How to Support Steel Sustainability

When it comes to steel manufacturing, the North American economy has a lot to be thankful for. Not only is steel a highly valuable and versatile element that delivers a wide range of qualities that can be applied to infinite industries and initiatives, it is 100% recyclable. In fact, many new steel products are likely to contain anywhere from 25% to 100% of recycled material. If you wish to help support our economy’s steel sustainability efforts, metal recycling is the easiest and quickest way to start contributing.

Continue reading to learn some important facts about steel and steel manufacturing, including how metal recycling can help the environment, your local community, and even your bank account.

Steel Metal Recycling
Indianapolis Steel Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Facts About Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, but sometimes contains other alloys, such as manganese or nickel, depending on the grade of steel it is. Accordingly, it’s properties will vary depending on the particular elements it contains. Mostly, iron is the base metal of all steel. However, when iron is melted down from ore, it retains more carbon than necessary. So, in order to become steel, the carbon must be reduced through reprocessing. Then other elements can be added to make it a certain type of steel.

Steel can be organized into four categories depending on certain physical, chemical, and environmental properties; all of which are determined by the amount of carbon and any additional alloys. These classifications of steel include carbon, alloy, stainless and tool. See our blog, “The Four Categories of Steel” to learn facts about each type of steel.

Steel is light in weight, yet retains high tensile strength. It is also magnetic, or ferrous. Because of its useful qualities, steel is mostly applied to manufacturing or construction of buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships, trains, automobiles, machines, appliances, and weapons. When calculated through its entire life cycle, steel delivers a superior level of performance with the least amount of impact on our environment. It is lower in cost, and can be repurposed and reused, infinitely.

How to Recycle Steel

You can support our economy’s steel sustainability by recycling metal as often as you can. Not only is this great for the environment since it reduces the need to mine for new ores, it stimulates our economy by proving jobs. Additionally, metal recycling can put cash straight into your wallet. You see, many Indianapolis metal recycling centers pay cash on the spot for scrap metal. Anything made of steel or iron will get you a decent profit. See our blog, “Profitable Steel Recycling” to learn which steel commodities you can recycle and their estimated value.

So, how do you find a trusted metal recycling center that will pay you the most for your scrap metal? Simply trust the same metal recycling leaders that all other Hoosiers have for decades: Zore’s Recycling!

Indianapolis Steel Recycling Services

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to get started with profitable metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only has Zore’s Inc. been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, we pay cash on the spot for your metal commodities. We accept cans, sheet metal, appliances, vehicles, auto parts, equipment, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Which Metals Can I Recycle?

If you are interested in joining the thousands of other Hoosiers out there in the metal recycling initiative, you might be asking yourself where and how to get started. A common introductory question about metal recycling is simply, “which metals can and cannot be recycled?” Well, all metal is 100% recyclable, which means anything containing or made of metal can be recycled in some manner.

Continue reading to get some ideas of where you can find potential metal commodities to take to your local recycling center.

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Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal can be reprocessed over and over again, indefinitely, making it a highly beneficial element to recycle. Furthermore, you get paid for recycling metal, so not only are you doing something positive for the planet, you are also profiting yourself!

Types of Metal to Recycle:

    ♻ Iron
    ♻ Steel
    ♻ Carbon Steel
    ♻ Alloy Steel
    ♻ Stainless Steel
    ♻ Tool Steel
    ♻ HSLA
    ♻ Aluminum
    ♻ Copper
    ♻ Nickle
    ♻ Titanium
    ♻ Tungsten
    ♻ Brass
    ♻ Precious Metals
    ♻ Chromium
    ♻ Lead
    ♻ Tin
    ♻ Beryllium
    ♻ Zinc
    ♻ Mercury
    ♻ Bismuth
    ♻ Selenium
    ♻ Indium
    ♻ Germanium
    ♻ Cadmium
    ♻ Cerium
    ♻ Magnesium
    ♻ Super Alloys

Ideas for Recyclable Scrap Metal:

🏠 HOME – Foods cans, aluminum foil, bake ware, coffee cans, jewelry, copper items, metal cutlery, paint cans, aerosol spray cans, and more.

🏢 OFFICE – Electronics, laptops, computers, modems, fax machines, copiers, vending machines, HVAC equipment, microwaves, answering machines, keyboards, phones, remote controls, video recording devices, video surveillance, navigation equipment, speakers, circuit boards, electric wiring, paperclips, staples, and more.

