Are you looking to recycle brass and earn some cash? 

At West Coast Metal, we make brass recycling in Perth simple, hassle-free, and rewarding.

Brass is one of the most valuable recyclable metals; a combination of copper and zinc. It is everywhere, from plumbing fixtures to decorative items.

You likely encounter it daily, even if you don’t realise it. Recycling brass is not only great for your wallet but also for the planet. In this blog, we’ll show you how to identify common brass to recycle and become a smarter, more informed recycler. Additionally, we’ll explain why West Coast Metal is the go-to scrapyard to recycle brass scrap metal in Perth.

Let’s explore the 12 types of common brass to recycle and discover how you can make the most of your brass scraps.

12 Common Examples of Brass You Can Scrap

Ever wondered what does brass look like, and how can you identify it for recycling? 

Brass is known for its distinctive yellow-gold colour, but its appearance can vary based on the ratio of copper and zinc it contains.

• More Copper – results in a reddish-gold colour that gives a warmer tone.

• More Zinc – produces a silverish appearance that mostly resembles white gold.

This wide range of shades—from reddish-gold to silvery-white—makes brass both attractive and functional. Similar to its parent metal, copper, brass is highly malleable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for various applications.

Here’s a closer look at the most common brass to recycle and where to find it:

• Plumbing Fixtures

Brass is a go-to material for plumbing due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to handle extreme temperature changes. If you’re renovating or upgrading your plumbing, check for old fixtures that could be added to your scrap pile. Common items include:

• Pipes
• Valves
• Sinks
• Hose bibs
• Faucets

• Gears and Small Parts

Brass is widely used in precision devices like watches, barometers, and compasses because of its versatility and durability. It’s also found in:

• Connectors
• Brackets
• Automotive components

Even electronic and non-electronic devices may contain brass parts that can be recycled.

• Hardware and Tools

Construction tools and hardware mostly contain brass. If you have broken or outdated tools, they might be worth recycling. So, look for these items in your workshop or toolbox:

• Nails and tacks
• Measuring instruments (like weighing scales)
• Hand tools

 

• Clocks and Timepieces

Many clocks, especially vintage ones, incorporate brass in their frames, gears, and decorative accents. If you have old or non-functional clocks lying around, they can be recycled for their brass content. The durability and aesthetic appeal of brass make it a popular choice for:

• Wall clocks
• Mantel clocks
• Pocket watches

• Doorknobs and Handles

One of brass’s standout features is its antibacterial properties, inherited from copper. That’s why it’s a popular choice for frequently touched surfaces, such as:

• Doorknobs
• Drawer handles
• Cabinet pulls

• Locks and Keys

These items can be recycled to recover their brass content, especially if they’re no longer in use. Durable and rust-resistant, brass is commonly used in:

• High-quality locks
• Keys
• Padlocks

• Shell Casings

Brass shell casings are widely used for ammunition due to their low friction coefficient and ability to handle high pressure. Many shooting ranges and firearm enthusiasts recycle used shell casings to recover value.

• Decorative Items

If you’re refreshing your home décor, consider recycling old brass items to give them a new lease on life. Brass’s malleability and resemblance to gold make it ideal for decorations, such as:

• Sculptures
• Bedframes
• Curtain rods
• Garden ornaments (like birdbaths)

• Light Fixtures

From chandeliers to sconces, brass light fixtures are both stylish and recyclable. Older homes often have brass fixtures that may no longer suit modern designs. Add them to your recycling pile and make room for new ones.

•  Radiators

Did you know that many vehicle manufacturers prefer brass radiators over aluminum ones? That’s because they last longer, cost less to produce, and handle pressure better. If you’re replacing your car radiator, don’t forget to recycle the old one. It’s one of the most commonly recycled brass car parts.

•  Musical Instruments

Brass instruments are a family of their own, including:

• Trumpets
• Trombones
• Tubas
• French horns

These instruments are highly durable and have excellent acoustic properties. When they’re no longer playable, they can still be recycled to recover the brass.

•  Boat and Marine Equipment

Brass is commonly used in marine environments due to its resistance to corrosion from saltwater. Old or damaged marine equipment is an excellent source of brass for recycling.

You’ll mostly find brass in:

• Propellers
• Boat fittings
• Marine hardware

7 Different Types of Brass to Recycle with West Coast Metal

Brass comes in a variety of types. Each with unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. From its aesthetic appeal to its strength and corrosion resistance, brass is a highly valuable material for recycling. At West Coast Metal, we specialise in recycling all kinds of brass, turning your scrap into cash. 

Let’s explore the most common types of brass you can recycle with us:

• Alpha Brass (CuZn)

Alpha brass is a single-phase alloy containing 55-65% copper and 35-45% zinc, with a bright yellow or reddish tone depending on the copper content.

Features	Details
Properties	Excellent cold workability, good corrosion resistance, and ductility.
Applications	Used in architectural elements, decorative items, and forming/drawing processes.
Recycling Benefits	High copper content makes it valuable for recycling, with applications in premium products.

• Alpha-Beta Brass (CuZn40)

Also known as duplex brass, alpha-beta brass has a 60% copper and 40% zinc composition.

