Metal Waste Commodities: The Types, Challenges & Opportunities
Metal Commodities & Waste Management With Creative Waste Solutions
At Creative Waste Solutions, we understand the complexities involved in managing these metals and have developed innovative strategies to ensure that waste is not only handled responsibly but also transformed into valuable resources.
At Creative Waste Solutions, we are the U.K's go-to provider in waste management solutions. No matter how big or small your operation is, we can provide you with a solution that will reduce your costs and improve your recycling credentials.
As a leading waste management company, we offer comprehensive services tailored to the specific needs of managing metal commodities as well as plastics and fibres. Our commitment to sustainability, combined with cutting-edge technology and industry expertise, makes us the ideal partner for organisations seeking effective waste management solutions.
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Types Of Metal Waste Commodities
Metal waste encompasses a wide range of materials, from industrial scrap to consumer products like cans and appliances. The primary categories of metal waste include:
FERROUS METALS
These contain iron and are magnetic, such as steel and cast iron.
NON-FERROUS METALS
These do not contain iron and include aluminum, copper, brass and lead.
Examples Of Ferrous & Non-ferrous Metal Commodities
FERROUS METALS
Ferrous metals are magnetic, making them easy to separate from non-ferrous materials and as a big environmental bonus, they can be recycled repeatedly without losing their quality. Take a look at some examples of ferrous metal commodities we work with and transport below:
STEEL BEAMS | CORRUGATED IRON |  STEEL TURNINGS |  METAL PIPES |
|---|---|---|---|
 WRAUGHT IRON | RAILROAD TRACKS |
INDUSTRIAL & CONSTRUCTION WASTE EXAMPLES:
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Steel beams and other structural steel.
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Railroad tracks.
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Metal pipes.
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Corrugated iron.
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Scrap vehicles and vehicle parts, such as dented bonnets.
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Tools and equipment.
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Metal swarf
HOUSEHOLD & CONSUMER EXAMPLES:
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Large domestic appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, cookers and dishwashers.
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Food tins and bottle tops (steel packaging).
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Paint cans and aerosols.
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Cast iron items, such as cookware (pans, skillets) and bed frames.
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Steel furniture, including tables, chairs, fences and rails.
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Iron nails, screws and hardware.
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Bikes and other metal recreational items.
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Radiators and light fixtures.
What's amazing about ferrous metal commodities: Ferrous scrap plays a vital role in the circular economy because it allows the steel industry to reuse steel as its primary raw material, greatly reducing the need for virgin iron ore. Recycling ferrous metals cuts energy use by up to 75% and lowers air pollution by 86%, while also preventing the environmental impacts of mining. Beyond its environmental benefits, ferrous recycling supports a multi-billion-dollar global industry that supplies manufacturers with cost-effective, stable raw materials, making ferrous metals essential for both sustainable production and economic resilience.
LOOKING TO MOVE FERROUS METAL COMMODITIES?
NON-FERROUS METALS
Non-ferrous metal waste commodities are iron-free metal scraps like aluminium (e.g cans, foil, frames), copper (wiring, pipes, motors), lead, brass, bronze, zinc, titanium and nickel.
 NICKEL ALLOY |  LEAD | ALUMINUM |  BRASS |
|---|---|---|---|
COPPER |  GOLD |
TYPES AND SOURCES OF NON-FERROUS METALS:
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Aluminium: Cans, foil, window frames, car rims, casting.
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Copper: Wiring, pipes, tubing, coils and motors
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Brass: Door handles, locks, plumbing fixtures, radiators.
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Titanium: Aerospace, medical equipment, hardware.
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Tin: Cans, solders, electronics.
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Precious Metals: Gold, silver, platinum from circuit boards and jewellery.
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Lead: Car batteries, wheel weights, pipes.
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Zinc: Galvanised items, die-cast parts.
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Nickel Alloys: High-grade scrap from machinery.
WHY NON-FERROUS METALS MATTER:
Non-ferrous metal waste commodities are valuable scrap materials that do not contain significant amounts of iron. They are widely recycled due to their economic value, corrosion resistance, and high conductivity. These materials are highly sought after by smelters and refineries, as using recycled non-ferrous metals is significantly more energy-efficient than producing new ones from raw ore.
LOOKING TO MOVE NON-FERROUS METAL COMMODITIES?
Connect & Consult With Our Metal Commodities Experts
Commodities Waste Expert Claire
Hi, I’m Claire! I’ve spent the last decade knee-deep in the world of waste management - and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a proven track record of successfully building relationships with businesses across the UK designing sustainable waste management solutions.