🏙 COMMUNITY – Construction site scrap, scrap metal, cars, boats, motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, go-karts, auto parts, steel beams, bulk hardware, and more.

HAZARDOUS ITEMS – Refrigerators, air conditioners, car batteries, standard batteries, button batteries, rechargeable batteries, and any other type of battery should be collected and recycled at a local facility.

Getting Started

How do you find a trusted metal recycling center in Indianapolis that will pay you the most for your scrap metal? Simply trust the same metal recycling leaders that all other Hoosiers have for decades: Zore’s Recycling!

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only has Zore’s Inc. been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, we pay cash on the spot for your metal commodities. We accept cans, sheet metal, appliances, vehicles, auto parts, equipment, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

What are Red, Yellow and Green Metals?

On our planet, and within the core, lies hundreds of thousands of natural ores and minerals that we mine to make metal. Of the vast varieties of metals found within the Earth, all can be categorized as either ferrous or nonferrous. Ferrous metals and alloys contain iron, while nonferrous contain no iron.

Aside from these umbrella categories, metals can be further broken down into more intimate classifications and descriptions, such as precious and noble metals. But have you ever heard of metals being described using color? Well, it is possible that you have come across red metals, yellow metals, and even green metals!

Continue reading to learn facts about each type of metal, including examples and common applications.

Indianapolis Metal Recycling
Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Red Metals

Red metal is an informal term used to denote common alloys we know as copper, bronze, and brass. You can probably see quite well that all three of these alloys have a red-like tone, thus earning them the aforementioned moniker. Red metals have several beneficial attributes, such as corrosion resistance, high conductivity, high tensile strength, ductility, and aesthetics. For this reason, they are commonly used to make musical instruments, plumbing parts, wires, marine hardware, sculptures, and more.

Yellow Metals

Also known as Muntz metal, yellow metal is named after an English businessman, George F. Muntz, who received a patent in 1832. Although they may share some of the same types of metal, red and yellow metals are much different. Yellow metals is another informal moniker used to describe a type of brass alloy that contains an average composition of 60% copper and 40% zinc. It’s most common applications is for manufacturing corrosion-resistant machinery parts.

Green Metals

There are actually not metals known as “green” metals, however, you may have heard of electrum, which is often called “green gold.” Wikipedia.com describes electrum as “a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, with trace amounts of copper and other metals.” An alloy is a metal that is made up of two or more metals, such as brass, which contains copper and zinc. It’s most common applications throughout history, and even now, are for jewelry, plated plaques and awards, coinage, and investments.

Indianapolis Metal Recycling

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to get paid cash on the spot for scrap metal, or any items that contain any type of metal, in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top-dollar for power tools, sheet metal, appliances, cars, trucks, motorcycles, golf carts, farm equipment, construction equipment, and more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot! Call 317-244-0700 to make fast cash, today!

Can I Recycle Precious Metal?

Precious metals are rare, naturally-occurring, and retain high economic value. They are mostly used for currency, jewelry, and industrial applications. Common types include gold, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium, chromium, zirconium, tungsten, cobalt, rhodium, indium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, and ruthenium.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about recycling precious metals, and perhaps be motivated to jump on board with this important environmental initiative!

Precious Metal Recycling 317-244-0700
Precious Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Can All Precious Metals Be Recycled?

Yes; all metal can be recycled, including noble, precious, ferrous, and non-ferrous alloys. Not only can you recycle these metals to be repurposed, you can also make money from the entire process. Many scrap metal buyers pay cash on the spot for any metals and alloys. They even accept junk that contains metal, regardless of age or condition.

What is the Current Value of Precious Metal?

Right now, the London Fix values report that Gold is around $1,328.30, Silver is around $16.66, Platinum is around $927.00, Palladium is around $962.00, and Rhodium is around $1,900. These values change virtually every day, as they are easily influenced by numerous worldwide factors.

What Can I Find Titanium to Recycle?

Titanium metal can be found in all sorts of places, even just around your house. Items like dental implants, jewelry, eye wear, watches, and electronic protective cases are common items made with titanium. Other common items include drill bits, wrenches, bolts, and other tools. It is also a common element in motorcycle parts, like brake components, exhausts, clutch levers, and even handlebars.

Is a Precious Metal a Noble Metal?

Noble metals include both precious and non-ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, so they are resistant to several elements and subsequent damage, including humidity, chemicals, oxidation, and more. Precious metals are naturally-occurring and retain higher economic value. Noble metals are metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation in moist conditions, namely humidity.

