Most homes have more scrap brass in them than people realise, and a lot of it ends up in the general rubbish. This guide is for Queensland homeowners, renovators and anyone clearing out a shed who wants to know how to identify brass, where it hides and how to sell it. At Action Metal Recyclers we have been buying and exporting scrap metal for over 50 years, and brass is one of the metals we see thrown out the most.
What is brass and why is scrap brass worth money?
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. That copper content is what gives scrap brass its value, and it is why brass is worth separating from your steel and general scrap metal. Brass is usually a warm yellow or gold colour, though older brass can look dull brown or green once it has tarnished.
Where to find brass in the house: taps and plumbing fittings
The most common brass in any house sits under the sink and behind the walls. Old taps, mixer bodies, spindles, stop valves, elbows, tees and threaded fittings are very often brass, even when they have a chrome finish over the top. If you are pulling out a kitchen or bathroom, put the old brass tapware in a bucket rather than the skip.
Scrap brass in door hardware and locks
Door handles, knobs, hinges, deadlocks, latches, letterbox flaps and window catches are all common sources of household brass. Older Queensland homes tend to have plenty of it. Plating is common on door hardware, so do not write a piece off just because it is not gold on the outside.
Brass ornaments and homewares worth recycling
Candlesticks, bowls, vases, bed ends, picture frames, fireplace tools, lamp bases and old clock parts turn up constantly in deceased estates and garage clean-outs. Brass musical instruments like trumpets and trombones are worth recycling too.
Brass in the shed and around the garden
Hose fittings, sprinkler heads, irrigation valves, garden tap sets, bearings, propellers and gate hardware are all worth a look. Anything heavy for its size and yellow underneath is worth putting aside for the scrap brass pile.
How to identify brass scrap metal
Two quick checks. First, a magnet will not stick to brass. If it grabs, you are holding steel or plated steel. Second, scratch a hidden spot with a file or a key. Brass is yellow the whole way through, while plated items show a different metal underneath. Brass and copper can look similar once tarnished, so if you are unsure, our scrap metal buyers can sort and test it for you on the spot. Our guide on how to recycle brass scrap for cash goes into more detail on grades.
How to get the best price for your scrap brass
Keep your brass separate from steel and aluminium, and strip off plastic handles, rubber washers and steel screws where you reasonably can. Clean, sorted brass scrap is always worth more than a mixed bucket. Small amounts are easy to bring straight in, and for a bigger clean-out you can book a scrap metal bin or arrange our mobile Weigh and Pay service.
Sell your scrap brass in Queensland
Our scrap metal yards are open Monday to Friday 7:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday 7:00am to 11:30am, with sites from Burleigh Heads to Townsville. Drop your brass into your nearest yard, or contact our team if you would like a hand working out what you have.
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