to damage than stainless.

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XrPjpjMugg

Breaking Down Old Computer Towers

Old computer towers are everywhere, as technology changes rapidly. Though some places take the full towers, others prefer them broken down into the individual pieces and metals. This video gives a great tutorial on how to break down those obsolete towers to get to the metals inside.

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_LATGOuFfQ

At Reliable Recycling, we’ll turn your old metals into cash in your pocket. Give us a call to learn more about our sorting scrap metal process!