Is Brass Worth Scrapping? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve got old plumbing parts, doorknobs, or random hardware collecting dust, you might be wondering if it’s worth bringing in. The short answer? Yes, brass is definitely worth scrapping. At Bahia Honda Scrap Metal in Miami, we see people bring in brass every day, and it’s one of those metals that adds up fast once you know what to look for.

Before you toss it or leave it sitting in the garage, here’s what you need to know.

What is brass, and where do you find it?

Brass is a mix of copper and zinc. It’s got a yellowish color, a little heavier than aluminum, and it doesn’t rust like steel. Most people don’t realize how common it is, but once you know what to look for, it’s everywhere.

Common items made of brass:

• Plumbing fixtures Old valves, pipe fittings, and faucets often contain brass.

• Doorknobs and locks A lot of household hardware has a solid brass core, even if it looks coated.

• Keys Most keys are made from brass. Got a drawer full of old ones? That’s scrap.

• Decorative pieces Candle holders, lamps, and other home goods are often brass or brass-plated.

• Car parts Radiators, connectors, and terminals sometimes contain brass.

If it’s yellow, heavy, and doesn’t stick to a magnet, it could be brass.

Solid brass vs. plated brass

This is where a lot of people get tripped up. Some items are solid brass. Others just have a thin brass layer on the outside. Solid brass is much more valuable.

To test it, scratch the surface with a file or the edge of a screwdriver. If the color underneath looks the same, it's probably solid. If you see a different metal underneath, it’s likely plated.

How to tell if it's brass

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• It’s yellowish or gold in color

• It feels heavy for its size

• It doesn’t stick to a magnet

• It sounds more solid when tapped compared to hollow aluminum

• It darkens over time with a dull brownish patina

If you’re still unsure, bring it by Bahia Honda and we’ll check it for you.

Why scrap brass is worth bringing in

Brass tends to bring in a decent return, especially if it’s clean and sorted. It’s used in a lot of manufacturing and plumbing, so demand stays pretty steady. Even a small box of mixed brass can be worth the trip.

Unlike steel or iron, brass is a non-ferrous metal, which means it’s not magnetic and usually pays more. So if you’re clearing out a job site, remodeling, or just organizing the garage, it’s a smart move to collect your brass instead of tossing it.

Brass prep like a pro

You don’t need to overthink it, but a few quick steps make a difference. Keeping brass clean and separate means less sorting and more cash.

At Bahia Honda Scrap Metal, we’ve been serving Miami since 1988. Whether it’s a handful of old keys or a bucket of plumbing fittings, we’ll take care of it.