​Why Are Copper Prices Rising? 
Scrap prices constantly fluctuate for a variety of reasons. They can greatly impact how much money you can expect selling metals to scrap yards. Most scrap metal yards do their best to have the most competitive prices in the area. That is why it is important to understand how and why prices fluctuate. Simply put prices for metal increase or decrease depending on the demand for that metal. When more projects in your area require certain metals, or when getting metal components from overseas becomes too expensive, it isn't rare to a jump in material costs. We are currently seeing an increase in copper prices we have not seen since 2011. This is due in part to the increased demand and decreased supply caused by the pandemic. 
How The Pandemic Impacted Metal Prices
Since February 2021, prices of copper have raised nationally. There are two leading theories on why this has happened. First, the economic stimulus bills that were passed at the end of 2020 have increased the demand for metal. Both small businesses and individuals now have the economic resources to tackle construction projects that may require the use of specific metals. Additionally there is a pent up demand and an issue with material shortages. During the pandemic many workers were not able to work at their jobs, and many projects were paused or abandoned because of concerns caused by the pandemic. With the end of the pandemic in sight, thousands of businesses of all sizes are now looking to unpause projects and take new opportunities leading to a high demand. Alternatively the pandemic also decreased the production of building materials, so now there is an increase in demand and decrease in materials leading to this increase in cost. 
What Do Increases in Copper Prices Mean For Scrap Yards
With metal prices constantly in flux, the increase in prices for copper means that scrap yards have received extra pressure to buy and recycle existing copper. This means, right now is a great time to sell and scrap metal that you currently have. Prices for recycled metal will not stay above average for long, so if you are sitting on any metal now is the best time to bring it in to a local yard. 
Get The Most For Your Scrap Metal
If you are looking to sell and recycle your scrap metal in the Greater Boston area, come to Second Street Iron & Metal in Everett Massachusetts. We offer highly competitive pricing as well as great customer service. Call us for our most up to date prices. 

How Do You Tell The Difference Between Gold & Brass? 
One of the most important parts of recycling metal is identifying it. If you know what metals you have, you can separate & organize them, which can help you get more return for your metal. Additionally, knowing what metal you have makes it even easier to choose when to sell your metal. Prices often fluctuate, so knowing when to recycle is a great way to get the most for your scrap metal. However, telling the difference between metals can be difficult. Especially when metals look similar like gold and brass do.  Here are a few tips you can use to tell the different between gold and brass.
Pay Attention to Gold & Brass' Colors
Brass and gold may have similar colors and both appear yellowish, but the colors are distinct. Gold is shinier and more yellow than brass. Brass is often a duller color and less vibrant. However this method gets a little dicey because when gold is mixed with other metals it loses its shine and traditional yellow color. 
Scratch Gold/Brass on Ceramic 
An easier way to tell the difference between gold and brass is by using a ceramic surface. When gold is scratched on ceramic it will leave a golden streak because it is a soft metal. Brass is generally a harder metal and will leave a darker black streak on the ceramic surface. 
Is Gold Heavier Than Brass?
Another way to test if something is brass or gold is to figure out its density. Gold is a denser metal than brass, which means it weighs more. Of course this method is also dubious as mixed metals will vary in terms of density. 
Check The Labels
Jewelry is often marked. Often times anything made with gold will have a karat marking on it somewhere. Brass does not have a karat count, whereas gold is usually labeled. Additionally brass metal is often branded with the word brass somewhere on the item. Search the material and look for any engravings or stamps that might indicate the metal. 
Bring Your Metal to a Scrap Metal Yard
If you are planning to get rid of a metal item regardless of what it is made of, consider bringing it to a scrap yard. Many scrap yards provide metal testing services if you are planning to sell the piece. 

High Value Metals For Scrap Metal Recycling
Recycling scrap metal is an effective way to make some  quick cash. Whether you are simply cleaning out your garage, or are working on a larger project. There are a variety of metals that fetch higher prices due to the supply and demand differences as well as the unique properties of these metals. Here are a few metals you should consider bringing to a scrap metal yard if you have them lying around your house.
Recycling Brass Scrap
Brass is commonly used for many ornamental goods and decorative elements of homes. Door knockers, cabinet handles, candlesticks, and trophies are often made with brass. additionally some instruments including trumpets, horns, trombones, and tubas, are made using brass metal. Brass is a rarer metal which means you can expect higher prices when you recycle brass.
Recycling Silver & Gold Scrap
Both silver and gold can sometimes fetch higher prices at your scrap yard than what a pawn shop or jewelry store will offer. If you have old jewelry, silverware, or medals made with silver and gold you should bring it to a scrap yard that accepts those metals and get a quote. Some older electronics even have gold elements to them.
Recycling Copper Scrap
Copper can be found all over your home in plumbing pipes and wires in electrical systems. If you have your home rewired or piping replaced, it might be beneficial to bring the copper to a local scrap yard. make sure to strip the wire of any insulation so you can provide pure copper to your scrap yard.
Recycling Aluminum Scrap
Aluminum is also a highly valuable scrap metal. Aluminum can be found in containers, cans, and even in some older electronics. Soda cans are often recycled for their aluminum, although on a small scale aluminum isn't highly valuable, in bulk it can provide a decent amount of money. 
See Our Recycling Prices
If you are interested in learning more about recycling scrap metal in the Everett area, visit our website for our pricing information and send us a message if you have any questions. A member of our team would be happy to assist you.