What Kind of Stainless Steel Can You Scrap?

Scrap metal that is frequently used in anything from medical equipment to home appliances is stainless steel. Because of its reputation for being heat- and rust-resistant, this metal alloy was called rustless steel in the past and is widely used in medical equipment, household appliances, and other applications where strong, easily-cleanable materials are needed. Stainless steel is also a very valuable scrap metal that scrap metal collectors should not underestimate, but it is not always mentioned as a metal that can be easily recycled. So, in this article, we will go over which types of stainless steel you can scrap.

Types of Stainless Steel

Since stainless steel is an alloy of various metals, the amounts of components like iron, chromium, and nickel vary across different grades of stainless steel. Stainless steel with a higher nickel content is generally more valuable since nickel is more valuable than steel. There are three main categories of stainless steel.

• Type 304 stainless steel is the most widely used grade of stainless steel in home appliances because of its strength and resistance to rust. It is mostly composed of chromium and ferrous steel, with very little nickel.
• The grade of stainless steel, known as type 316, is more valuable due to its increased nickel content. Often utilized in marine applications, this alloy is robust, heat-resistant, and less corrosive.
• Medical equipment intended for surgical procedures frequently uses the stainless steel of the 400 Series. Generally speaking, its value is lower since its nickel concentration is significantly lower than that of 300 Series Stainless Steel.

Recycling stainless steel is possible, but it requires careful thinking. You must know your stainless steel's grade in order to decide whether it is recyclable. If you've upgraded an older model with newer parts or components, the item won't be recyclable. This also holds true for any additional metal that may be incorporated into the appliance or gadget. To get the most out of this precious resource when it comes time to get rid of your scrap stainless steel, you need to know what kind of stainless steel you have. You may think that that specific item is only made up of stainless steel, but it also has other metals, and when you take it to a scrap metal company, that might be a problem.

Additional Tips

• Remove plastic and grime from scrap metal. Preserving and maintaining the quality of scrap stainless steel raises its worth. 
• Sort scrap metal according to its grade and type to ensure precise pricing. To ensure you receive the best value for each type of scrap metal, sort and separate it.
• Work with a professional in metal recycling who is an expert in the field and can catch up with the sector.

M&M Recycling

If you are trying to learn more about the scrap metal recycling process, this is a fantastic spot to start your search for scrap stainless steel. Because stainless steel is rarely found in scrap yards and is used in so many everyday objects and items, stainless steel scrap has inherent value. If you need a reliable scrap metal buyer who can guide you through the whole process, call the professionals at M&M Recycling. We accept a variety of metals, so call us to learn more about our prices and schedule your appointment today.