Scrap metal is any metal item, or leftover piece of metal, that is no longer used for its original purpose and can be melted down and made into something new. It includes offcuts from manufacturing and building work, worn out equipment, old vehicles and parts, and everyday things made of metal.
Ferrous and non ferrous
Scrap is split into two families. Ferrous metals contain iron: steel, cast iron and wrought iron. A magnet sticks to them. They are the most common and they pay the least per kilo.
Non ferrous metals have little or no iron: copper, brass, bronze, aluminium, lead and zinc. A magnet does not stick to them. Most stainless steel behaves the same way, although it is technically an iron alloy. These metals pay considerably more.
Everyday items that count
- Old air conditioners, fridges and water heaters
- Copper pipe and electrical cable
- Aluminium window and door frames
- Car batteries and old vehicle parts
- Steel shelving, racking, gates and furniture frames
- Electric motors, pumps and compressors
- Old computers, servers and office equipment
- Taps, valves and plumbing fittings
What to ask about first
Some things need care before a yard will take them, or cannot be taken at all:
- Gas cylinders and sealed tanks, which must be empty and open
- Drums that held chemicals, fuel or oil
- Anything with asbestos insulation or lagging
- Lithium batteries, which need different handling from lead batteries
- Medical or laboratory equipment
When in doubt, send a photo and ask. It saves a trip.
Finding a scrap metal buyer near you
Distance matters most for heavy, cheap metal like steel, because transport takes a bigger share of its value. For copper, brass and aluminium, it is worth going a little further for a clear weight and a fair grade.
If you are in Musaffah, ICAD or elsewhere in Abu Dhabi, our yard is at Musaffah M42, near Bin Mansoor Plastic Factory. Call or WhatsApp +971 52 727 0105, or see what we buy.
Common questions
What is the difference between ferrous and non ferrous scrap?
Ferrous scrap contains iron, such as steel and cast iron, and a magnet sticks to it. Non ferrous scrap, such as copper, brass and aluminium, has little or no iron and pays more per kilo.
Is an old air conditioner scrap metal?
Yes. It has copper pipe, aluminium fins, a steel casing and a compressor with copper inside. The refrigerant should be removed by a technician before it is scrapped.
Which metal is worth the most as scrap?
Copper, followed by brass and bronze. Aluminium and stainless steel come next, and steel pays the least per kilo.
