Scrap Metal Guide UAE

Comprehensive guide to scrap metal grades, specifications, and classifications. Learn how to maximize value from your scrap materials with proper identification and sorting.

Copper Scrap Grades & Specifications

Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals, priced based on purity and form. Understanding grades helps you maximize returns.

#1 Bare Bright Copper

The highest grade of copper scrap. Un-coated, unalloyed copper wire that is bright and clean, with minimum 99.9% copper content.

  • Free from insulation, paint, or contamination
  • No oxidation or tarnish
  • Typical: electrical wire, bus bars

#1 Copper (Bright & Clean)

Clean, unalloyed copper scrap with minimal oxidation. Must be free of insulation, paint, and foreign materials.

  • Clean tubing, pipe, or plate
  • Minimum 99% copper content
  • Typical: plumbing copper, roofing

#2 Copper

Unalloyed copper with light oxidation, paint, or contamination. Should be free of soldered connections.

  • Light oxidation acceptable
  • Minimal paint or coating
  • Typical: old plumbing, radiators

Insulated Copper Wire

Copper wire with insulation intact. Price varies based on copper recovery percentage after stripping.

  • Grade based on recovery rate
  • Higher value if pre-stripped
  • Typical: power cables, data cables

Aluminum Scrap Grades

Aluminum grades are classified by form, alloy composition, and contamination levels. Clean aluminum commands significantly higher prices.

Aluminum Castings

Clean aluminum from castings, engine blocks, and housings. Should be free of iron, brass, and other contaminants.

  • No iron attachments
  • Clean from oils and fluids
  • Typical: engine blocks, housings

Aluminum Extrusions

Clean aluminum from window frames, doors, and structural profiles. High purity aluminum alloy.

  • Clean profiles, no glass
  • Minimal paint or coating
  • Typical: window frames, doors

Aluminum Sheet & Plate

Aluminum sheets, plates, and coils. Clean material without composite layers or attachments.

  • Clean, flat aluminum
  • No steel reinforcement
  • Typical: roofing, signage

Aluminum Wire & Cable

Aluminum electrical conductors, power cables, and communication cables.

  • Free from steel armor
  • Clean conductor material
  • Typical: power lines, cables

Steel & Iron Grades

Steel and iron are priced based on form, cleanliness, and composition. Proper sorting by type increases value.

Heavy Melting Steel (HMS)

Heavy steel scrap, typically 1/4 inch thick or more. Includes structural steel, beams, and plates.

  • HMS 1: Cast iron over 150lbs
  • HMS 2: Other steel 1/4"+ thick
  • No turnings, borings, or light material

Steel Turnings & Borings

Steel scrap from machining operations. Lower value due to oil contamination and processing costs.

  • Free from excessive oil
  • No stainless or alloy contamination
  • Typical: lathe turnings, drill chips

Cast Iron

Iron castings, engine blocks, pipes, and fittings. Brittle and reusable in steel production.

  • Clean from steel attachments
  • No malleable iron or steel
  • Typical: engine blocks, manhole covers

Stainless Steel

Chromium-nickel steel alloys with corrosion resistance. Higher value than carbon steel.

  • 304 Grade: 18% Cr, 8% Ni
  • 316 Grade: Molybdenum added
  • No carbon steel contamination

Brass Scrap Grades

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Different brass compositions have different values based on copper content.

Yellow Brass

Brass with visible zinc content (yellow color). Contains approximately 35% zinc.

  • Typical: plumbing fittings, valves
  • No iron or steel attachments
  • Clean from paint and coatings

Red Brass

Copper-rich brass with reddish color. Higher copper content means higher value.

  • ~85% copper content
  • Typical: high-quality fittings
  • Premium pricing

Material-Specific Pages

Find scrap buyers for specific materials in your area:

Copper Wire Scrap Dubai

Complete guide to selling copper wire and cables.

Aluminum Scrap Market UAE

Understanding aluminum scrap prices and market trends.

