Metals We Accept
Scrap Metals come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as a variety of alloy and purities. Below are some of the most common categories we routinely accept. Feel free to call us if you don’t see a metal category below that matches what you have to recycle.
Plate & Structural Steel
Structural Steel Scrap including plate, Beams, angle, bar stock, tubing and channel. Prepared is cut under 5’ long x 2’ wide.
Heavy Melting Steel
HMS Scrap Steel ¼ inch or thicker. If pieces are under 5’ long x 2’ wide its considered prepared
Tin & Light Iron
Light iron or sheet metal. Includes automobiles and appliances. Lower grade scrap steel.
Aluminum Cans
Any aluminum beverage container that has been emptied of its contents and is uncontaminated in any form.
Aluminum Siding
Thin aluminum house siding, rain gutters, fascia, ect. May have paint but must be free of staples, nails or other contaminates.
Aluminum Extrusion
Consisting of window frames, door frames, structural type aluminum, with no contamination. Must be 6063 series aluminum.
Painted Extrusion
Same as regular extruded aluminum, however, may contain small amounts of paint, caulking, weather stripping, dirt, etc.
Aluminum Clip (MLC )
Most common grade of aluminum. Mixture of various aluminum alloys. Consists of plate, bar, solids, chunks or machined parts. Must be free of contamination, paint, nails, screws, etc. Misc Aluminum will fall into this category.
Painted Aluminum Clip ( MLC )
Same as regular clip, however, may contain small amounts of paint, caulk or coatings. Clip Aluminum is a mixture of various aluminum alloys. Consists of plate, bar, solids, chunks or machined parts.
Aluminum Cast
Cast is an Aluminum Alloy that has been poured or “cast” into shape. This can include car parts and other mechanical parts used in aerospace or manufacturing. A higher Zinc, Copper or Magnesium content contributes to the pricing for this type of Aluminum.
Siding and Gutters
Thin aluminum house siding, rain gutters, fascia, ect. May have paint but must be free of staples, nails or other contaminates.
Bright and Shiny Copper
Copper wire that is shiny in its appearance. No contamination in any form. Must be thicker than a pencil lead. (10 Ga.)
#1 Copper
Clean,uncontaminated,no paint, solder, insulation, dirt, etc. Can be tubing or wire. Wire must be bare & thicker than a pencil lead.
#2 Copper
Copper that has paint, dirt, solder, corrosion, etc. Insulated copper is not accepted as #2 copper. Can be tubing or wire. Bare wire under pencil lead thickness is accepted.
Insulated #1 Copper Wire
Insulated copper wire that is 14 gage or thicker (1/14 inch). If wire is stranded, each wire must be 1/14” or thicker. Must have a copper recovery of 70% or more. Most single jacket wire will be classified as #1 wire.
Insulated #2 Copper Wire
Insulated Copper wire smaller than 16 gage (1/16 inch) and has a copper recovery of 50% – 60%. The copper wire may be coated by tin or nickel. Most multiple jacket wire will be classified as #2 wire.
Strippable Copper Wire
Copper wire that is at least .5” thick with one layer of rubber or plastic insulation. Each wire strand should thicker than the width of a penny. At least 70% recoverable Copper.
Yellow Brass
Brass that has a yellowish look in appearance. Commonly valves, meters, faucets. No Contamination. Free of iron, paint, plastic, washers, glass, etc.
Red Brass
Brass that looks reddish in appearance. Has a higher copper content. Commonly valves, meters, faucets. No Contamination. Free of iron, paint, plastic, washers, glass, etc. (78% – 82% Copper)
Faucet Brass
Brass that comes from faucets and fixtures. A unique alloy and recycling process places this type of brass into it’s own class.
Sprinkler Brass
Brass that comes from sprinkler fixtures. It’s mixture of Brass/Copper & Steel sets it apart from other brass items
Radiators
Valley Metal Recycling is happy to accept your old radiator. Make sure it is drained of all liquids though. Radiators can be made of Aluminum, Copper or a mixture of both. Our staff will be able to tell you what type you have and pay you for the metals
Car Wheels
Valley Metal Recycling can accept your old wheel rims. NO TIRES please. Wheels can be Aluminum or Steel and will be priced accordingly.
Electric Motors & Transformers
Electric Motors & Transformers are made of a combination of Copper Wire and Tin. Your pricing will depend on the content of each Metal.
Have A Question?
Do you have a question about materials that we accept? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help