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What Is Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling?

All metals fall into one of two categories: ferrous, and non-ferrous. Non-ferrous scrap is the third most recycled material in the U.S. by volume, and these materials are worth more money than ferrous metals. Sources include aluminum from cans, or lead and zinc from batteries, cars, and appliances.

Handling Non-Ferrous Metals Recycling in Vancouver

What Are Non-Ferrous Metals?

Non-ferrous metals are softer, lighter, and more conductive than ferrous metals. Because non-ferrous metals contain no iron, they are more resistant to rust and corrosion. This is why you see non-ferrous metals used in water pipes, gutters, roofing, and even road signs. As non-ferrous metals are much lighter than ferrous metals, you often see them in industries where weight is a factor, such as aviation. Being non-magnetic means that non-ferrous metals are perfect for use inside electronics and as electrical wiring.

Common properties of non-ferrous metals include malleability, light, highly conductive, corrosion resistant, and not magnetic. Examples include:

  • Aluminum – Lightweight, durable, and easily shaped
  • Copper – Resistant to corrosion, malleable, and a fantastic conductor of electricity and heat
  • Lead – Low melting point, heavy, and malleable
  • Tin – Soft, inexpensive, and easily recyclable
  • Zinc – Low melting point, strong, and often used as a non-corrosive coating
Stacks of Non-Ferrous Metals Ready to Be Recycled in Vancouver

Types of Non-Ferrous Metals We Buy

  • Aluminum
  • Coils
  • Copper
  • Electric motors
  • Electrical parts
  • Electrical wiring
  • Insulated wire
  • Lead-acid batteries
  • Plumbing parts
  • Radiators
  • Turnings
  • Zinc

Advantages of Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal Recycling

Metal can be continuously recycled, uses fewer resources than manufacturing new metals, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Many non-ferrous metals are relatively scarce, such as copper, brass, and lead, and scrap material is often relied on for new fabrications. As non-ferrous metals are rarer, they are also worth more money than ferrous metals.

Recycling non-ferrous metals helps protect the environment, conserve resources, comply with waste management regulations, and also puts money in your pocket.

Who We Buy Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal From

North Star Metal Recycling will accept non-ferrous metal from the general public, construction/demolition contractors, government bodies, and more. As ethical business practices are important to us, we cannot accept scrap metal that we cannot confirm has come from a legitimate source.

Why Choose North Star Metal Recycling?

North Star Metal Recycling has over 70 years of industry experience, and are members of the Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) and the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries (CARI). We offer competitive prices for your non-ferrous metals, and we are a leading provider of scrap metal.

Contact North Star Metal Recycling to Get Started

Do not throw away your non-ferrous metals! By bringing your scrap to North Star Metal Recycling, you can protect the environment and earn money. Contact us today and we can give you a competitive price for your scrap, and then transform that metal into usable materials for other industries.

We Buy and Sell Metal and Much More