Why You Should Remove Rust For Better-Value Scrap Metal
While rusted metal recycling does work, the process won’t always get you the same bang for your buck as non-rusted metals will. Read on for a list of reasons why you should remove rust for better-value scrap metal.
What Does Rust Look Like?
Rust is generally associated with being a bright orange or bronze-toned colour, but when iron oxide forms on the surface of your scrap metal, it can manifest itself in several different colours, including:
- Red – The most common variant, red rust forms when iron is exposed to water and oxygen. These rust particles tend to appear larger than other variants.
- Yellow – A less common type, yellow rust occurs when the metal has been exposed to large volumes of moisture, causing the iron to corrode.
- Black – Similar to red rust, black rust is created when iron is exposed to water and oxygen, but only in very humid environments. This is the most stable and hard-to-remove variant.
Where Does Rust Appear on Metals?
There are two locations for rust to appear on your scrap metal – this is either the surface, or the interior.
Surface rust manifests itself as a thin layer covering the surface area of the metal. This is usually easy to remove and hasn’t had enough time to cause significant damage yet.
Whereas, pitted rust is present in cases where the rust has eaten into the metal, causing small holes and pits to form. This variant will require a more vigorous removal technique.
Should I Remove Rust For Better-Value Scrap Metal?
While you can still get a bit of cash for lightly rusted scrap metal, the truth is, you’ll get much better-value if you are able to remove the rust before your visit to the local scrap yard.
If there is only surface-level rust on your scrap metal, the chances are this should be pretty easy to remove. But, if there is black or pitted rust on your scrap metal, the process becomes more difficult.
However, there are measures you can take to ensure your scrap metal does not rust, such as anti-corrosion applications and storing them in a dry place.
How Do I Remove Rust From My Scrap Metal?
Firstly, it’s important to always remember to wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when treating metals or removing rust.
You should start by removing any loose rust which may appear as flakes or particles on the surface of your scrap metal. You can either use a wire brush, sandpaper, or a cloth/sponge to do this. This should leave you with a smooth surface, ready for cleaning.
To begin with, clean the metal with soap and water, or use an appropriate solvent, to strip the metal down as much as you can, in order to leave the rusted layer on top of the metal ready to apply rust removal products.
Once the appropriate rust remover has been applied and has had enough time to penetrate the rust, rinse it off with water and dry the metal thoroughly to prevent moisture.
The final step is applying a rust sealant to prevent further rust or corrosion forming.
Scrap Metal Prices
While the quality, quantity, and grade of your scrap metal will directly influence the price you receive when selling to us, you can rest assured that you’ll always receive the best-value at the Kas Metal scrap yard.
This is thanks to all of our scrap metal prices being based on the London Metal Exchange (LME) – the world centre for industrial metal hedging, trading, and pricing.
This approach ensures we follow the industry’s best practices, offering some of the most competitive, fair, and accurate scrap metal prices that are able to fluctuate in line with supply and demand.
For our in-depth guide to the LME, please click here.
Scrap Metal Yard For Trade
As scrap metal merchants who work in a trade ourselves, we understand the need for a fast, reliable and straightforward scrap metal recycling service.
That’s why, if you bring your scrap metal to us before 4pm, we can guarantee you a same-day payment! Can’t get it to us before 4pm? We’ll simply pay you the following day.
While our scrap metal recycling services are suited to the following tradespeople, we welcome all customers onto our local scrap yard:
Recycle Your Scrap Metal With Kas
Now you know why you should remove rust for better-value scrap metal, if you’re prepared to give your rusted metals some much-needed TLC, why not trade with our local scrap metal buyers to get something back for your scrap?
Give us a call, email or visit our local scrapyard today. Based in Atherton, we can also service the following nearby areas: Preston, Leigh, Wigan, Tyldesley, Bolton, Worsley, Lancashire, Chorley, Westhoughton and Salford. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest company updates and industry news.
