Classifications of different scrap metal

Running a scrap yard we get asked a lot what is the difference between #1 Iron, #2 Iron and Light Iron (shred in some areas)? Below we will cover these categories in more scope using the steel mills requirements here in the United States, as well as how its defined here in Maine since we mostly all sell to China and Canada.

For #1 Iron there is unprepared and prepared and the amount your paid varies from yard to yard also how many tons you bring in.

The main difference in #1 Iron and Unprepared #1 Iron is the length and width. Now this can vary from steel mill to steel mill as well as scrap yard to scrap yard so be sure to call ahead if bringing #1 iron to the scale.

-#1 Prepared is defined by ISRI as any metal over 1/4'' inch thick and that is 5ft long or shorter and 3ft wide or smaller. But some yards require the steel to be under 4ft long and 2ft wide. This category also includes steel auto and truck rims with no rubber. Note: Some yards allow the bead to remain if the tire is cut off I have done this for years with one yard I sell to.

-#1 Unprepared is any metal over 5ft or 4ft at some yards and is 1/4" inch thick. The main reason your paid less for unprepared is due to the yard using equipment or man hours to prepare the steel which in turn cost them more in payroll, fuel, cutting torches / gas, and time lost preparing other metals to be shipped out.

-#2 Iron Prepared is any steel over 1/8 inch thick. This is suppose to include culverts but two steel mills we sell to and most yards will no longer accept culverts as #2 iron but as light iron due to the chemical make up of the metal. #2 Iron Prepared is has the same measurements of #1 Iron Prepared but not as thick.

-#2 Iron Unprepared is any steel over 1/8 inch thick with the exception of culverts that is over 5ft x 3ft.

-#2 Baled iron includes prepared #2 iron that is bailed to the steel mills specs and is feed charge prepared. By feed charge prepared we mean the bail is ready to go right into the arc furnace for smelting.

-Light Iron / Shred is any material made from metal such as appliances, desk, computer cases (with boards removed), automobiles (some yards pay more per ton for cars or classify them differently), and more. All light iron is either bailed or crushed in some cases and shipped out by truck to the shredder. Please keep in mind shredders pay more due to being the last in line before the steel mill. All metal is then shredded, loaded in trucks or containers if being shipped over seas, and shipped to the steel mill.

-Clean sheet metal category at some yard but not all and that is any metal with no plastic, wood, etc... unlike shred clean sheet metal is ready to be bailed and shipped directly to the steel mill.
One thing we will cover not listed above is Cast Iron.

-Cast Iron is broken into two categories here in the United States but can be as many as 10 different categories in other places. Most yards pay by breakable cast and unbreakable cast. Unbreakable cast is things such as sewer pipe, auto cast (outlined below), and similar.

-Breakable cast is items such as antique wood stoves, antique cooking stoves, some pipe, and at some yard clean engine blocks, cast iron manual transmissions and more.

-Auto Cast is what the name implies such as auto rotors, brake drums, and at some places cast iron transmissions. Not all yards pay auto cast and some want it thrown in as #1 iron. Auto Cast does pay more but most yards we've seen over the years only pay for it as #1 prepared iron. If you have auto cast to sell be sure to call around for the best price and see who buys it as auto cast, and who buys it as #1 iron.

Please keep in mind this guide is designed to help the public with classifying scrap metal. All yards classify metal different ways and its always best to call ahead to your yard to see what categories they have and what there paying.

Scrap metal prices will vary from state to state, city to city also by your part of the country. Take for example here in Maine we average $100-$140 per ton for #1 prepared and $70 - $120 per ton for light iron while some states such as New York and PA are being paid closer to $200 or in some cases $250 per ton for light iron.

We hope this guide helps and thanks for reading.

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Upscale Auto Parts is a Maine based licensed auto recycling yard, and a state of Maine approved recycler.

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