Where Can I Recycle Precious Metal?

It is simple to find a company or service that buys, recycles, refines, and sells precious metals. Simply look to your local directories for a trusted and reputable Indianapolis metal recycling center in your city. It is important to find the company that can offer you the best and fairest return for your gold, silver, platinum, or other scrap metal you wish to recycle.

Trust None Other Than Zore’s Recycling!

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top dollar for all metals, regardless of age or condition. We buy vehicles, equipment, sheet metal, electrical wiring, computers, auto parts, power tools, appliances, and much more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot! Call 317-244-0700 to make fast cash, today!

Common Applications for Ferrous and Nonferrous Metal

Metal ore is one of the most valuable and applied resources on Earth. From art and education, to science, building, construction, and more, the applications for metal are wide-ranging, thus making its possible uses virtually endless. There are two main categories of metal, one of which contains iron, and the other does not. These are referred to as ferrous and nonferrous metal.

Continue reading to learn the various attributes and common applications of both ferrous and nonferrous metal.

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Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metal is any metal that contains iron. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wrought iron, mild steel, and any other forms of iron alloys are examples of ferrous metals. Since ferrous metal is very strong and durable, and retains magnetic properties, it is commonly used to manufacture or construct things that can resist corrosion and remain strong and stable.

Ferrous metal is used to make everything from skyscrapers to drill bits, and more. Large-scale piping, cars, trucks, yachts, planes, construction and farming equipment, motors, industrial containers, rail roads, and more are common large-scale commodities built from ferrous metals. Smaller items include everything from kitchen knives, to power tools, electrical appliances, and more.

Nonferrous Metal

Nonferrous metal is metal that does not contain any iron content. Examples of non-iron containing metals include copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, lead, tin, and zinc. Precious metals are also nonferrous, including gold, chromium, tungsten, silver, zirconium, mercury, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, beryllium, and more. 

Nonferrous metals are used for their malleability and versatility.  They also have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion because they do not contain any iron compounds.  Jewelry, electrical wiring, canning, window frames, road signs, electrical fittings, pipe work, batteries, roofing, and millions of other items are made from nonferrous metal materials.

Testing for Iron Alloy

One of the easiest methods to determine if an item contains ferrous metal is to use a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it is made with ferrous metals like iron and steel. If the magnet does not stick, then it is made mostly or entirely of nonferrous metals like copper or aluminum. If the magnet pulls slightly but does not stick or stay, it is likely that the item is made from both ferrous and nonferrous metals.

Where to Sell Scrap Metal in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to sell scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our scrap metal buyers pay top dollar for all metals, regardless of age or condition. We buy vehicles, equipment, sheet metal, electrical wiring, computers, auto parts, power tools, appliances, and much more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot!

Is Aluminum or Stainless Steel Better for Commercial Kitchens?

There is an ongoing industry debate on whether aluminum or stainless steel is better for restaurant kitchen and factory settings. Both metals have useful properties that can be advantageous when applied to the commercial food preparation industry, however, as a commercial kitchen owner, the choice is ultimately a personal one.

Continue reading to learn some beneficial attributes of stainless steel and aluminum so that you may decide which one best suits your commercial or industrial food preparation needs.

We Buy Restaurant Scrap Metal!  317-244-0700
We Buy Restaurant Scrap Metal! 317-244-0700

Aluminum

Aluminum is found on the periodic table with the symbol “Al” and atomic number 13. It has a silvery white finish, and mostly admired for its magnetic and ductile (good heat conductivity) properties. This makes aluminum a ferrous metal, meaning it contains iron. Compared to stainless steel, aluminum has higher oxidation and corrosion resistance properties, and is very light in weight.

All of these attributes makes it a well-suited match for kitchen back splashes, counter tops, food preparation surfaces, factory processing equipment, and more. On the other hand, one of the most discussed disadvantages of aluminum is its lack of malleability, which means it is difficult to form and typically cracks under pressure. For this reason, it is not usually recommended for countertops or factory settings.

Stainless Steel

Because stainless steel is made using a combination of nickel, magnesium, chromium copper and iron, it is a very strong and durable alloy that contains several properties that deliver a wide range of benefits. Although its chromium content makes it highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, if the surface is scratched, it can develop rust.

