Description
Iron and Steel Scrap (Ferrous Scrap) – Explained in Simple Words
Iron and steel scrap, also called ferrous scrap, comes from many old and used products. You can find this type of scrap in everyday things like cars, refrigerators, washing machines, and other household appliances. It also comes from big structures like buildings, railways, trains, bridges, ships, and farming tools.
This scrap metal is mainly divided into three types:
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Home Scrap – This is the leftover metal that is generated and reused within the steel plant itself. Due to new and smart technology, the amount of home scrap has reduced a lot.
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New Scrap (Prompt Scrap) – This comes from factories that make metal parts. When they cut, shape, or press metal, small pieces like stampings, turnings, and clippings fall off — these are collected as scrap. It is clean and fresh scrap, ready to be recycled.
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Old Scrap (Obsolete Scrap) – This is scrap collected from used products after they finish their life. For example: damaged vehicles, broken bridges, dismantled buildings, and old appliances. This is usually collected from consumers or demolition sites.
Popular Grades of Iron and Steel Scrap
There are many types of ferrous scrap based on size, shape, and quality. Some of the most common ones are:
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Heavy Melting Steel (HMS)
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Plate and Structural Steel (P&S)
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Hydraulic Silicon Bundles
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Short Steel Turnings (from cutting or grinding)
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Machine Shop Turnings
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Cast Iron Borings (fine bits from cast iron)
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Mixed Turnings and Borings
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Shredded Scrap
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Mixed Cast Scrap
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Foundry Steel Scrap