Brass may not be considered an element metal but it is certainly valued in the realm of recycling. Categorized as an alloy, brass is created with the use of copper and zinc. While it may not be as easy to identify recyclable brass as it is other items such as glass or aluminum, it is just as important to get this metal to the recycling center. With the large amount of brass used today, it is easy to fill landfills unnecessarily with this material. Growing landfills have become a problem with the discarded trash furthering pollution issues and contamination of nearby areas. Knowing how to organize your recyclable brass can assist and simplifying the process.
While its uses are not nearly as widespread as it once was, red brass is a category of the metal that can usually be recycled. Created by mixing about 15 percent zinc with 85 percent copper, red brass can be found in plumbing pieces and is common in shut off valves, bearings, outdoor faucets and sprinklers. The high levels of copper create the rose, or red tint, which can be easily seen with a small amount of filing. Due to the high volume of copper in the composition of red brass, it can increase the value of this particular metal depending on the current demand.
Semi -red brass has come to replace its predecessor red brass nowadays due to the less pricey mixture that creates it. It has approximately five percent less copper and zinc, with tin and other elements added to make up the difference. This creates a metal that can be used in much the same way as red brass, but at lower prices.
Yellow brass is the most common brass you will find around your home. With only about 65 percent copper and 35 percent zinc, it is aptly named for its golden tint. You can find much of this metal in plumbing related items, but also in bullet casings and many keys. It is a shinier metal and is often used in creating musical instruments such as trombones, trumpets and saxophones, as well as costume jewelry. While the coloring makes it fairly easy to identify this particular alloy type, a light filing of its surface should make it a bit more obvious.
Once you get used to identifying the different types of brass with which you come into contact, it will be easier to organize your recyclable metals. This allows you to save time when you head to the recycling center by desegregating your collection. Visit this website to learn more about brass recycling in Santa Clara region.
