Scrappers on our Facebook Group recently discussed how they should separate their Brass Scrap and how their scrap yard accepts various kinds of brass. This led to various responses because many scrap yards differ in how they buy materials and grade brass. One complaint repeated during the discussion was that scrappers wished scrap yards were consistent and stuck to a buying standard. We explored the different options because this is like asking pigs to fly.
What Is Chrome Brass?
Chrome-plated brass, often called “chromed brass,” is a metal subjected to electroplating, a process where a metal finish is applied to another metal surface. In the case of chrome-plated brass, a layer of chromium or chrome is electroplated onto the brass, combining the inherent strength and durability of brass with the visually appealing finish of chrome plating. Another great example of an electroplated metal is silver-plated copper.
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Chrome Brass is often found on your bathroom or kitchen sink. Your faucet will have a silver plate on the outside, but the faucet itself is brass. Chrome brass is used for its aesthetics and shiny look. Also, the chrome acts as a barrier for protection from rust or corrosion.
Don’t mistake the die-cast that is coated in chrome for chrome brass; you have to scratch it with a magnet to see if it is yellow underneath and know it is brass.
What Is Yellow Brass?
Yellow brass is one of the most common scrap metals. It is typically found in plumbing fixtures for the corners of pipes, fixtures leading up to sinks, toilets, and more. Yellow Brass can also be found in some home items or light fixtures like chandeliers and bed frames.
Why Scrap Yards Would Separate Them
When scrap yards are processing and buying material, it always pays to separate. Generally, scrap yards sold to a larger supplier-type yard will make more money when separating different grades of materials like yellow and chrome brass because it’s easier to process. Scrap yards sometimes have workers separating brass types on site before selling them. Chromed materials will be a little cheaper because of the non-brass extra material.
Should You Separate Chromed & Yellow Brass?
Check with your scrap yard if you are debating whether to separate your chrome and yellow brass. Before you go in, see if they have different prices and ways of grading brass. If they do have a difference, we recommend separating them. If they buy both at the same price, we recommend spending your time elsewhere, perhaps stripping wire.
Suggested Reading: The Best Handheld Wire Strippers
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What To Ask Your Scrap Yard:
- “Do you have different prices at the scale for yellow and chrome brass?”
- If yes, then you should start separating them.
- “Do you have different prices for dirty and clean brass?”
- If yes, ask them how they classify dirty from clean.
What If My Scrap Yard Doesn’t Buy Them Separately?
If you have the luxury of having several scrap yards in your area, call up various locations (found on the iScrap App) and ask them how they grade the brass scrap. Find a scrap yard that does pay for them to be separated and begin bringing your material there.
Suggested Reading: Finding The Best Scrap Yard
Things To Keep In Mind For Scrap Brass
When collecting, separating, and scrapping brass, remember some things to ensure you get the best price and grading possible.
- As mentioned above, check with your scrap yard to see how they buy brass.
- Remove any plastic, rubber, or steel from it to get a better price
- If you have bronze, be sure to keep that separate as well.
- When scrapping copping tubing, cut off the brass fittings from the end
