Streamline Metal Recycling For Businesses

Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals Explained for Property Managers

Understanding the difference helps you reduce waste costs and keep your property cleaner.

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Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic. They're the most common type of metal found at properties. If a magnet sticks to it, it's ferrous.

Common Ferrous Metals at Your Property

Appliances

Refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers – most appliance bodies are made from ferrous steel.

Bed Frames

Metal bed frames from unit turnovers are typically ferrous steel or iron.

Shelving Units

Metal shelving, storage racks, and organizational systems left behind by tenants.

Steel Fixtures

Railings, fencing, structural beams, ductwork, and other steel building components.

Water Heaters

Tank water heaters have ferrous steel outer shells (though they may contain non-ferrous components inside).

HVAC Components

Furnaces, air handler cabinets, and some ductwork are made from ferrous metals.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are not magnetic. They include aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel.

Common Non-Ferrous Metals at Your Property

Aluminum

Window frames, siding, gutters, downspouts, door frames, and some HVAC components like condenser coils.

Copper

Plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, HVAC refrigerant lines, water heater components, and fixtures.

Brass

Faucets, door handles, plumbing fittings, decorative fixtures, and some valve components.

Stainless Steel

Kitchen sinks, appliance panels, commercial kitchen equipment, and some modern fixtures. (Note: stainless steel is non-magnetic despite containing some iron.)

Why This Matters for Your Property

Fewer Dumpster Swaps

When you remove metal from your waste stream, your dumpsters fill slower. This means fewer pickups per month, which directly reduces your monthly waste hauling costs.

Lower Overweight Fees

Metal is heavy. Appliances, HVAC units, and metal fixtures add significant weight to your dumpsters, triggering overweight fees. Separating metal eliminates these extra charges.

Cleaner Property

Metal items piling up around dumpsters create an eyesore and attract illegal dumping. A dedicated metal container keeps your property looking professional and well-maintained.

We Handle the Sorting

You don't need to know which metals are which or spend time sorting. Just keep metal separate from regular trash, and we'll handle the rest. We sort ferrous from non-ferrous at no cost to you.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Ferrous (Magnetic)

  • Refrigerators
  • Stoves
  • Washers & dryers
  • Bed frames
  • Shelving units
  • Steel railings
  • Fencing
  • Water heater tanks
  • Furnace cabinets
  • Structural steel

Non-Ferrous (Not Magnetic)

  • Copper piping
  • Electrical wiring
  • Aluminum gutters
  • Window frames
  • HVAC coils
  • Brass faucets
  • Door handles
  • Stainless steel sinks
  • Aluminum siding
  • Plumbing fixtures

Pro Tip: If you're not sure what type of metal something is, don't worry. We accept all metals and handle the sorting for you at no charge.

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