There is a simple difference between two types of metals: black and non-ferrous. Ferrous metals contain iron. If you want to know if a metal is iron, look for a magnet. If a magnet is attached to it, it is probably iron. But if it doesn’t stick, it’s more likely to be colored.

Non-ferrous metals do not decompose during recycling, so they can be recycled indefinitely. Non-ferrous metals are also lighter and more malleable than ferrous metals, which tend to be heavier and stronger materials.

Ferrous metals are susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture because of their high carbon content, but wrought iron is resistant to rust and stainless steel is resistant to rust because it contains chromium.

Ferrous Metals

The most common ferrous metals are steel and iron and are often found in new scrap from the production lines of manufacturing warehouses.

Nonferrous Metals

There are plenty of nonferrous metal items commonly found in your home. They include:

  • Aluminum – It’s used often in the structure of homes and buildings, roofs, and window frames. Aluminum is also commonly used to make boats, cars, trucks, airplanes, and even trains.
  • Brass — Light fixtures, faucets, and doorknobs are often made from brass, which is also used in valves and pipe fittings.
  • Copper – Chances are there’s a lot of copper in your home, and it could be in your pipes, wiring, circuits, switches, and electromagnets. Copper is also commonly used in air conditioners, refrigeration units, and water supply systems.
  • Lead – Soft and pliable, but deceptively heavy, lead has a lot of different applications, including lead piping and weights on wheels.
    Stainless Steel – Check in your kitchen and you’ll likely find stainless steel in appliances and other kitchenware.
  • Tin — Soft and malleable, tin is often used to coat steel to prevent corrosion and can be alloyed with copper to produce tin brass and bronze.
  • Zinc — Galvanized zinc has a lot of uses, including in air conditioners, chain-link fences, hair dryers, light posts, roofing panels, washing machines, jewelry and a lot of toys.