The Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

At Okon Recycling Recycling, located in Dallas, Texas, we recycle millions of pounds of scrap metals each month. Did you know there are actually two primary classifications of metal in the scrap metal recycling industry? Ferrous and non-ferrous. Both types of metals can be found in products across a wide range of industries, industrial, commercial, and consumer. Their different characteristics make both types of metal valuable for unique purposes. 

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are often the cheaper of the two metals. They mostly contain iron and weigh more. Ferrous metals are good conductors of electricity, have lower resistance to rust and corrosion, and have good magnetics properties. Examples of some ferrous metals include cast iron, high carbon steel, stainless steel, and mild steel. Since ferrous metals are so durable and strong, they are used in the construction of bridges, skyscrapers, and railroads. You often find ferrous metals in structural steel, automobiles, and appliances. 

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are often more expensive. The gold bracelet or silver earrings you are wearing are non-ferrous metals. They do not contain any iron, are not magnetic, weigh less, are malleable, and have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion. Examples of non-ferrous metals include zinc, brass, tin, lead, copper, and aluminum. Due to their lack of magnetic properties non-ferrous metals are ideal to use in the production of electronic devices. Since they weigh less they are often used in the construction of airplane parts, electronic devices, and aluminum siding. When non-ferrous metals are recycled they do not degrade at all, this means non-ferrous metals can be recycled an endless number of times.

At Okon Recycling, we recycle both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. When you choose us as your company’s recycling service provider, you are not only getting great service, you are getting a trusted recycling partner with over 100 years of commercial metal recycling expertise. We first evaluate and understand your process and work flow, so we are able to design and innovative and customized recycling program to optimize the value of your scrap metal while decreasing your handling costs. 

We are not a middle-man. You keep 100% of the scrap proceeds and deal directly with us for service. We own a modern fleet of roll-off and flatbed trucks, we manufacture and repair our own containers in house, we offer customized settlement reports, we have a fully permitted facility, and offer 24/7 service availability. 

Our 20 acre modernized concrete Community Recycling Center was specifically designed to deliver the best recycling experience in the industry. It is our mission to consistently deliver high prices, a clean and safe environment, as well as fast, friendly, and respectful service for all customers. 

Got some scrap metal? We can help.