The Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

At ASM Metal Recycling, we deal with all types of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Here we have gathered some useful information to help you identify the most common types of scrap metal and determine their value.

What is a ferrous metal?

Ferrous metals usually contain iron. Typical examples include engineered materials such as steel and cast iron, combining an iron base with small amounts of other metals or elements added in.

Ferrous metals are easily identified by their magnetic properties, as well as their poor resistance to corrosion and rust. There are only a few exceptions to this rule, as in the case of wrought iron (made resistant to rust due to the inclusion of stainless steel in its creation).

Examples of the ferrous metals which can be handled by ASM Metal Recycling facilities include:

Vehicle scrap metal
Demolition site scrap metal
Metal offcuts from manufacturing industries

Ferrous metals are highly valuable in a wide variety of areas including in manufacturing and construction, electronics and home appliances, agriculture and much more. The recycling of iron is therefore a significant contributor to reducing CO2 emissions and mitigating potential environmental damage from both commercial and domestic spheres.

What is a non-ferrous metal?

Non-ferrous metals are those which do not contain iron and are not magnetic. They are also usually more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals.

Some examples of non-ferrous metals include:

Metals for recycling

Non-ferrous metals can also be distinguished by their malleability. This means they can be reshaped and reused, often without losing their valuable properties. This makes them ideal for an extensive range of commercial industries. Recycled non-ferrous metals can be found everywhere: from cable and wiring in electronics, transport infrastructure, house-building, canned food, batteries, and countless other applications.

Ferrous vs. non-ferrous metal properties

Ferrous Metals

Contain iron
Magnetic
Prone to corrosion
High durability and tensile strength
In good supply, with extremely high recycling rates

Non-ferrous Metals

No iron content
Non-magnetic
Resistant to corrosion
Soft and malleable
In scarce supply, commanding higher prices

Sell your scrap metals

ASM Metal Recycling’s full comprehensive service offers fair prices for your scrap metal.

We provide a scrap metal collection and site clearance service on a load-and-collect or exchange basis, as well as full on-site evaluations if required. We also offer end-of-life vehicle collection, guaranteeing the most accurate and competitive prices for your scrap metal by using only the most advanced weighing technology available.

If you’d like to know what prices we can offer for your scrap metal today, don’t hesitate to get in touch!