Iron is the principal component.
Carbon steels, cast iron, sheet offcuts, rebar and fabrication scrap belong to the ferrous family. Stainless steels are ferrous alloys too, although their magnetic response can vary.
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FULL METALSMATERIAL GUIDE
Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap: differences and examples.
The distinction starts with composition, not appearance alone. Identifying the right family helps keep material streams separate and supports a more accurate assessment.
THE DISTINCTION
Two families, different characteristics.
Ferrous and non-ferrous materials may look similar after processing, oxidation or coating. Origin, composition and grade remain the main references.
Copper, aluminium and specialist alloys.
Copper, brass, bronze, aluminium, zinc, lead and tin require separate collection. Colour and weight can provide clues, but cannot replace a check of composition and attached parts.
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IDENTIFY AND SEPARATE
A magnet is a clue, not a classification.
Many carbon steels and cast iron are attracted to a magnet; some austenitic stainless steels may respond weakly or not at all. Magnetic testing is therefore only preliminary.
- Start with origin. The process, department and declared material narrow the possibilities.
- Avoid mixing. Separate grades, alloys, inserts and contamination at the point of production.
- Check the actual batch. Form, quantity, consistency and condition determine handling and destination.
Technical sources: European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform and British Stainless Steel Association.
INDUSTRIAL ASSESSMENT
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Tell us the material, form, quantity and frequency. Full Metals will assess the actual batch and the most suitable route.