Brass scrap is recyclable material made from copper and zinc alloys that has reached the end of its useful life or is generated during manufacturing, machining, plumbing or demolition. Because brass can be recycled repeatedly without significant loss of quality, it is widely used in the recycling industry. It is valued for its corrosion resistance, machinability, attractive gold-like appearance, durability, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.
Key properties:
Major industries using brass: plumbing, construction, marine, automotive, electrical, musical instruments, decorative hardware and engineering.
The physical type of brass scrap.
The most common brass alloy, typically ~60–70% copper and 30–40% zinc. Golden yellow, medium weight, corrosion resistant and easy to machine.
Sources: Plumbing fittings, water valves, door handles, locks, hinges, pipe fittings.
Higher copper content (typically 80–90%) than yellow brass, making it more valuable. Reddish-gold, heavy, excellent corrosion resistance.
Sources: Water meters, pump housings, marine fittings, heavy-duty valves, industrial castings.
Trade term for clean, uncoated, unplated yellow brass free from contaminants — one of the highest-value brass grades.
Sources: Clean brass rod offcuts, manufacturing scrap, new production waste.
Solid brass bars and rods used in machining and engineering — uniform composition, high-quality alloy.
Sources: CNC machining, manufacturing, engineering workshops.
Flat brass sheet from fabrication, decoration and industrial manufacturing.
Sources: Signage, decorative panels, engineering offcuts, manufacturing waste.
Brass tube and pipe recovered from plumbing, HVAC and industrial systems.
Sources: Plumbing, air-conditioning, heat exchangers, industrial machinery.
Valves, taps, connectors, couplings and plumbing fittings made from brass.
Sources: Residential plumbing, commercial buildings, water supply, industrial plants.
Older radiators made using copper tubes and brass tanks; may contain copper, brass, steel brackets and solder.
Sources: Classic vehicles, heavy machinery, industrial cooling systems.
Small chips and swarf from machining; may contain cutting oil and need cleaning before melting.
Sources: CNC machining, turning, milling, drilling.
Spent, inert brass cartridge cases suitable for recycling — high-quality uniform alloy.
Sources: Shooting ranges, defence industry, ammunition manufacturers.
A mixture of brass products not sorted into categories — mixed alloy and contamination, lower value than segregated brass.
Sources: All brass sources combined.
Brass is commonly traded using market names. Buyers may also apply detailed ISRI specifications or their own standards, so always confirm exact acceptance criteria.
| Trading Grade | Typical Material |
|---|---|
| Honey Brass | Clean yellow brass without plating or attachments |
| Yellow Brass | General plumbing and engineering brass |
| Red Brass | High-copper brass castings and fittings |
| Brass Turnings | Machining chips and swarf |
| Mixed Brass | Unsorted brass materials |
| Product Category | Typical Trading Grade |
|---|---|
| Clean Brass Rod | Honey Brass |
| Plumbing Fittings | Yellow Brass |
| Heavy Cast Valves | Red Brass |
| Brass Machining Chips | Brass Turnings |
| Mixed Brass Items | Mixed Brass |
| Type | Colour | Magnet Test | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey Brass | Bright golden yellow | Non-magnetic | Highest |
| Yellow Brass | Golden yellow | Non-magnetic | High |
| Red Brass | Reddish-gold | Non-magnetic | High (often above yellow, due to copper) |
| Brass Turnings | Yellow chips | Non-magnetic | Medium |
| Mixed Brass | Mixed colours | Depends on attachments | Lower |
No. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and different grades contain different percentages of each metal. This affects value and applications.
Because it contains a higher percentage of copper, which generally increases its recycling value.
Chrome plating, steel attachments, plastic components, rubber seals, excessive solder, oil and mixed materials all reduce value.
Brass itself is non-magnetic. If a magnet sticks, there may be steel attachments or the item may not be solid brass.
To classify brass correctly, ask three questions:
1. What is the product? (valve, fitting, rod, radiator, turning, shell)
2. What type of brass is it? (Honey, Yellow, Red, Mixed)
3. How clean is it? (free of plating, steel, rubber and contaminants)
We pay top, transparent prices for every grade — yellow, red, honey and turnings. Get a quote today.
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