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‘What is non ferrous metal,’ is a question that’s often raised by people looking to trade their trash for cash. Sorting through unwanted household items for recycling can be a confusing process. Wires are wires. Right?

While common household items may resemble one another in their appearance and purpose, the bits and bobs that make these devices operate can differ. While most people don’t need to differentiate metals in their day to day, it can be helpful to know some more of the basics before your next visit to Community Recycling. You’ll be better able to identify hidden value in all the tech you no longer use, sodas you’ve already enjoyed, and pipes and gutters whose utility has been fully appreciated.

The answer to ‘what is non ferrous metal’ can earn you money for your unwanted waste.

A Primer on Non Ferrous Metal

The key factor in distinguishing non ferrous metals is that they do not contain iron. Alloys, or mixtures of metals, that lack iron are also considered to be non ferrous. The term is derived from the Latin word for iron: ferrum. This Latin root is also why iron’s chemical symbol is Fe on the periodic table.

There are advantageous properties to non ferrous metals that make them very common. Two of the biggest advantages are that these metals are not magnetic and do not rust. Consequently, copper is a non ferrous metal that has become a go-to in the worlds of plumbing and electrical. Non ferrous metals are also more malleable than their ferrous counterparts. Aluminum, as a lightweight non ferrous metal, has taken over grocery stores and vending machines in the form of aluminum cans. For what is non ferrous metal but the perfect resource by which to accommodate the compact size, and intricate shape, that cola connoisseurs have come to expect.

Visiting Community Recycling

Community Recycling accepts a range of both ferrous and non ferrous metals that are common in the household items we see dropped off at our site.

Besides copper and aluminum, Community Recycling also accepts other non ferrous metals such as brass, lead, nickel, and titanium varieties for recycling.

These metals can be found in electrical wires, gutters, plumbing pipes, drink cans, and alloy scrap metal from house fixtures.

Hopefully in asking the question, ‘what is non ferrous metal,’ you feel more sure in selecting items to be recycled, and more appreciative of this awesome resource! If you’re still unsure as to whether or not the metal you have is recyclable, make sure to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.