Sorting scrap metal correctly is one of the most effective ways to increase how much scrap yards pay you. Two loads with the same weight can be worth very different amounts depending on metal type, grade, and cleanliness.
This guide explains how to identify scrap metal, how scrap yards classify materials, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to downgrades and lower payouts.
👉 For current pricing, see our Scrap Metal Prices in Canada page.
Why Sorting Scrap Metal Matters
Scrap yards process metals differently depending on:
- Material type
- Purity
- Contamination
- Ease of recycling
Well-sorted scrap:
- Pays more per pound
- Is processed faster
- Is less likely to be downgraded
Poorly sorted scrap is often:
- Reclassified
- Paid at a lower mixed-metal rate
- Rejected entirely
Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals (First Step)
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic.
Common examples:
- Steel
- Cast iron
- Appliances
- Structural beams
Tip: Use a magnet. If it sticks, it’s ferrous.
Ferrous metals pay less per pound but are accepted in large quantities.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are usually non-magnetic.
Examples include:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Stainless steel
- Lead
These metals pay significantly more and should always be separated.
How to Identify Common Scrap Metals
Copper Identification & Grades
Copper is one of the highest-value scrap metals.
Common copper types:
- #1 Copper (Bare Bright): Clean, shiny, uncoated wire
- #2 Copper: Light oxidation, solder, or minor coating
- Insulated Copper Wire: Value depends on copper recovery %
- Copper Pipe: Higher value when clean and fitting-free
Downgrade risks:
- Soldered joints
- Paint or coatings
- Mixed grades in one bin
Aluminum Identification & Grades
Aluminum is lightweight and widely accepted.
Common aluminum types:
- Clean aluminum (no steel or plastic)
- Dirty aluminum (mixed materials)
- Extruded aluminum (window frames, rails)
- Aluminum cans
Tip: If a magnet sticks, it’s not clean aluminum.
Brass Identification
Brass is often found in:
- Plumbing fixtures
- Valves
- Fittings
Identification tips:
- Yellow or gold color
- Heavier than aluminum
- Non-magnetic
Remove steel inserts whenever possible.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel varies widely in value.
Key points:
- Some stainless is weakly magnetic
- Higher nickel content = higher value
- Clean material pays more
Always separate stainless from regular steel.
Clean vs Dirty Scrap Metal (Why Grades Affect Price)
One of the most common mistakes sellers make is mixing clean and dirty scrap metal.
Clean Scrap
- No plastic
- No rubber
- No steel attachments
- Single metal type
Dirty Scrap
- Mixed materials
- Coatings, paint, or insulation
- Bolts, screws, fittings attached
Scrap yards pay less for dirty scrap because it increases processing time.
👉 Clean, well-sorted scrap can pay 20–50% more.
Common Scrap Metal Downgrades (Avoid These)
Frequent downgrade reasons:
- Mixing metal types
- Leaving steel attachments
- Combining different copper grades
- Submitting mixed bins
- Overestimating cleanliness
Rule: When in doubt, separate it.
Tools That Help with Scrap Metal Sorting
You don’t need expensive equipment.
Helpful tools include:
- Magnet (ferrous test)
- Wire cutters or strippers
- Angle grinder (to expose metal)
- Scale (weight estimation)
Proper tools often pay for themselves quickly.
How Scrap Yards Classify Metal
Scrap yards classify metals based on:
- Grade
- Cleanliness
- Size
- Volume
Yards may:
- Re-classify loads
- Split materials
- Apply mixed rates
Understanding their process helps avoid surprises at the scale.
Sorting Scrap Metal for Best Payout (Step-by-Step)
- Separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Sort non-ferrous by metal type
- Remove steel and contaminants
- Separate clean vs dirty grades
- Store metals in labeled containers
- Bring sorted loads to the yard
This process consistently results in higher payouts.
FAQ
Should I strip copper wire before selling?
Often yes — but only if the time and labor are worth the increased payout.
Do scrap yards accept mixed metals?
Yes, but they usually pay significantly less.
Does paint or insulation affect scrap prices?
Yes. Coatings usually reduce value.
Final Tips for Scrap Metal Sorting
- Take photos of sorted loads
- Ask yards how they classify materials
- Track prices and payouts
- Learn which metals your local yard prefers
👉 Pair this guide with our Scrap Metal Prices in Canada page for best results.