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RECYCLING

Got some brass scrap sitting around? Maybe it’s old plumbing fittings, off-cuts, or just bits and pieces you don’t need anymore. At Phoenix Recycling, we’re here to help you turn that unwanted brass into something useful. Recycling brass isn’t just good for a tidy-up, or your back pocket - it’s good for the planet, too.

See below for details | Scrap brass metal prices↓

BRASS
RECYCLING

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What is
BRASS?

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. Brass is produced by melting copper and zinc together in different ratios depending on its intended use. The higher the zinc content, the stronger and more durable the brass.

It’s stronger than pure copper but still malleable, making it a key material in plumbing, electrical components, musical instruments, and decorative fittings.

Brass is one of the most recycled metals because it doesn’t lose quality when melted down. This factor makes it an essential material in sustainable manufacturing, reducing the demand for newly mined copper and zinc.

TYPES OF

BRASS SCRAP
WE ACCEPT

At Phoenix Recycling, we specialise in recycling all kinds of brass scrap, whether it’s clean, mixed, or even a bit tricky to process. Here’s a closer look at the different types of brass scrap we’re happy to take off your hands:

CLEAN
BRASS

Clean brass is high-purity brass, free from any contamination, making it the easiest to recycle. You’ll find it in plumbing fittings, gas valves, mechanical bearings, and small brass statues. Once recycled, it’s melted down and cast into brass rods, tubes, and industrial fittings. Given that brass is made up of up to 70% copper, this type of scrap is highly valuable and widely used in construction, electrical wiring, and manufacturing.

BRASS
CLIP/CASINGS

Brass clips and casings come from manufacturing offcuts, bullet casings, and construction materials, usually containing high-purity brass. These scraps are shredded, melted, and refined into new precision-machined brass parts, ammunition casings, and mechanical fittings. Recycled brass from casings is widely used in engineering, plumbing, and high-strength industrial components, keeping these valuable materials in circulation.

BRASS
SWARF

If you work with machining or metalworking, you’ll be familiar with brass swarf, those tiny shavings, turnings, and chips left over from cutting and shaping brass. Instead of wasting it, brass swarf can be collected, cleaned, and melted down to create new brass ingots, rods, and precision parts.

Brass swarf recycling plays a big role in manufacturing, plumbing, and mechanical industries, ensuring that even the smallest pieces are put to good use. Recycling just one tonne of brass swarf can save over 2,000 kWh of energy, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to refining new brass.

BRASS COAST IRONY
(DIRTY)

Sometimes brass isn’t all brass; it might have screws, steel bits, plastic, or coatings mixed in. That’s what we call dirty brass. It takes a bit more processing to extract the good stuff, but once separated, the brass is melted down and reused in plumbing fixtures, decorative fittings, and automotive parts. Recycling dirty brass helps reduce landfill waste and makes sure these materials stay in circulation rather than being discarded.

HOW IS BRASS
RECYCLED?

Recycling brass is a straightforward but important process that keeps valuable materials in use and reduces waste. Since brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, getting the mix just right during recycling is key to making sure it meets industry standards for strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance.

1. Sorting & Processing

First, brass scrap is sorted by type, separating clean, mixed, and contaminated brass. Any steel, plastic, or other non-brass materials are removed to ensure high-quality recycling. Sorting makes the recycling process more efficient and ensures that different brass alloys are processed properly.
2. Melting & Purification

Once cleaned, the brass is melted at around 930°C in a furnace. Impurities are removed, and if needed, copper or zinc is added back in to get the right alloy composition. This step is what allows brass to be recycled over and over again without losing quality.
3. Casting & Forming

The molten brass is then cast into ingots, rods, or billets, which can be rolled, extruded, or machined into new products. From here, it’s turned into pipes, fittings, electrical connectors, and other essential components used in manufacturing, construction, and engineering.

WHy recycle
brass?

Brass recycling isn’t just about clearing space or making a few extra bucks; it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Less waste:
With over 90% of brass scrap recovered and recycled globally, brass is a material that never needs to go to a landfill.
Saves energy:
Recycling brass uses up to 75% less energy than making new brass from mined copper and zinc.
Reduces mining impact:
Brass is composed of up to 70% copper, so recycling reduces demand for new copper mining, preserving natural resources.
Infinitely recyclable:
Brass can be reused indefinitely without losing its properties, making it one of the most sustainable metals.
Supports local manufacturing:
Many industries rely on recycled brass to create new products like plumbing fixtures, electrical connectors, and high-strength industrial components.

By recycling your brass, you’re not just decluttering; you’re keeping valuable materials in use and reducing the environmental footprint of metal production.

HOW PHOENIX RECYCLES
YOUR BRASS SCRAP METAL

1. BRING IT IN

Got brass scrap sitting around? Simply drop by one of our convenient locations with your items. Whether it’s a pile of plumbing fittings, brass off-cuts, or something you’re not sure about, bring it along. We’re here to help!
2. GET PAID

Recycling brass isn’t just good for the planet. It’s good for your wallet, too. We offer great prices for your scrap brass, so you’ll leave with cash in your pocket while doing your bit for sustainability.
3. WE'LL HANDLE THE REST

Once it’s in our hands, you’re done! We’ll take care of sorting, processing, and exporting the brass to over 15 countries worldwide, where your scrap is given a new life as recycled raw materials.