In a variety of industries—and most likely yours—valuables are being tossed right in the trash. Did you know that one wasted aluminum can (like the kind you use for food or soda) wastes the energy equivalent of filling that same can with gas? Did you know that collecting all those cans could not only save energy, but bring money back into your business?

Rubicon will help you find the value in your everyday trash, and implement a metals recycling program that adds right back to your bottom line.

Grab a magnet, because this is key to understanding which metals you have and their value. First, it’s important to know that there are two types of metals: ferrous or non-ferrous. All metals have a certain resell value, but non-ferrous metals are more profitable to recycle.

The general rule of thumb is:

• If the magnet doesn’t stick to your metal: it’s non-ferrous.
• If the magnet sticks to your metal: it’s ferrous.

Sorting your metals by non-ferrous or ferrous also helps you maximize the value of your scrap. Typically, metal recycling centers will give you more money if they don’t have to do the sorting themselves.

The most common metals accepted by scrap yards are:

Copper
Copper is one of the most valuable metals accepted. It’s reddish in color when it’s in good condition and dark brown when worn. It’s often used for electricity and heat, and can be found in computer cables, power/extension cords, and plumbing pipes.

Brass
Yellowish in color with a hint of red, brass is a heavy mid-value metal. It’s often found in hardware, like keys and light fixtures. You can also find it in plumbing fixtures. Its weight works in your favor – even a little brass adds up to a fair amount of cash.

Aluminum
Aluminum is a whitish, silver color and easily bent if it’s thin. It’s typically found in cans, like soda or canned vegetables. It’s a pretty common metal and can be found or used in gutters, siding, window frames and much more. Aluminum is typically accepted by standard curbside recycling programs.

Steel and stainless steel
You can tell the difference between steel and stainless steel by their magnetic properties. Steel is highly magnetic, and most commonly found in things like clothing hangers or appliances. Stainless steel, on the other hand, isn’t magnetic at all and often found in architecture or construction and energy/heavy industries.

Metal markets vary, with the resale prices fluctuating like the stock market. Rubicon helps monitor market values, and will make sure you’re always getting the most for your scrap metals.

Have a different type of metal you don’t see on this list? Don’t worry—Rubicon will find a place for everything in your bin.