Aluminum Scrap Dubai

Profiles, castings, and more

Steel Scrap Dubai

Structural, HMS, and more

Brass Scrap Dubai

Fittings, shells, and more

Tips to Maximize Your Scrap Value

Sort by Grade and Material

Separating copper from brass, or stainless from carbon steel, can increase your returns by 20-40%. Take time to sort materials before sale.

Remove Contaminants

Stripping insulation from copper wire, removing steel bolts from brass, or cleaning oil from aluminum significantly improves pricing.

Know the Weight

Understanding weight helps you evaluate quotes. We provide certified weighing on-site so you see exactly what you're being paid for.

Time Your Sale

Metal prices fluctuate with LME. While timing the market is difficult, selling when you have quality sorted material is always advantageous.

Related Blog Posts

Selling Copper Wire in Dubai

Tips for getting the best prices for copper wire scrap.

Aluminum Scrap Market UAE

Understanding aluminum scrap prices and market trends.

Steel Scrap Rates UAE

Current steel scrap prices and market analysis.

Brass Scrap Prices UAE

Everything about brass scrap pricing in the UAE.

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Dead Stock

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Stainless Steel Scrap: Types and Values

Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy widely used in UAE's construction, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. Our stainless steel scrap prices reflect the grade (304, 316, 430) and current nickel content in the international market.

Grade 304 Stainless Steel

Most common stainless steel grade, contains approximately 8% nickel. Highest scrap value among stainless grades. Found in kitchen equipment, sinks, and architectural applications across UAE hotels and restaurants.

Grade 316 Stainless Steel

Marine-grade stainless steel containing 2% molybdenum. Premium pricing due to superior corrosion resistance. Common in UAE coastal installations, marine applications, and chemical processing facilities.

Stainless Steel Scrap Price Factors

  • Nickel Content: Higher nickel = higher stainless steel scrap price
  • Grade Classification: 304 vs 316 vs 430 determines base price
  • Surface Condition: Clean, sorted material commands premium stainless steel prices
  • Quantity: Bulk collections receive better per-kg rates
  • Global Nickel Prices: LME nickel直接影响 stainless steel scrap rates

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals: What's the Difference?

Understanding ferrous and non-ferrous metals helps you identify and categorize your scrap materials for better value.

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic. They include steel and iron scrap. Ferrous metals are priced based on iron content and global steel demand.


Examples: Steel scrap, iron scrap, cast iron, HMS (Heavy Melting Steel)

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals contain no iron and are non-magnetic. They command higher prices due to superior conductivity and corrosion resistance.


Examples: Copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, lead

Why the Difference Matters

Non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum generally command 5-10x higher prices than ferrous metals per kg. This is why separating your materials by ferrous vs non-ferrous is essential for maximizing your scrap value. When you sort and separate your scrap, you ensure you get the best prices for each material type.

Types of Steel Scrap: A Complete Guide

Understanding steel scrap types helps you identify and categorize your ferrous materials for the best steel scrap prices.

Common Steel Scrap Grades

  • Shredded Steel: Processed through shredders, consists of small pieces. Premium steel scrap price due to ease of handling and processing.
  • HMS 1 (Heavy Melting Steel): Thick steel pieces over 1/4 inch. Standard grading for structural steel, beams, and plates.
  • HMS 2: Thinner steel under 1/4 inch. Includes sheets, pipes, and lighter structural elements.
  • Busheling: Clean steel turnings and clippings from manufacturing. High yield and good steel scrap rates.
  • Cast Iron: Engine blocks, pipes, manhole covers. Distinct from steel in processing and pricing.
  • Rail Steel: From retired railway tracks. Specific steel scrap price for this specialized material.

Factors Affecting Steel Scrap Prices

The prices of steel scrap fluctuate based on global demand, construction activity in UAE and GCC, LME index movements, and local supply. Our steel scrap prices today reflect these transparent market factors with no hidden deductions.