Scrap Metal Glossary & Terms
A plain-language reference to grades, standards, and industry terms used in Singapore scrap metal.
Whether you’re selling scrap for the first time or running regular industrial clearances, this glossary covers the terms you’ll see on quotes, invoices, and grade reports. Organized alphabetically-by-concept for quick reference.
HMS 1 and HMS 2
Heavy Melting Scrap grades for ferrous (iron-containing) scrap metal. HMS 1 is thick clean ferrous (≥6mm, no attachments) — higher rate. HMS 2 is lighter/thinner or has attachments — lower rate. Both used by steel mills to make new steel. Learn more →
LME
London Metal Exchange. The world’s largest market for industrial metals, sets global reference prices for copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, nickel, tin. Scrap metal prices in Singapore are benchmarked daily against LME fixings. Learn more →
Bright copper
The highest grade of copper scrap — dry, clean, bare copper wire at least 1/16″ (1.6mm) thick with no oxidation or attachments. Earns top rate (from $9/kg in Singapore). Learn more →
Braziery copper
Copper with iron attachments, heavy solder, or oxidation — common in radiators and heat exchangers. Lower rate than bright copper due to contamination. Learn more →
Tinned copper
Copper wire or sheet coated with a thin layer of tin (silvery appearance). Used in marine and high-reliability applications. Slightly lower rate than bright copper. Learn more →
Copper cable (75% yield)
PVC-insulated copper cable. The “75%” refers to the copper content after stripping the plastic sheath. Most residential and commercial electrical cable falls in this grade. Learn more →
Ferrous metals
Iron-containing metals. Magnetic, prone to rust, lower-value per kg than non-ferrous. Includes mild steel, cast iron, HMS, rebar. Learn more →
Non-ferrous metals
Metals that don’t contain significant iron. Non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, higher value. Includes copper, aluminium, brass, stainless steel, lead, zinc, nickel. Learn more →
Stainless steel 304
The most common stainless steel grade (18% chromium, 8% nickel). Used in kitchens, food service, general-purpose equipment. Scraps from $1.80/kg in Singapore. Learn more →
Stainless steel 316
Marine-grade stainless steel with ~2% molybdenum added for chloride resistance. More expensive than 304 — scraps from $2.60/kg. Used in marine, pharmaceutical, chemical applications. Learn more →
Cast iron
Ferrous metal with high carbon content — brittle, easily cast into complex shapes. Used in engine blocks, pipes, cookware. Scraps from $0.40/kg in Singapore. Learn more →
Red brass / bronze
Copper alloy with ~85-95% copper content and tin. Pinkish-red appearance. Higher value than yellow brass — scraps from $7.20/kg in Singapore. Common in ship propellers, bearings, marine hardware. Learn more →
Yellow brass
Copper alloy with ~60-70% copper and 30-40% zinc. Bright yellow-gold appearance. Common in plumbing fittings, door hardware, ammunition. Scraps from $6.50/kg in Singapore. Learn more →
Aluminium extrusion (6063)
Clean aluminium extruded profiles — window frames, door frames, architectural sections. The 6063 alloy is common for architectural use. Top aluminium scrap rate. Learn more →
NEA
National Environment Agency of Singapore. Regulates scrap metal dealers, recycling operations, and waste handling. Licensed dealers like Molten Steel comply with NEA requirements for storage, handling, and reporting. Learn more →
Turnings / swarf
Metal chips produced by machining operations (lathes, milling). Typically lower rate than solid scrap because of contamination with cutting fluids and mixed alloys. Learn more →
Galvanized steel
Steel coated with a thin layer of zinc for corrosion resistance. Scraps as ferrous (with a small zinc contamination discount). Common in roofing, ducting, outdoor fabrications. Learn more →
Lead acid battery
Car batteries and industrial UPS batteries containing lead plates in sulfuric acid electrolyte. Recyclable — scraps as battery unit (~$1.20/kg). Must be handled per NEA regulations. Learn more →
Demolition salvage
Metals recovered during building demolition — structural steel, rebar, copper wiring, aluminium frames, stainless fittings. Professional demolition contractors (like Molten Steel) offer scrap buyback against the demolition quote. Learn more →
Same-day payment
Payment issued the same day scrap is weighed and graded — standard for licensed Singapore scrap dealers. Unlicensed buyers sometimes delay or short-pay; avoid them. Learn more →
Still have questions?
If a term you need isn’t here, call us at +65 9106 7577. We’ll explain it and grade your load properly. For live pricing, see our scrap metal prices Singapore page.
