A Tradesman's Guide to Brass: What Can Be Weighed In and Where to Find It
For tradesmen, brass is one of the most valuable and accessible metals for recycling, especially when working in industries like plumbing, electrical, and construction. Known for its distinctive yellow color and durability, brass is an non-ferrous alloy of copper and zinc, often used in areas where corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal are needed. This guide is designed to help tradespeople identify, collect, and prepare brass scrap, ensuring they can make the most profit at the scrap yard.
Types of Brass to Weigh In
When working in the trades, it’s crucial to recognise the different types of brass, as each type has a different value. Here are the most common forms of brass you’re likely to encounter on the job:
Yellow Brass – Frequently found in plumbing parts such as taps, valves, and fittings, yellow brass is easy to identify due to its bright gold-like appearance. It’s widely used in modern plumbing systems.
Red Brass – More copper-heavy than yellow brass, red brass is commonly seen in older plumbing systems, sprinkler heads, and HVAC components. It has a reddish hue and generally commands a higher price than yellow brass.
Brass Castings – Many larger machine parts or older architectural fixtures may contain cast brass, which can be salvaged from jobs like demolition or heavy equipment repair. It’s strong and resistant to corrosion, often used in durable fittings.
Cartridge Brass – In trades related to security or military contracts, spent ammunition casings made from brass are a common scrap source. Though niche, it’s a valuable form of brass if you come across it.
Common Sources of Brass in Trade Work
Brass is often present in a variety of trade-specific work environments. Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, or working in demolition, there’s likely brass to be found. Here are key places to look for it:
Plumbing Systems – Brass is highly common in older plumbing systems for pipes, fittings, faucets, and valves. When working on replacements, refurbishments, or upgrades, check if the removed components are brass.
Electrical Work – Brass is often used for electrical connectors, light fittings, and sockets because of its conductive properties. Electricians upgrading old circuits or installing new systems might find brass components in panels and conduits.
HVAC Systems – In heating and cooling work, brass can be found in pressure valves, temperature controls, and some heat exchangers. Older equipment and systems may also have brass in their internal components.
Construction & Demolition – Whether working on a full building teardown or removing older fixtures in renovations, brass is commonly found in door hardware, railings, and decorative features. Removing these carefully can provide a significant amount of scrap.
Marine or Industrial Settings – If you work in or near docks, shipyards, or industrial sites, brass is used in environments that require corrosion resistance. Brass components can be found in engines, pumps, and marine equipment.
Infographic showing common sources of brass, where to find it, and tips.
Preparing Brass for Weigh In
Proper preparation of brass before heading to the scrap yard can make a big difference in your return. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the best price:
Remove Contaminants – Brass fittings are often attached to other metals like steel or plastic. It’s essential to strip away any non-brass materials to get the purest grade for recycling.
Sort Brass by Type – Scrap yards pay more for clean, sorted brass. Separate yellow brass from red brass, and remove any alloys or non-brass parts. Mixed metals typically lower the price.
Clean the Brass – You don’t need to polish it, but brushing off excess dirt, paint, or grime can help increase the price you receive. Clean, corrosion-free brass is always worth more.
Where to Weigh In Scrap Brass
Simply search for your local scrap metal dealer. In Willenhall and the surrounding areas like Walsall, C. Fullard Metals offer competitive prices for copper. Here’s what you should know when weighing in:
Licensed Scrap Dealers: Ensure that you are dealing with a licensed scrap metal dealer, as required by UK law. Licensed dealers like us, C. Fullard Metals, follow the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, ensuring all transactions are legal and transparent.
Payment Methods: Under UK law, scrap metal dealers cannot pay cash for scrap metal. Payments must be made via bank transfer or cheque, ensuring a secure and traceable transaction.
Weight Accuracy: Always ensure that your scrap dealer uses certified and regularly calibrated scales to weigh your copper accurately. This ensures you get the best possible value for your scrap.
Legal Considerations
Before you start collecting and weighing in copper, it's important to be aware of the legal aspects:
Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013: This act requires all scrap metal transactions to be recorded, with the seller providing proof of identity. This regulation helps to combat metal theft and ensures transparency in the trade.
Environmental Impact: Recycling copper is not only profitable but also environmentally responsible. It reduces the need for mining new copper, which is energy-intensive and harmful to the environment.
Maximising Profit from Brass Scrap
The scrap value of brass can fluctuate significantly, so timing your sale can have a big impact. Here are some additional tips to make sure you get the best possible return:
Stay Updated on Market Prices – Brass prices often move in relation to copper, so keeping an eye on the broader metal markets can help you choose the best time to sell.
Focus on High-Value Types – Red brass, with its higher copper content, typically commands a higher price than yellow brass. Make sure you separate it for the best payout.
Organise Your Scrap Efficiently – Time is money in the trades. By keeping your scrap brass well-organised and sorted during each job, you save time when preparing it for the yard. This means quicker turnaround when it’s time to weigh in and get paid.
For tradesmen, brass is an important material not just for its use on job sites, but for the extra value it provides as scrap. By knowing where to find brass, how to identify different types, and how to prepare it properly, you can turn what might seem like waste into a profitable side line.
Not got much brass knocking around? Fear not, there are 10 other metals that yield a high return in 2024.