Ferrous Metal 101: Understanding Different Grades and Categories to Get Best Rates Possible

March 8, 2023

If you are a metal-generating business in Nashua, NH, Tombarello and Sons is ready to work with you. For businesses that generate ferrous metal in large volumes of at least 5,000 lbs, Tombarello and Sons is the right partner to recycle your scrap. We offer tailored recycling programs and can be trusted to maximize the value of your ferrous scrap.

Understanding the grades and categories of ferrous metal can help you get the best rates possible for your scrap. In this article, we will discuss the basics of ferrous metal and how different grades and categories can affect the value of your scrap.

What is Ferrous Metal?

Ferrous metal is a type of metal that contains iron. Some examples of ferrous metal include steel and iron. Ferrous metal is magnetic and is widely used in the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

Grades of Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metal is divided into grades based on its composition and quality. The following are the most common grades:

1. HMS 1: This grade consists of heavy melting steel, such as machinery or construction equipment. It may contain oil, rust, or other contaminants.
2. HMS 2: This grade consists of lighter material, such as factory scrap or steel pipes. It also may contain oil, rust, or other contaminants.
3. Prepared or P&S: This grade consists of clean, uncoated steel, such as structural or plate steel.
4. Shredded: This grade consists of scrap that has been shredded into small pieces. It may contain non-ferrous metal, such as copper or aluminum.

Categories of Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metal is also divided into categories based on its source. The following are the most common categories:

1. Home Scrap: This category consists of ferrous metal scrap generated by households, such as appliances or furniture.
2. Prompt Industrial Scrap: This category consists of ferrous metal scrap generated by factories or industrial processes, such as metal stampings or turnings.
3. Obsolete Industrial Scrap: This category consists of ferrous metal scrap taken from dismantled structures or equipment, such as structural steel or rail tracks.

How the Grades and Categories Affect Value

The value of ferrous metal scrap is affected by its grade and category. Generally, the cleaner the scrap, the higher the value. Prepared or P&S grade is the most valuable because it is clean and free from contaminants. Shredded grade is the least valuable because it contains non-ferrous metal.

The category of ferrous metal scrap can also affect its value. Home scrap is generally the least valuable because it may contain non-ferrous metal or other contaminants. Prompt industrial scrap is generally the most valuable because it is clean and free from contaminants.

Why Tombarello and Sons is the Right Partner

Tombarello and Sons has experienced metal buyers who understand the ferrous scrap market and are committed to maximizing the value of your scrap. We work with businesses in all industries, including manufacturers, demolition contractors, national retailers, tradesmen, automotive facilities, distribution centers, and factories.

We are committed to sustainability and offer tailored recycling programs to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. We drop off dumpsters, fill them with ferrous scrap, and then come to pick them up for recycling.

Order a Dumpster Today

In conclusion, understanding the grades and categories of ferrous metal is essential to get the best value for your scrap. Our experienced metal buyers are dedicated to maximizing the value of your scrap and offer tailored recycling programs to meet your needs. We make the recycling process easy by dropping off dumpsters and picking them up when they are filled with scrap.

If you are a metal-generating business in Nashua, NH, and need to recycle your ferrous scrap, Tombarello and Sons is the right partner for you. Order a dumpster today and let us take care of the rest! By understanding the different grades and categories of ferrous metal, you can get the best rates possible for your scrap, and we can help you every step of the way.