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How to Recycle Brass

Like other metals, brass can be recycled indefinitely. In fact, this alloy is one of the most recycled metals in the world, primarily because recycling is far more cost effective than making new brass from the raw materials. Recycling brass items is only problematic for an individual because most recycling centers focus on the metals used for food and drink packaging, mainly steel and aluminum. You normally need to look a bit further afield to recycle brass. On the plus side, you can usually sell your old brass items, thereby making a little extra money while you go green.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleaning brush
  • Large bags
  • Scales
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush dust and dirt off your brass items.

    • 2

      Put items that are still usable as they are, such as bathroom fittings or pans, in one bag and everything else in another.

    • 3

      Advertise the usable items individually through local advertising or online on sites. Normally, this gets you a better price than the scrap metal rate, although it can take longer to sell the brass. If you are in a hurry, add them to the bag of not usable items.

    • 4

      Weigh the items that are not usable. Bathroom scales are sufficient to get an approximate weight.

    • 5

      Contact several local scrap metal dealers and ask how much they are willing to pay for the amount of brass you have in order to get the best price. Find local scrap metal dealers either in a phone book or search online. If you have a lot of brass, ask if the dealer collects. You can also check the going rate online.