Brass might be one of the most underrated metals in your home or workplace. From decorative fittings to plumbing fixtures, it’s everywhere—and when it’s no longer in use, it still has value. At Universal Scrap Metal, we believe understanding brass scrap is the first step to turning it into extra cash while helping the planet. Here’s your simple guide.
A Quick Look at Brass History
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, used for thousands of years in coins, tools, ornaments, and musical instruments. Its strength, corrosion resistance, and attractive golden hue make it a favourite in industries from plumbing to architecture.
What Is Brass Scrap?
Brass scrap refers to discarded brass items that can be collected, recycled, and reused. Whether it’s an old tap or a pile of brass shavings from manufacturing, it all holds value.
Types of Brass Scrap
Brass scrap is classified into different grades based on its composition and use. The most common types include:
- Hard Brass – Found in heavy-duty fittings, valves, and machinery parts; known for its strength and wear resistance.
- Brass Shell Cases – Empty ammunition casings, often collected from shooting ranges or defence industries.
- Yellow Brass – Common in plumbing fittings, decorative hardware, and household fixtures.
- Red Brass – Higher copper content gives it a reddish tone; used in valves, sprinkler systems, and marine equipment.
- Naval Brass – Contains added tin for superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for shipbuilding and marine hardware.
Where Can You Find Brass Scrap?
You might be sitting on more brass than you think. Common sources include:
- Old plumbing fixtures and taps
- Door handles, locks, and hinges
- Electrical connectors and terminals
- Decorative items and antiques
- Spent bullet casings
How Brass Scrap Is Recycled
Recycling brass is a multi-step process that ensures quality and sustainability.
- Collection – Scrap is gathered from homes, businesses, and industries.
- Cleaning – Non-brass materials are removed, ensuring purity.
- Melting – Brass is melted down in furnaces at high temperatures.
- Alloying – Adjustments are made by adding copper, zinc, or other metals to achieve the desired properties.
- Casting or Forming – The molten brass is shaped into new products or raw forms for manufacturers.
- Quality Control – Each batch is tested for consistency and durability.
- Market Distribution – The recycled brass is sold to industries, reducing the need for newly mined materials.
Why Recycling Brass Scrap Matters
Recycling brass offers both environmental and economic benefits:
- Conserves Resources – Reduces the need for mining copper and zinc.
- Saves Energy – Recycling brass uses significantly less energy than producing new metal.
- Reduces Waste – Keeps non-biodegradable material out of landfills.
- Cuts Pollution – Lowers carbon emissions from mining and processing.
- Boosts the Economy – Supports jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries.
- Lowers Production Costs – Cheaper than sourcing virgin materials.
- Promotes Sustainability – Encourages a circular economy.
How Much Is Scrap Brass Worth?
Brass scrap prices are determined by market demand, quality, and quantity. Clean, sorted brass usually fetches higher rates. At Universal Scrap Metal, we offer competitive prices and instant cash payments for your brass scrap.
Where to Sell Scrap Brass
For the best return, choose a trusted, licensed recycler like Universal Scrap Metal. We make the process simple:
- Please drop off your brass at our Cannington yard.
- Get it weighed on our accurate scales.
- Receive same-day payment.
Small Business Benefits
For plumbers, electricians, builders, and other trades, recycling brass scrap is more than just good practice—it’s good business.
- Extra Revenue – Turn offcuts and old fittings into cash.
- Eco-Friendly Image – Show clients you care about sustainability.
- Cost Savings – Reduce disposal fees.
- Partnership Opportunities – Work with recyclers to streamline scrap collection.
The Versatility of Brass
Recycled brass is used to create:
- Plumbing fittings
- Musical instruments
- Electrical connectors
- Decorative hardware
- Engineering components
Its durability means it can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality.
The Growing Importance of Recycling
With rising environmental concerns and increasing raw material costs, brass recycling is becoming a global priority. For small businesses, it’s a win–win: lower costs, higher profits, and a greener footprint.
Partnering with Universal Scrap Metal
We make brass scrap recycling easy:
- Convenient Drop-Off – Bring your scrap to our Cannington location.
- Fair Prices – Transparent rates based on current market values.
- Eco Commitment – We recycle responsibly, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Final Word – Turn Your Brass into Cash
Brass scrap isn’t just junk—it’s a valuable resource. Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out old fixtures or a business with regular scrap, Universal Scrap Metal is here to help you recycle efficiently, profitably, and responsibly.