Non-ferrous metals

Informations

NF metal scrap consists of non-ferrous metals (NF metals) that do not contain any ferrous components. The most important non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper and zinc. Nickel, lead, brass, magnesium and precious metals such as gold or silver. Non-ferrous metals are widely used in everyday life, for example in cables, electronic waste, vehicle parts, gutters, pipes or household items. They are characterized by high conductivity, corrosion resistance and lightness (especially aluminum). Since non-ferrous metals are reusable, metal scrap is a valuable resource in the recycling cycle.

The extraction of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium or copper from ores consumes a lot of energy and raw materials. By recycling scrap metal, the need for primary raw materials can be reduced and energy saved. Aluminium recycling, for example, requires only about 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium from bauxite.

Improperly disposed of scrap metal can release heavy metals and toxic substances into soils and waters. This is particularly problematic with metals such as lead or mercury, which can be found in electronic waste or old pipes. If non-ferrous metal scrap is not recycled, valuable metals are lost, which must be replaced by the extraction of new raw materials. This leads to higher environmental impacts and a larger ecological footprint.

Instructions for the disposal

The disposal of non-ferrous metal scrap is relatively easy, but should be done in an environmentally conscious way. The separation of the metals by type is particularly important. This means that copper, aluminum, brass and other metals should be collected separately if possible to facilitate recycling processes. Many recycling centres accept non-ferrous metals separately, which simplifies recycling. In addition, scrap metal should not be mixed with other types of waste such as plastic, wood or hazardous waste, as contamination can make recycling difficult or even impossible. If the non-ferrous metal scrap comes from electrical appliances, it is important to dispose of it separately as electronic waste, as it contains plastics and other substances in addition to metals. Electronic waste must not be disposed of in household waste, but belongs in special collection points.

The disposal of non-ferrous metal scrap can also be done by yourself. In most cities and municipalities, there are recycling centers that accept non-ferrous metal scrap. Here you can hand in the metals for free or for a small fee. In addition, many scrap dealers buy non-ferrous metal scrap at current market prices. Since non-ferrous metals often have a high resale value, you can even make money by selling them, especially for larger quantities or more valuable metals such as copper. In some cases, it is also possible to dispose of smaller quantities of non-ferrous metal scrap with the bulky waste, but you should check with your municipality beforehand whether this is permissible.