The 304 series is the most common version of stainless steel used in the restaurant and food industry because it is highly resistant to corrosion. It is common to see components like kitchen sinks, food processing equipment, steam table pans, and more, made of 304 series stainless steel.

Comparing the Two:

🏭 As for strength and weight, steel is stronger and weighs more. Aluminum is only one-third the weight of stainless steel, but this is why it is top-choice for automotive and aerospace manufacturing.

🏭 Both metals are highly-resistant to corrosion, but since stainless steel is non-porous, it is more resistant than aluminum.

🏭 Both metals are also good thermal and electrical conductors, but aluminum retains higher thermal conductivity. This is why it is used to manufacture things like car radiators and air conditioner units.  

🏭 In terms of malleability, aluminum is better. It is much softer and easier to work with compared to stainless steel. In contrast, stainless steel is much easier to weld than aluminum.

🏭 In terms of market price, aluminum is a lot cheaper.

How to Get Paid for Scrap Aluminum and Steel Equipment in Indiana

If you would like to sell scrap metal restaurant equipment in Indiana, call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 today! We pay the highest returns for all metals based on current market prices, including aluminum, steel, iron, ferrous, non-ferrous, and more. Whether you have broken down appliances or an old countertop system, our scrap metal buyers will pay you top-dollar! Request a free estimate, today.

What is Medium Carbon Steel Used For?

Medium carbon steel is a grade of ferrous metal, meaning that it contains iron. There are vast applications, and thus, benefits, of this highly ductile and strong alloy. Continue reading to learn more about medium-carbon steel, including its most common applications, and what you can do with your leftover scrap metal.

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Steel Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

Medium Carbon Steel

Medium carbon steel is made by adding between 0.3% and 0.7% carbon to steel. In addition to adding carbon, the process of quenching and tempering is used to create this mid-range steel product, which involves heating and cooling the steel, and then softening it to produce a steady tensile strength throughout, referred to as Martensite.

Medium carbon steel is often sought out for applications that require high-tensile strength and ductility. Here are some of the top industries you will find the use of this mid-range steel product:

☑ Structural Steel

One of the top uses for medium carbon steel is to create other steel commodities for the construction of buildings, bridges, and roadways. Common products include steel beams, joints, joiner plates, and more.

☑ Pressured Structures

Another common use for medium-carbon steel are pressured structures due to its high ductility properties. Pressure structures refer to commodities that use hot, high-pressure steam or water, such as boilers, pressurized tanks, water heaters, and more.

☑ Shafts and Gearing

If familiar, you will notice that automotive and mechanical products are often manufactured with medium carbon steel, namely shafts and gear system components. Some examples might include axle shafts, crankshafts, gearing plates, and more.

☑ Railway Applications

The railway system strongly relies on medium carbon steel for several applications, from manufacturing and engineering, to maintenance, safety, and more. Some common applications include railway wheels, tracks, suspensions, and all other metal-components involved in the railway’ suspension.

Where to Sell Scrap Steel in Indy

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only has Zore’s Inc. been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, we pay cash on the spot for your metal commodities. We accept cans, sheet metal, appliances, vehicles, auto parts, equipment, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

How Much Can I Get for Low Alloy Punchings?

Low alloy steel is a beneficial material because it retains specific chemical compositions that deliver improved mechanical properties compared to conventional mild or carbon steel materials. When such steel is pushed through a punch press production line, punching scraps are created as a result of the punch press puncturing a hole through the sheet metal. These scrap pieces are gathered in a die, where they can be later collected and recycled. As one of the most cost-effective methods for fashioning holes in sheet metal in a high volume metal production process, scrap alloy punchings are a common residual material that happens to still contain a nominal amount of value.

Continue reading to learn more about low-alloy scrap steel punchings, including their current market price and where to sell them in Indiana.

Indianapolis Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700
Indianapolis Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

General Composition

Low-alloy scrap metal punchings can range in composition. However, the industry-accepted definition states that they should contain no more than 0.4% manganese and no less than 0.05 to 0.06% chromium. Furthermore, all such punchings are produced at 12 inches, and always under certain specifications decreed by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.

Average Value

The current scrap metal prices for low-alloy punchings is $280 per gross tonnage (GT). However, this price not only fluctuates, it varies depending on several factors. These factors will be the ultimate influence over how much you profit from your scrap metal punchings. If you have additional scrap steel, this might help you render a fuller profit at an Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center or local scrap metal buyer.

