West Coast Metals

  When most of us think about recycling stainless steel, we usually picture things like old sinks, benchtops, or commercial kitchen equipment. But what if we told you your home (and shed!) is probably full of stainless steel items that are perfectly recyclable—and might even put a few extra dollars in your pocket? Here in Perth, we’re lucky to have access to efficient scrap metal recycling services, but many people still miss the small stuff. So let’s change that. Here are five common stainless steel items you probably didn’t know you could recycle. 1.   Old Cutlery and Kitchen Tools That drawer full of mismatched knives and forks? The broken tongs or egg flip that’s been bent out of shape? Don’t just toss them in the bin. Most cutlery and kitchen utensils are made from stainless steel , and yes—they’re completely recyclable. Even if they’ve got plastic handles or look a bit worse for wear, they still have value as scrap. Bring them in next time you’re heading to your lo...

  Copper is one of the most valuable and widely recycled metals in the world. Known for its conductivity, durability, and reusability, copper plays a critical role in industries from construction to electronics. But not all scrap copper is the same—and understanding the different types is key to maximizing value and ensuring proper processing during scrap copper recycling . In this article, we’ll break down the main categories of scrap copper and explain how each type is typically recycled.  1. Bare Bright Copper (No. 1 Copper) Description: Shiny, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire or tubing Free from tarnish, insulation, paint, or solder Common Sources: Electrical wiring Plumbing pipe scraps Stripped cable from demolition jobs Recycling Process: Bare bright copper is the most valuable form in scrap copper recycling . It typically doesn’t require heavy processing—just cleaning and melting—before it can be reformed into new copper products.  2. No....

  Brass is all around us—from plumbing fittings and doorknobs to musical instruments and industrial machinery. But what happens to brass when it’s no longer needed? Rather than being tossed away, much of it begins a new life through recycling . In fact, brass is one of the most efficient and valuable metals to recycle, making it a vital part of the global circular economy. This article walks you through the full lifecycle of recycled brass: where it comes from, how it's processed, and what it becomes after recycling. 🧱 What Is Brass? Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc , sometimes with small amounts of other elements like lead or tin. Its key qualities—strength, corrosion resistance, and malleability—make it ideal for both decorative and functional applications. There are two main types: Yellow brass (more zinc): Common in plumbing fittings, radiators, and door hardware. Red brass (more copper): Found in industrial valves, marine hardware, and antique fixtures. Brass is...

  Scrap yards—often seen as messy heaps of discarded metal, appliances, and old vehicles—are in fact hubs of scientific precision and environmental engineering . Behind their rugged appearance lies a sophisticated process of material recovery , where science and sustainability intersect to minimize waste, conserve resources, and support the circular economy. 🧪 Understanding Material Recovery Material recovery refers to the process of identifying, extracting, and reusing valuable components from discarded products. Scrap yards serve as the first step in this chain, transforming what would otherwise be landfill waste into raw materials ready for reuse in manufacturing. At the heart of this process is materials science , which studies the properties, composition, and behavior of metals, plastics, and other substances to determine how they can be efficiently separated, processed, and reused. 🏗️ How Scrap Yards Work: The Science in Action 1. Collection and Inspection Scrap yards Mala...

  Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, plays a vital role in industries ranging from plumbing and electronics to decorative arts. Due to its high recyclability, brass is frequently recovered from scrap materials, reducing the need for primary metal extraction. As the demand for sustainable practices increases, recycling technologies have evolved dramatically. This article explores the differences between traditional and modern brass recycling techniques , analyzing their efficiency, environmental impact, and industrial scalability. Overview of Brass Recycling Brass scrap recycling involves the collection, sorting, melting, and re-alloying of scrap brass materials. Common sources include used plumbing fixtures, spent bullet casings, electrical connectors, and industrial machinery. The process not only conserves raw materials but also reduces energy consumption compared to primary metal production. Traditional Brass Recycling Techniques Traditional methods, widely practiced in de...

  Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials in the world. It is used in everything from beverage cans and kitchen foil to airplane parts and electrical components. Its ability to be recycled infinitely without loss of quality makes it a champion of sustainability. However, like any process, aluminium recycling has both advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these can help policymakers, industries, and consumers make more informed decisions about waste management and sustainable practices. Pros of Aluminium Recycling 1. Significant Energy Savings Recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce it from raw bauxite ore. This massive energy reduction also leads to lower carbon emissions, making the process far more environmentally friendly. 2. Conservation of Natural Resources Mining bauxite (the primary ore for aluminium) is destructive to landscapes and ecosystems. Recycling reduces the need for mining, conserving both land and biodiversity . 3. Infi...