If you ask a normal person to define the word metal, you’ll get responses such as “iron” and “steel”. Less commonly you’ll hear people discuss if the metal is ferrous or not. In fact, most people don’t even know that metal falls into one of these categories. But if you are trying to recycle metal, it’s good to know the difference and understand what ferrous and non-ferrous mean. 

What is Non-Ferrous Metal?
Non-ferrous metals are those that don’t contain significant amounts of iron. Metal alloys that fall into this category contain less than 1% of iron by weight. As you would guess, when a metal contains large amounts of iron, it’s considered ferrous. 

Most Common Types of Non-Ferrous Metal
There are lots of common non-ferrous metal types. Here are the most common types: 

● Zinc
● Aluminum
● Nickel Alloys
● Tin
● Insulated wire
● Lead
● Copper
● Brass
● Precious metals such as silver and gold

Some common examples of ferrous metals are steel and the various types of iron, such as cast and wrought. You mostly find these metals when you scrap an old vehicle.

Properties of Non-Ferrous Metals
As we mentioned, iron content is the most notable difference between the two types of metal. This is the property that makes the ferrous types magnetic. Since non-ferrous metals don’t contain large amounts of iron, they are not magnetic. Since these metals are not magnetic, they are used for wiring and electronics.

Non-ferrous metals are less malleable than the ferrous varieties. However, since non-ferrous metals contain insignificant amounts of iron, they are more resistant to corrosion and rust. This makes them the perfect option for roofing, gutters, pipes, and even outdoor signs. 

You will also find that non-ferrous metals are worth more than ferrous metals. Some of the most valuable types are silver, gold, tin, and copper. This is mainly due to the fact that ferrous metals are more plentiful and easier to find. 

​Recycling Non-Ferrous Metals
In terms of recycling, ferrous metals are not always eligible. This is because they are prone to corrosion, and when this occurs, they cannot be recycled. Yet still, this isn’t true for every type, as it can depend on what other elements are mixed in with the metal. Non-ferrous metals are extremely durable and aren’t known to break down over time. This makes them eligible to be recycled time and time again, with no limits to how many times they can be reused. 

The recycling process is essentially the same for both types. Strong magnets are used to separate them before they are further processed by being cut or shredded into small sections. The metals can then be melted down and used to form new shapes or baled into blocks. 
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Industrial Scrap Metal Recycling
As you can see, ferrous and non-ferrous metals have their differences. Just keep in mind that both types can be recycled if the metal is not rusted or corroded. At Greenway Metal Recycling, 100% of the scrap metal we buy is recycled into new products. If looking to recycle scrap metal, Chicago contractors, manufacturers, and developers can contact us to get a quote. 

When it comes to scrap metal, Chicago businesses can count on Greenway Metal Recycling for the best value!

​Greenway Metal Recycling, Inc. is a scrap metal recycling company with over 50 years of industry experience. As a company that is interested in keeping the environment clean and free from scrap metals, Greenway Metal Recycling, Inc. is constantly working on new ways to reward customers and make their experience worthwhile. As part of its move to better improve the experience of its customers, Greenway Metal Recycling, Inc. is providing Net 5 days payment for industrial scrap metal customers.
 
As a company that is fundamentally inclined to find a better solution for scrap metal customers, Greenway Metal Recycling, Inc., and its team are proud to announce a faster scrap metal audit and payment timeline to customers. With the newly optimized scrap metal audit and payment solution, customers can rest assured that their payments will be processed in 5 days or less.
 
At the announcement of the latest development, the spokesperson for the company reiterated the commitment of the management to fostering a healthy and longer-lasting relationship with customers across the board.
 
The spokesperson for the company added: “Greenway Metal Recycling partners with area businesses to offer a solution for scrap metal recycling. As U.S. manufacturing production increases, our company is committed to protecting our environment and helping manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint. Greenway Metal Recycling is a leader in the scrap metal recycling industry. Our long-standing commitment builds knowledge that is used to develop and maintain industry standards.”
 
Accepting both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, Greenway Metal Recycling, Inc. guarantees that 100 percent of all the scrap metals that have been purchased are recycled into new products. The team believes that American Made equals America Strong and supports the American Steel Industry by using local steel resources and services in its scrap metal recycling processes.
 
Industrial customers who are doing business with the company can get a quote now to get started on the process of getting rid of all of their scrap metals.
 
Greenway Metal Recycling, Inc promises fast payment as well as flexible payment terms for all scrap metals that have been supplied and audited. The team guarantees that all of the processes involved in vetting and payment will be processed in as little as 5 days from the time of pickup.
 
Greenway Metal Recycling, Inc is open to buying all types of ferrous scrap metals including heavy melt, stainless steel, busheling, plate and structural metal, unprepared plate, clips, steel dies, forgings, carbon steel, rails, turnings, and coils. Added to this, the team also buys all types of non-ferrous metals including aluminum, copper, insulated wire, brass, lead, zinc, tin, and nickel alloys.
 
Contact us for Scrap Metal Recycling at 901 North Kilpatrick Ave. Chicago, IL 60651, US, or on phone at 773-558-2216. For more information, send an email to Joe Skowronski via info@greenwaymetalrecycling.com or visit their website.

​This morning in metals news, President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping reached an agreement that at least temporarily puts a cap on the escalation of trade tensions, Chinese steel and iron ore prices rose on the news, and Chinese copper premiums hit an 18-month low.

Greenway Metal Recycling, located in the Chicagoland area, has over 50 years of combined experience and sets the standard for efficient recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous industrial scrap metal.  In effort of continued improvement, Greenway is releasing a new website to streamline customer service.
The new website details the history of the company and their dedication to recycling in the Chicagoland area.  Greenway Metal Recycling partners with area companies to customize safe, efficient and eco-friendly recycling processes.   Partnerships with GMR develop a responsible reputation for both companies with their commitment to the clean and safe reuse of our country’s metallic resources.   
Greenway Metal Recycling encourages all manufactures and fabricators of metal parts to visit the website and learn the benefits of working with Greenway Metal Recycling.   Greenway takes pride in their trained and knowledgeable staff.  From beginning to end, effective support to the customer is their goal and they believe that the main valuation of Greenway is to look at their customer’s success.   Long-term customers and the continued success for those customers is the driving force behind the work done at Greenway.   
Greenway Metal Recycling is a leader in the industry.  The end results of GMR’s long-standing commitment to the community is a company who works to create the knowledge that is used to develop industry standards.  GMR believes that American made equals America strong and supports the American Steel Industry by using local steel resources and services in their recycling processes.   
After visiting the new site, prospective clients can use the Contact Us section to begin the process of streamlining the efficiency their company’s recycling process.  Greenway Metal Recycling will help companies to plan, implement and enjoy the benefits of the best eco-friendly recycling in the Chicagoland area.   GMR works efficiently so that area businesses can work effectively!  Check out the full offering of services, get a quote or schedule a pick-up at 

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