4 Common Types of Steel Scrap

Steel is one of the most widely recycled materials in the world due to its durability and high demand in various industries. When recycling steel, it’s important to know the different types of scrap steel, as this helps ensure efficient recycling and can affect the value of the scrap. Below are the four most common types of steel scrap:

1. #1 Heavy Melting Steel (HMS):
   • This category includes large pieces of steel that are typically thicker than ¼ inch. It can come from demolished structures, steel plates, or heavy machinery. HMS #1 contains no galvanized or coated steel and is highly sought after by steel mills for recycling.
2. #2 Heavy Melting Steel (HMS):
   • Similar to #1 HMS but typically thinner and may include some galvanized or painted steel. It’s often sourced from light demolition projects and can include household appliances or auto parts.
3. Shredded Steel:
   • Shredded steel comes from items such as old cars, household appliances, and light structural steel. Once the material is shredded, it’s sorted to remove contaminants like rubber, plastic, and non-ferrous metals. Shredded steel is prized for its high density and purity after processing.
4. Plate and Structural Steel (P&S):
   • This type of steel scrap comes from larger structural components such as steel beams, columns, and heavy machinery. It’s typically thicker than HMS and comes from industrial demolitions. Due to its strength and quality, P&S is often reused in the construction of new steel products.

Identifying Types of Steel Scrap

Identifying different types of steel scrap is essential for sorting, recycling, and valuing the material. The process involves evaluating the thickness, composition, and appearance of the steel. Here are some common ways to identify steel scrap:

1. Magnet Test:
   • Since most types of steel are ferrous metals, they will be attracted to a magnet. This quick test can help you distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
2. Visual Inspection:
   • Look for markings, thickness, rust patterns, and coatings like galvanization or paint to determine the type of steel. Heavier, rust-resistant, or galvanized metals may belong to the HMS or P&S categories.
3. Density and Weight:
   • Lighter steel, such as from appliances, is often shredded steel, while thicker, more robust materials like beams fall into the structural steel category.
4. Spark Test:
   • Some recyclers use a spark test, where steel is ground against a wheel, and the sparks produced help identify the type of steel based on their color and pattern.

What is Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron, making them prone to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture. They are magnetic and typically used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications due to their strength and durability. Common examples of ferrous metals include:

• Steel (carbon steel, stainless steel)
• Cast iron
• Wrought iron

Ferrous metals are easy to recycle and are in high demand in the scrap industry. Recycling ferrous metals reduces the need for mining and conserves energy during production.

What is Non-Ferrous Metal?

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, making them non-magnetic and more resistant to rust and corrosion. These metals are typically lighter and more malleable than ferrous metals, and they tend to be more valuable in the scrap market. Common non-ferrous metals include:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Zinc
• Lead

Non-ferrous metals are essential in applications where weight, corrosion resistance, or electrical conductivity are important, such as in electronics, aerospace, and plumbing.

Primary Steel Scrap Grades

Steel scrap is divided into different grades based on its size, thickness, and composition. Here are some primary grades of steel scrap commonly recognized in the recycling industry:

1. Heavy Melting Steel (HMS #1 and HMS #2):
   • HMS #1 is thicker, clean steel, free of any coatings or contaminants, and is more valuable. HMS #2 includes thinner steel and may have coatings or rust, making it slightly less valuable.
2. Busheling:
   • This grade refers to clean, new steel scrap generated during the manufacturing of steel products. It consists of punchings, trimmings, and sheet scrap and is highly sought after for its purity and consistent quality.
3. Shredded Steel:
   • Shredded steel is typically sourced from vehicles and household appliances. Once shredded, it’s free of contaminants like rubber or plastic, making it ideal for recycling in steel mills.
4. Plate and Structural Steel (P&S):
   • Heavier, larger steel pieces such as beams and thick structural components fall into this category. P&S scrap is often used in heavy-duty applications due to its strength.

Understanding these scrap steel grades helps recyclers and manufacturers ensure the right type of material is being reused for the appropriate applications, maximizing efficiency and sustainability in the recycling process.