Features	Details
Properties	Balanced cold and hot workability, strong corrosion resistance, and heat treatable.
Applications	Ideal for gears, valves, fittings, and components requiring durability.
Recycling Benefits	Recycled for industrial uses due to its strength and versatile applications.

• High-Zinc Beta Brass (CuZn15)

This type contains 15% copper and 85% zinc, giving it a silvery appearance.

Features	Details
Properties	Low melting point, excellent casting properties, and good wear resistance.
Applications	Commonly used in die-cast components like locks, hinges, and fasteners.
Recycling Benefits	Cost-effective recycling option for large-scale industrial casting materials.

• Yellow Brass (CuZn33)

Known for its bright yellow colour, yellow brass contains 67% copper and 33% zinc.

Features	Details
Properties	Good cold working properties, moderate strength, and excellent corrosion resistance.
Applications	Decorative hardware, musical instruments, and plumbing fittings.
Recycling Benefits	Highly recyclable due to its versatility and widespread use in household items.

• Red Brass (CuZn15)

Also referred to as gunmetal, red brass has a high copper content of 85%.

Features	Details
Properties	Exceptional corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and good machinability.
Applications	Plumbing fittings, valves, pumps, and decorative items.
Recycling Benefits	Sought after for recycling, thanks to its high copper content and durability.

• Leaded Brass (CuZn39Pb3)

Leaded brass contains 1-3% lead, making it perfect for machining and intricate designs.

Features	Details
Properties	Exceptional machinability, good corrosion resistance, and cold workability.
Applications	Plumbing fittings, valves, and decorative hardware.
Recycling Benefits	A favorite for recycling due to its ease of use in manufacturing precision parts.

• Naval Brass (CuZn40Sn1)

This brass type includes 60% copper, 39% zinc, and 1% tin, giving it superior resistance to seawater corrosion.

Features	Details
Properties	Strong corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and hot/cold workability.
Applications	Marine hardware, ship propellers, and bushings.
Recycling Benefits	Ideal for recycling marine-grade brass items that endure harsh environments.

Why Recycling Brass is Important | Top 7 Benefits

Recycling brass is a win-win solution that benefits industries, individuals, and the planet.  Not only is recycled brass less expensive to produce than new brass. But it also offers tremendous value to both manufacturers and collectors. 

Here’s why recycling brass is so important and the benefits it brings:

• Saves Natural Resources

Recycling brass reduces the need to extract raw materials like copper and zinc from the earth. This helps conserve finite resources and minimizes the environmental damage caused by mining activities.

• Cuts Production Costs

Using recycled brass in manufacturing significantly lowers production costs. It requires less processing compared to producing new brass from raw materials, resulting in savings that benefit both manufacturers and consumers.

• Conserves Energy

Producing brass from recycled materials consumes far less energy than creating it from scratch. This helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, making the process more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

• Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Recycling brass generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional metal production methods. This contributes to a cleaner atmosphere and helps combat climate change.

• Offers High Market Value

Recycled brass holds significant value for manufacturers because of its cost-effectiveness and quality. As a result, scrap collectors are always eager to source and recycle brass, ensuring it remains in high demand.

• Supports a Circular Economy

Recycling brass keeps valuable materials in circulation, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. This sustainable approach minimizes landfill use and extends the lifecycle of metal products.

• Preserves the Environment

By recycling brass, we can limit the need for mining, which often disrupts ecosystems and depletes natural landscapes. Choosing recycled materials is a step toward preserving the environment for future generations.

Differentiating Brass from Copper and Bronze

Brass, copper, and bronze are mostly confused due to their similar appearance. But they each have unique properties and uses. Understanding these differences is key when recycling metals or identifying materials. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you differentiate them:

Property	Brass	Copper	Bronze
Composition	Copper + Zinc	Pure Copper	Copper + Tin (and sometimes other metals)
Colour	Golden with a reddish tint	Reddish	Brownish with a reddish tint
Appearance with Age	Develops brownish streaks	Ages with greenish patina	Forms streaks in blue, green, and brown
Hardness	Harder than copper, softer than bronze	Softest of the three	Hardest of the three
Sound	Produces a mild ringing sound	Soft sound when struck	Loudest ringing sound of the three

Pricing Tip

The scrap value of brass, copper, and bronze mostly follows copper pricing trends. Since copper prices change frequently, it’s a good idea to call your recycler for the latest rates before selling your metals.

Got old brass fixtures, scrap metals, or plumbing parts lying around? Don’t let them collect dust!

Contact West Coast Metal for Brass Recycling in Perth

Brass is too valuable to throw away. 

At West Coast Metal, we make it easy to sell scrap brass and recycle responsibly. We’ll provide top-notch service and unbeatable prices. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Over 20 Years of Experience: We’ve been providing brass scrap recycles Perth services for industrial, mining, commercial, and domestic customers.

• Family-Owned and Female-Run: Our friendly team offers a unique, customer-focused experience.

• Competitive Prices: We guarantee the best rates for your brass scrap metal Perth.

• Convenient Process: Bring a current driver’s license and a utility bill to meet legal requirements to sell your scrap metal.

Call us today or visit our scrapyard for a chat and a coffee. 

Let’s turn your scrap into cash and make Perth a cleaner, greener place.

Recycle Your Brass Now