If you’ve ever brought scrap metal to Double M Recycling or are thinking about doing so, you may have heard the terms ferrous and non-ferrous. These two categories are essential to understanding how scrap metal is sorted, valued, and recycled. Knowing the difference can help you identify what you have, maximize your payout, and recycle more efficiently.
Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out your garage, a farmer with old equipment, or a contractor managing scrap from job sites, this guide will give you everything you need to know.
What Is Scrap Metal?
At Double M Recycling, we see scrap metal as more than just leftover materials—it’s a resource that can be recycled into new products, saving energy, conserving natural resources, and helping our community.
Scrap metal generally falls into two main categories:
- Ferrous metals
- Non-ferrous metals
Sorting scrap into these categories is crucial for proper processing, environmental responsibility, and determining how much your scrap is worth.
What Are Ferrous Metals?
Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron. The word ferrous comes from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron. Because of this iron content, ferrous metals are usually magnetic and prone to rust when exposed to moisture.
Common Ferrous Metals
- Steel
- Iron
- Cast iron
- Carbon steel
- Wrought iron
At Double M Recycling, we commonly see ferrous metals in:
- Old appliances like washers and dryers (without refrigerant)
- Vehicle frames and parts
- Farm equipment and machinery
- Construction steel and beams
- Tools, nails, and screws
Ferrous metals are the most abundant type of scrap metal, largely due to the widespread use of steel in construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
Why Ferrous Metals Are Valuable (But Often Lower-Priced)
Ferrous metals are highly recyclable and extremely important to industry. However, because iron and steel are so common and relatively inexpensive to produce, ferrous scrap usually pays less per pound than non-ferrous metals.
Even so, ferrous scrap can still add up quickly, especially if you’re recycling large loads like vehicles, farm equipment, or construction scrap. At Double M Recycling, we pay fair market prices for ferrous scrap and make the process fast and hassle-free.
Ferrous metals are typically used to make:
- New steel beams and construction materials
- Automotive parts
- Appliances
- Industrial machinery
What Are Non-Ferrous Metals?
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. They are generally non-magnetic, lightweight, and resistant to rust and corrosion. Non-ferrous metals are often more expensive to mine and refine, which is why they tend to pay more when recycled.
Common Non-Ferrous Metals
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Lead
- Zinc
- Nickel
- Stainless steel (treated as non-ferrous for recycling purposes)
Everyday Non-Ferrous Items
Non-ferrous metals are found in:
- Electrical wiring and plumbing
- Radiators and HVAC components
- Aluminum cans and automotive parts
- Electronics and batteries
Because of their high demand and excellent recyclability, non-ferrous metals are typically worth more per pound than ferrous metals.
Why Non-Ferrous Metals Pay More
There are a few reasons why non-ferrous metals often fetch higher prices at Double M
Recycling:
- Scarcity and Mining Costs
Non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum are more expensive to mine and refine from raw ore. Recycling these metals costs significantly less energy than producing them from scratch. - High Demand
Copper, aluminum, and brass are essential in construction, electrical systems, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy projects. High demand drives higher scrap prices. - Recyclability
Non-ferrous metals can usually be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, making them highly valuable.
Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous: Key Differences at a Glance
Feature Ferrous Metals Non-Ferrous Metals
Contains iron Yes No
Magnetic Usually No
Rust resistance Low High
Common uses Construction, vehicles, appliances Wiring, plumbing, electronics
Scrap value Lower per pound Higher per pound
Knowing these differences can help you identify your scrap metal and maximize the payout when you bring it to Double M Recycling.
Why Sorting Your Scrap Matters
One of the biggest ways to get the most value from your scrap metal is proper sorting. Mixing ferrous and non-ferrous metals can lower the value of your load.
For example:
- Clean copper wire is worth more than copper mixed with steel.
- Aluminum separated from steel fasteners is more valuable.
- Non-ferrous metals mixed into ferrous scrap may be downgraded.
At Double M Recycling, we make it easy to sort and weigh your scrap, ensuring you get the best price possible. Taking a little extra time to separate metals can pay off in cash.
What Determines Scrap Metal Prices?
Many customers ask why scrap metal prices change or why one metal pays more than another. Several factors influence pricing:
- Global Markets
Scrap metal prices are tied to global supply and demand. Construction booms, industrial slowdowns, and international trade all affect pricing. - Metal Type and Purity
Clean, uncontaminated metal is worth more. Paint, plastic, rubber, and non-metal attachments can lower the value. - Volume
Large quantities often yield better returns. Contractors, commercial clients, and farmers benefit from bulk recycling. - Processing Costs
Some metals are easier to recycle than others. Metals requiring more labor or sorting may pay less.
The Environmental Benefits of Recycling
Recycling scrap metal isn’t just about cash—it’s about protecting our community and environment. Recycling metal:
- Conserves natural resources
- Reduces landfill waste
- Saves energy
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
- Supports local jobs and the economy
For example, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum. Recycling steel saves enough energy to power millions of homes annually.
By bringing your scrap to Double M Recycling, you’re contributing to a cleaner, healthier Garrett County and helping create a sustainable future.
How Double M Recycling Helps You
At Double M Recycling, we make scrap metal recycling fast, simple, and rewarding. Our services include:
- Accurate metal identification: We help you know exactly what you have.
- Fair, transparent pricing: We offer market rates for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
- Convenient vehicle pickup: Junk car doesn’t run? We’ll pick it up anywhere in Garrett County.
- Roll-off containers for commercial clients: Perfect for construction sites, contractors, and large-scale scrap removal.
- Customer support and education: We’ll answer questions and make the recycling process easy.
Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, scrapping old vehicles, or managing commercial scrap, Double M Recycling is here to help you get the most value for your materials.
Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Power
Understanding ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals is one of the most important steps in scrap metal recycling. Knowing what you have—and why it’s valued the way it is—helps you recycle smarter, earn more, and make a positive impact on the environment.
At Double M Recycling, we’re proud to serve Garrett County and surrounding communities with honesty, integrity, and customer-first service. We pay fair market prices, provide convenient services, and help our customers make the most of their scrap materials.
Whether you’re scrapping a single appliance or hauling in a full truckload, a little knowledge goes a long way. Let us help you turn your scrap into cash while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable community.