Alter Metal Recycling - Ottumwa

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Alter Metal Recycling - Ottumwa A worldwide leader in scrap metal recycling for over 125 years.

11/02/2026

One of the most useful things to know before a trip to the yard is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Ferrous metals contain iron. Steel and cast iron are the most common examples. They’re magnetic, which makes them easy to identify with a basic magnet.

Non-ferrous metals contain no iron. Copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and lead all fall into this category. They’re generally not magnetic.

Knowing which category your material falls into helps you understand what you have before you get to the yard. A magnet is the simplest tool for sorting the two.

altertrading.com for locations and current pricing

Not sure what metal you're looking at? Start here.A magnet is the quickest tool you have — steel and iron are magnetic, ...
10/30/2026

Not sure what metal you're looking at? Start here.

A magnet is the quickest tool you have — steel and iron are magnetic, copper, aluminum, and brass are not.

From there, color and weight tell you most of what you need to know. Copper has a distinct reddish-orange color and is heavier than it looks. Aluminum is silver-gray and light for its size. Brass has a yellow-gold tone and is denser than aluminum but lighter than copper. Stainless steel looks similar to aluminum but is significantly heavier.

Drop your answer in the comments.
10/27/2026

Drop your answer in the comments.

What if the metal you donate could help fund research for a cure?From now through December 31st, Alter Trading is proud ...
10/23/2026

What if the metal you donate could help fund research for a cure?

From now through December 31st, Alter Trading is proud to launch Metal for a Cure, a 4th quarter fundraiser supporting the Cure NF2 Foundation and its work to advance research toward a cure for NF2-related schwannomatosis, a rare genetic disease.

NF2 causes tumors to grow on nerves, often affecting the brain, spine, and other parts of the nervous system. Over time, it can cause serious and permanent damage, including loss of hearing, vision, and mobility. For parents and loved ones, watching this disease slowly take away a child's ability to see, hear, move, and experience everyday life can be devastating.

• Have metal to donate? Bring qualifying materials to your local Alter facility and donate the value toward the campaign.

• Prefer to make a cash donation? Visit our campaign page to donate directly to the Cure NF2 Foundation.

Thank you for your thoughtful contribution. Today you might be the HERO in a little girl's life!

Let's turn the value of metal into support for research and hope for a cure. Link: https://donorbox.org/metal-for-a-cure-nf2

If you've got old farm equipment that's done for the season, here's what Alter takes:- Tractors and farm machinery- Equi...
10/21/2026

If you've got old farm equipment that's done for the season, here's what Alter takes:

- Tractors and farm machinery
- Equipment frames, axles, and drive shafts
- Cast iron engine blocks
- Steel grain bins and structural components
- General iron, steel hardware, and implements

Steel tanks and vessels need to be drained before drop-off. Large loads, call ahead.

Fall is a good time to go through the garage, shed, and yard before the cold sets in. If you've got old appliances, auto...
10/16/2026

Fall is a good time to go through the garage, shed, and yard before the cold sets in. If you've got old appliances, auto parts, or leftover materials from a project sitting around, bring it to us at the yard, and make some $$$.

Some restrictions may apply on appliances and copper in some locations. Not sure if something qualifies? Give us a call or check altertrading.com.

A few ways to tell common metals apart before you get to the yard:MAGNET TEST — ferrous metals like steel and iron are m...
10/13/2026

A few ways to tell common metals apart before you get to the yard:

MAGNET TEST — ferrous metals like steel and iron are magnetic. Non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminum, and brass are not. This is the quickest way to separate the two categories.
COLOR — copper is reddish-orange and distinct. Brass is yellow-gold. Aluminum is silver-gray and lightweight. Stainless steel is silver but heavier than aluminum.
WEIGHT — aluminum is notably light for its size. Cast iron and steel are dense and heavy. Copper is heavier than it looks.
FLEXIBILITY — aluminum sheet bends easily. Steel takes more force. Copper wire is pliable but has a distinct weight to it.

When in doubt, our team can help identify what you've got at the yard.

The US recycles about 80 million tons of it every year. One of the biggest benefits of recycling steel is that it never ...
10/08/2026

The US recycles about 80 million tons of it every year.

One of the biggest benefits of recycling steel is that it never loses its quality when it's recycled. It can be melted down and reformed indefinitely, and comes out just as strong every time.

This week is Fire Prevention Week, and we wanted to recognize Alter employees from around the country for their work on ...
10/06/2026

This week is Fire Prevention Week, and we wanted to recognize Alter employees from around the country for their work on local volunteer firefighting teams!

Thank you for all of your hard work on our team and in your community!

Address

Ottumwa, IA
52501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 3:30pm
Thursday 8am - 3:30pm
Friday 8am - 3:30pm

Telephone

(641) 684-5300

Website

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