What is ferrous vs non-ferrous metal?
Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic (steel, cast iron), while non-ferrous metals do not (aluminum, copper, brass). Scrapyards pay different rates for each group.
The split between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is the first sorting step in scrap recycling. Ferrous metals contain iron and respond to a magnet, the easiest field test junk removal crews use on site. Non-ferrous metals have no iron and will not stick to a magnet.
Common ferrous metals in residential and commercial junk loads include steel appliances, cast iron cookware, rebar, metal piping, and car frames. Non-ferrous metals typically recovered from junk include aluminum (gutters, siding, window frames, beverage cans), copper (wiring, plumbing, air conditioning lines), brass (fixtures, door hardware), and stainless steel (though often treated separately due to high value).
The distinction matters for pricing because scrapyards maintain separate rates for ferrous and non-ferrous material. Non-ferrous metals generally command higher prices per pound due to their corrosion resistance and industrial demand. Ferrous metals, while heavier and more abundant in junk loads, typically return lower per-pound value. During a bulk junk hauling job, knowing which metals are present helps removal crews separate loads for maximum scrap recovery and allows homeowners or property managers to understand what portion of their junk has genuine resale value versus what requires disposal fees.
If you are planning a junk removal project involving metal-heavy items, junk hauling and scrap metal services in Oahu can assess what metals are salvageable and price accordingly.