Scrap Metal

Scrap metal is anything that is at least 80% metal. Scrap metal can include items made from steel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze and other metals. Some examples are metal piping, chains, wire, non-electric cookware (pots, pans, cooling racks, etc.), bicycle parts (no tires), metal lawn furniture, nails, nuts and bolts, and more.

Gas tanks, batteries, oil filters and electronics are not scrap metal and need to be managed differently.

Ferrous metals contain iron, which includes steel. These are metals that attract a magnet. In order to be recycled, they must be clean of oils, fuel and debris. Examples include lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and other small engine equipment.

Non-ferrous metals are everything else! These metals have the highest market value. Examples include aluminum, copper, gold and silver.

Recycle your metals at a permitted scrap metal facility or your local transfer station.

Questions? 

Please contact the Solid Waste General Helpline via email at solidwasteinfo@des.nh.gov or by phone at (603) 271-2925.

Visit our Managing My Waste page to learn about other types of household waste.