One of the most valuable and recyclable non-ferrous metals that you will find today is brass. Brass is a ubiquitous part of a huge variety of products from plumbing fittings to ornamental features with economic and green value in brass scrap recycling .
If you are a tradesperson or clean up your garden shed as a business owner or in your own right, recycling your brass scrap can turn waste into cash and keep you lean in terms of a reduced footprint in landfill sites.
In this article we are going to look at what brass scrap is, why recycling it is important, and how to get the best returns from brass scrap recycling while being good caretakers of the environment.

What Is Brass Scrap ?

Brass is the term used for an alloy consisting mainly of copper and zinc and, possibly, traces of other metals used depending upon how it is utilized. Brass products wear out, break or are simply obsolete but more and more have value in brass scrap recycling .
Some common types of brass scrap are:
Yellow Brass - typically used in plumbing fixtures, keys, household items
Red Brass - typically richer in copper and may be found in heavy-duty applications
Mixed Brass - typically brass alloys combined
Brass Turnings - typically generated from machining activities (shavings and offcuts)

Why Should You Recycle Brass Scrap ?

Recycling brass benefits not just the environment, but can be beneficial financially as well.
✅ Environmental Benefits:
Conserve natural resources by putting off the need for extracting raw metals.
Save energy – recycling brass requires far less energy to produce than needed for extracting raw materials.
Reduce waste that would typically put into landfills.
? Economic Benefits:
Brass has one of the highest scrap values ​​per kilo.
Recyclers usually pay cash on the spot.
Help cut your business or residential waste disposal fees.

How Brass Scrap Recycling Works

Brass recovery is a simple process performed by professional metal recovery services:
Collection – Brass scrap collection from residences, business locations and industrial sites.
Sorting – Brass is sorted by material and grade.
Cleaning – Any impurities or non-brass materials are removed (learn more about brass cleaning).
Melting – Brass will be molten at a high temperature.
Re-alloying – The purified metal will be re-alloyed to check on quality of the brass and strength.
Recasting – The brass will be recast as new rods, sheets, or parts.

How to Prepare Brass Scrap for Recycling

To maximize the value, follow these easy and simple steps:
Separate brass from non-brass metals such as copper, aluminum, or steel
Remove any non-metal components (ie rubber, plastic, paint, etc.)
Clean your scrap from grime and oil
Categorise by types - yellow and red brass are priced separately
The cleaner and more categorized your scrap is, the better price you will receive.

Where to Recycle Brass Scrap

Today, it is easier to recycle brass scrap than ever! In every community, there are places where you can find:
Local scrap yards - many of these places are open to the public and offer cash on the spot.
Mobile collection services - some recyclers have mobile collection pieces for free or a fee
Commercial recyclers - these types of recyclers act as a one-stop shop for large loads of scrap brass or collecting scrap over time
Always check if the recyclers you are using are licensed and certified to process responsibly.

Brass Scrap Prices: What Can You Expect?

Brass scrap prices generally range from $3 - $5 per kilogram; however the prices can change depending on:
The buying and selling of metals (copper and zinc markets impact brass prices)
The state, condition and cleanliness of the brass
The quantity - some recyclers pay better for larger loads/quantity
The type of brass - in general, red brass has a higher value than yellow brass
When you inquire about prices, always call or check online beforehand for the most accurate prices.

Legal & Safety Considerations

Be mindful of:
ID requirements – Most states and areas require you to have valid identification to sell scrap
Handling – Brass can have sharp edges, or might be contaminated with lead-based soldering
Make sure to comply with all local laws and safety practices to avoid complications when selling your scraps. 

Final Thoughts

Recycling brass scrap is a “win-win” as it is a method to earn money while continuing to take care of the earth. Regardless of whether you are a diy-er with stray fixtures or a business that needs to get into the habit of regular waste management, brass recycling is a simple and responsible choice.