Contact a Metal Recycling Company for a Quote

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle steel in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only has Zore’s Inc. been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, we pay cash on the spot for your metal commodities. We accept cans, sheet metal, appliances, vehicles, auto parts, equipment, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

A Comparison of Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals

Ferrous and nonferrous metals are used in endless industries for thousands of purposes. Many people wonder what the difference between ferrous metals and nonferrous metals, and why that difference means in terms of their use. If you are interested in learning more about ferrous metal and the types that exist, you are in the right place.

Continue reading and learn the definitions and types of nonferrous and ferrous metals found all across the world.

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We Buy Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal! 317-244-0700

Ferrous Metals

Simply put, ferrous metal is any metal that contains iron or steel. Things like construction scaffolding, automobiles, buildings, power tools, and more are made from ferrous metals. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wrought iron, mild steel, and any other forms of steel and iron are examples of ferrous metals. Metal such as stainless steel are not entirely composed of iron and steel. It also contains nickel and chromium. In contrast, wrought iron is made of nearly 100 percent iron.

Ferrous metal is very strong and durable and even retains magnetic properties. This is why it is used to manufacture or construct things that can resist corrosion and remain strong and stable. It is used to make everything from skyscrapers to drill bits, and more. Large-scale piping, cars, trucks, yachts, planes, construction and farming equipment, motors, industrial containers, rail roads, and more are common large-scale commodities built from ferrous metals. Smaller items include everything from kitchen knives, to power tools, electrical appliances, and more.

Nonferrous Metals

Also simply put, nonferrous metal is metal that does not contain iron or steel compounds. Metals like copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, lead, tin, zinc, and more are all examples of nonferrous metals. Also, precious metals are nonferrous; such as gold, chromium, tungsten, silver, zirconium, mercury, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, beryllium, and more. 

Nonferrous metals are used for their malleability and versatility.  They also have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion because they do not contain any iron compounds.  Jewelry, electrical wiring, canning, window frames, road signs, electrical fittings, pipe work, batteries, roofing, and millions of other items are made from nonferrous metal materials.

One of the easiest ways to determine if something contains ferrous metal is to hold a magnet to it. If the magnet sticks, it is made with ferrous metals like iron and steel. If the magnet does not stick, then it is made mostly or entirely of nonferrous metals like copper or aluminum. If the magnet pulls slightly but does not stick or stay, it is likely that the item is made from both ferrous and nonferrous metals.

How to Recycle Metal for Cash in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap metal and make some fast money at the same time. We are a professional Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center that accepts and recycles all metals in any condition. Best of all, we pay cash on the spot for them! Recycle all sorts of stuff, including sheet metal and beams, cars, boats, construction equipment, power tools, old electronics, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

How to Recycle Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal

If you are interested in contributing to the preservation of our Earth’s natural resources, all you have to do is start recycling! Many materials can be recycled, including plastic and paper; but one of the most important elements to repurpose is metal. All metal fits into one of two categories: ferrous and nonferrous. Regardless of your metal commodities, they can both be recycled and reused, over and over again.

Continue reading to learn more about ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including how to recycle them!

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700


Ferrous metals are metals such as steel and iron. This includes scrap metal from cars, food cans, appliances, and more. This type of scrap metal is always high in demand, and continues to grow exponentially each year. Nonferrous scrap metal is made from the waste of metals like aluminum, copper, brass, lead, titanium, nickel, and more.

How to Tell the Difference

In order to distinguish ferrous from non-ferrous metals is to perform a manual test. To perform this test, all you need is a strong magnet. You see, as mentioned, ferrous metals retain magnetic qualities, and non-ferrous metals do not. So if a magnet sticks to your metal, it contains iron, which also means it is ferrous metal. If the magnet does not attract, the metal does not contain iron, which means it is non-ferrous.

Ferrous Metals:

Stainless Steel
Iron
Carbon Steel
Mild Steel
Cast/Wrought Iron
Iron

Non-Ferrous Metals:

Copper
Aluminum
Brass
Lead
Tin
Titanium
Zinc
Nickel

Non-Ferrous Precious Metals:

Gold
Silver
Platinum

Exotic Non-Ferrous Precious Metals:

Cobalt
Bismuth
Beryllium
Zirconium
Cadmium
Mercury
Tungsten

How to Recycle Metal in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only has Zore’s Inc. been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, we pay cash on the spot for your metal commodities. We accept cans, sheet metal, appliances, vehicles, auto parts, equipment, and more! Request a free estimate, today.