What Metals Are Recyclable? A Beginner’s Guide to Scrap Sorting

Not Sure What Counts as Scrap Metal? You're Not Alone. If you’ve ever looked at a pile of old tools, wires, or rusty patio furniture and wondered what to do with it, you’re in the right place. At Emro, we get this question all the time: “What metals are recyclable?”

Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out your shed or a contractor sorting job site leftovers, knowing what you can recycle (and what it’s worth) is key to getting the most out of your scrap. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

The Two Main Types: Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous

The easiest way to sort scrap metal is to start with this basic rule: Is it magnetic? That tells you a lot.

Ferrous Metals

These contain iron and stick to a magnet. They’re usually heavier, used in structural or industrial applications, and prone to rust.

Common examples:

• Steel (rebar, beams, appliances)

• Cast iron (bathtubs, stoves)

• Auto parts and engine blocks

While ferrous metals typically bring a lower payout, they’re still valuable, especially when you’ve got a large amount. And the good news? We’ll pick it up for you.

Non-Ferrous Metals

These don’t contain iron and don’t stick to a magnet. They’re often lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and worth more money at the scrap yard.

Common examples:

• Copper (pipes, wire, roofing)

• Aluminium (siding, ladders, patio sets)

• Brass (fixtures, keys, plumbing)

• Stainless steel (sinks, commercial kitchen gear)

• Lead & zinc (weights, gutters, batteries)

Because non-ferrous metals are of higher value, it pays to sort them separately. If you’re dealing with a mixed load, we’re happy to help you separate and get the best return.

How to Tell Them Apart (Even Without a Magnet)

If you’re not sure what metal you’ve got, here are a few practical tips:

Test	Ferrous	Non-Ferrous
Magnet Test	Sticks to a magnet	Doesn’t stick
Rust	Rusts over time	Doesn’t rust (may dull or tarnish)
Color	Usually dark grey or silver	Often reddish (copper), yellow (brass), or light (aluminium)
Weight	Heavier for its size	Lighter, especially aluminium

What About Appliances and Mixed Materials?

Good question. Old appliances like fridges, stoves, washers, and dryers are often mostly steel, but may contain copper wire or aluminium inside. These are still recyclable, and Emro will pick them up as part of your scrap load. If something’s a mix of metal and plastic (like electronics or small kitchen items), give us a shout and we’ll let you know what’s worth collecting.

Why It Matters

When you know what metals are recyclable, you:

• Save time and space by knowing what to keep

• Earn more money for higher-value materials

• Reduce waste that might otherwise end up in a landfill

And don’t worry, you don’t need to strip wire or haul bins to do it right. At Emro, we offer honest, Alberta-wide scrap metal pick-up services. We’ll pick it up where it sits, help you sort if needed, and make sure nothing valuable goes to waste.

Recycle Smarter, Not Harder

Understanding the basics of scrap metal recycling isn’t just for contractors. Whether you’ve got leftover fencing, an old hot water tank, or a shed full of tools, there’s value in that pile. And Emro’s here to help you unlock it.

Based in Calgary and serving all of Alberta, we make scrap metal pick-up simple, fair, and hassle-free.

Ready to get started?