How to Identify Non-Ferrous Metals: A Quick Guide

Recycling non-ferrous metals—like copper, aluminium, and brass—helps save valuable resources, protect the environment, and even put a bit of extra cash in your pocket. At Morecambe Metals, we are here to show you how to spot these metals and explain why they are so valuable in recycling. By bringing them to us, you are not only recycling the right way —you are making a difference too.

Here’s everything you need to know about this type of scrap, from how to identify non-ferrous metals to how to spot them and the details on non-ferrous metal recycling.

What are Non-Ferrous Metals?

Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron, so they do not rust and are usually resistant to corrosion. They are durable, easy to recycle, and can be found in everyday items around your home or workplace. Some common non-ferrous metals include:

  • Aluminium
  • Copper
  • Brass
  • Lead
  • Zinc

These metals are widely used in everything from plumbing and electrical wiring to tins and car parts. They are also non-magnetic, which makes them easy to separate from metals that contain iron.

Why Should we Recycle Non-Ferrous Metals?

Recycling non-ferrous metals is not only eco-friendly but also saves a lot of energy compared to producing new metal. It reduces pollution, conserves resources, and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, non-ferrous metals tend to be more valuable than metals with iron, so recycling them can be more rewarding

Read 5 Reasons to Recycle Scrap Metal for more info on why recycling metals is a better option than throwing it away

How to Identify Common Non-Ferrous Metals

Calling them non-ferrous metals makes it sound more complicated than it is to know what you are looking for. They are common metals that you will see on site and use regularly. Here is a guide to how to identify non-ferrous materials:

Copper

Copper is usually a reddish-brown colour, though it can turn greenish with age. You will find it in things like electrical wiring, plumbing pipes and even some roofing materials. Copper does not stick to magnets and is quite soft, so you can bend it easily. If you scratch it, you will see a bright, reddish colour underneath.

Aluminium

Aluminium is lightweight and has a silvery-white look. You will find it in soda cans, foil, window frames, and car parts. Aluminium is non-magnetic and lighter than most other metals. If you scratch it, it will have a bright shine.

Brass

Brass has a yellow-gold colour and is often used in things like plumbing fixtures, musical instruments, and decorative hardware. Brass is also non-magnetic, with a warm, yellowish colour. Scratch the surface, and you will see a bright yellow colour underneath.

Lead

Lead is heavy, soft and has a dull bluish-grey colour. It is commonly found in car batteries, roofing material and older pipes. Lead does not stick to magnets and has a shiny silver surface if you scratch it (though it dulls quickly). Handle lead carefully, as it can be toxic.

Zinc

Zinc is a bluish-grey metal often used as a coating on iron to prevent rust (known as galvanising) and is found in roofing materials and outdoor equipment. Zinc is non-magnetic, feels cool to the touch, and has a dull surface. If you scratch it, it will reveal a brighter silver layer.

Tips for Recycling Non-Ferrous Metals at Morecambe Metals

When it comes to non-ferrous metal processing, we’ve got you covered. We have over 35 years of experience in scrap metal recycling so we can help to keep you right when it comes to making the most of your metals.

  1. Sort out your metals – separating your metals—like keeping copper and aluminium apart—will help you get the best value when you bring them in for recycling.
  2. Remove non-metal parts – Take off any plastic or rubber that might be attached to your metals. This helps save time and gives you a better return.
  3. Check with a magnet – Use a magnet to check if your metals are non-ferrous. Non-ferrous metals will not stick, so it is a quick way to tell and makes splitting them up easy.

Bring your Non-Ferrous Metals to Morecambe Metals

Morecambe Metals makes it easy to recycle your non-ferrous metals responsibly. By recycling with us, you are helping the environment and ensuring that valuable materials are reused in sustainable ways. Whether you are clearing out storage space or have metal from a job site, bring it to us and we will handle the recycling. Leave the ferrous metal processing up to us.

Recycling non-ferrous metals might seem small, but it makes a big difference, and every penny counts for those in the trades right now. So, get sorting, bring your metals to Morecambe Metals, and let us make recycling quick and easy for you and your business. Contact the team at Morecambe Metals.