Scrap Grading

Category: business

The classification of scrap metal into specific market commodities based on cleanliness, size, and alloy purity.

Grading dictates the payout. For example, "Bare Bright Copper" is a high-grade commodity consisting of clean, unalloyed, unpainted wire. "Burnt Copper," which has been charred, is downgraded in grade and value because the thermal damage creates impurities that smelters must scrub out.

Common Examples

• Proper scrap grading requires the yard hand to inspect for plastic connectors, solder, or paint, as any attachment instantly drops the commodity grade.
• The mill downgraded our entire shipment because the steel scrap grading was tainted by excessive amounts of loose, embedded dirt and plastic waste.