Metals

Metals are separated into one of two basic grades which are referred to in the scrap metal recycling industry as ferrous and nonferrous metals. Once a metal has been identified as one of these types, it is then further categorized into more specific grades for processing. We grade and process our metals according to international specifications which determine the price of the metal at the time of purchase. Please note that prices are regularly subject to change as dictated by the fluctuations in the world market (refer to our pricing page).

Ferrous Metals

These metals are magnetic, and are generally heavier than most non ferrous metals. Some of the most common grades of ferrous metals that are handled by Metalcorp are described as follows:

Steel

Grade

Description

Examples
Light Grade - Clean

Steel less than 4mm in thickness

Roofing Iron, Spouting, Drums, Ducting
Light Grade - Dirty

Contaminated light grade steel; Contaminants may include wood, rubber, plastic or other metals

Whiteware scrap, Insulated ducting, Deck chairs
Heavy - General

Steel exceeding 4mm in thickness; Includes rusty and painted scrap

Railway iron, Plate steel, Construction steel, I Beams, Pipes & Channels
Heavy - Oversize

Steel exceeding 4mm in thickness; Includes rusty and painted scrap; Required gas cutting or extensive shear work

Large equipment, Concrete bowls, Forklifts, Tanks
Car Body - Dirty

Has greater metal content than non metal content

Still contains motor and chassis
Car Body - Clean

Has greater Non metal content than metal

Has either chassis or engine removed, Utes with wooden decks

Nonferrous Metals

These metals are non magnetic and generally lighter than ferrous metals. They are typically more valuable than ferrous metals. There are numerous grades of nonferrous metals, including aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel and lead. The most common products handled by Metalcorp NZ are described as follows:

Aluminum

Grade

Description

Examples
Cast

Heavy, dense aluminium which has been cast into molds

Mag wheels, Gear box Housing, Drain covers
Clip

Flat sheet Aluminium
Domestic

Mixed Aluminium products

Pots & Pans, Registration plates, Aluminium roofing iron
Extrusion

Aluminium which has been extruded through a die

Window frames, Channel, Box section
Irony

Aluminium containing steel contaminants

Brake boosters, Cylinder heads, Vehicle water pumps
Swarf

Aluminium turnings

Copper

Grade

Description

Examples
Domestic

Copper based products containing various other non ferrous metals in nominal amounts

Water cylinders, Toilet cisterns, Spouting
Grade 2

Uncoated oxidized copper products free of welds and fittings, though may be painted. These products are typically thin walled

Piping, Sheet off cuts
Grade 1

Copper which is both clean and /or bright and uncoated

New pipe off cuts, Punchings, Unsheathed copper wire (16 gauge and above)
Pyro

Copper tubing filled with ceramic powder

Brass

Grade

Description

Examples
Solids

Brass of varied appearance in weight and colour (though typically yellow)

Fittings, Piping
Swarf

Brass turnings

Stainless Steel

Grade

Description

Examples
Solids

The hardest of all non ferrous metals, usually shiny in appearance and difficult to scratch or make and impression on

Bench tops, Sinks, Shower trays
Swarf

Stainless steel turnings

Lead / Zinc

Grade

Description

Examples
Solids

Lead products which are both soft and hard in nature, although generally pliable or easily dented

Flashings, Sinkers, Piping
Batteries

Batteries containing lead/acid

Sources from automotive vehicles and other machinery (does not include dry cell batteries)

Gunmetal

Grade

Description

Examples
Solids

Dense items that have been cast from a mould. Oxidizes easily due to high copper content

Bushes, Fire sprinklers, Pressure connections
Swarf

Gunmetal Turnings