Heavy Iron Recycling

Pile of heavy melting steel scrap

Heavy iron is thick, recyclable steel and wrought iron that is free from excessive rust.

Radius facilities accept heavy iron or heavy melting steel (HMS) scrap from a variety of industrial and commercial sources, including structural steel and plate steel, industrial machinery and automation equipment, thick-walled pipes and fittings, vehicle frames and axles. Whether you're clearing out a job site, decommissioning equipment, or managing demolition scrap, Radius offers sustainable solutions for heavy iron recycling.

Structural Steel

Structural steel and plate steel

Industrial Equipment

Industrial machinery and automation equipment

Pipes & Fittings

Thick-walled pipes and fittings

Vehicle Components

Frames, subframes, axles, and engine blocks

Job Site Clearing

Beams, plates, machinery parts

Equipment Decommissioning

Motors, power systems, and rotating equipment

Ready to recycle your heavy iron?

Below are some of the most common questions about recycling heavy iron. Contact our team or visit a Radius facility near you to get started.

Heavy iron, also known as heavy melting steel (HMS), refers to large, dense pieces of recyclable steel and wrought iron commonly sourced from demolition projects, construction sites, and industrial equipment. HMS is classified into HMS 1 and HMS 2, based on thickness and coating.

Heavy iron scrap is graded as Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) and typically classified into HMS 1 and HMS 2. Grading is based on material thickness, size, and cleanliness. HMS 1 consists of thicker, clean steel free from coatings, while HMS 2 includes thinner material and steel with galvanized or blackened coatings.

Yes. HMS 1 requires a minimum thickness of ¼ inch (6.35 mm), while HMS 2 requires at least ⅛ inch (3.175 mm). Pieces should also meet size limits (generally under 60" × 24") for efficient processing.

Yes. Prices vary based on location and market conditions.

HMS scrap prices vary by region and market conditions. Contact your local Radius facility for accurate pricing.

Radius accepts both separated HMS grades and mixed loads. For faster service, we recommend sorting your load by HMS 1 and HMS 2.

Prepare heavy iron by separating it from non-metal materials and removing nonferrous attachments such as aluminum, copper, or brass. Cutting oversized pieces and sorting HMS 1 and HMS 2 in advance can help speed up processing and improve efficiency.

For efficient processing, remove nonferrous attachments like aluminum, copper, or brass, as well as excessive dirt or contaminants.

Excessive dirt, debris, or contaminants can be removed before delivery. Cleaner HMS scrap allows for more accurate grading, efficient processing, and transparent pricing.

Absolutely. Radius provides scale tickets showing gross, tare, and net weights, ensuring transparency and compliance with state regulations.