Lightweight Iron vs. Heavyweight Iron: What's the Difference, and What Are the Benefits?

June 16, 2026

Light iron and heavy iron are two categories of ferrous metals with a clear difference in wall thickness, weight, and quality. In the international scrap trade, that distinction partly determines the price. At Krommenhoek Metals, we keep it simpler: one clear scrap metal price for most structural and sheet metal, plus separate categories for scrap, iron, and iron turnings. Still, it always pays to identify your material, because the cleaner and better sorted it is, the higher your return will be.

At Krommenhoek Metals, we receive deliveries of both types every day—from thin sheets from a renovation project to heavy I-beams from a demolition project. Below, we explain how the distinction works, how to identify your own materials, and how to get the maximum return when you turn them in.

What makes iron light or heavy?

The distinction between light and heavy iron is based on wall thickness and weight per piece. Light iron is thin-walled material with a wall thickness of up to about 4 millimeters. Heavy iron begins where light iron ends: thick, solid, and heavier per unit of volume. So it’s not about the total weight of your load, but about the thickness and construction of the material itself.

Examples of light iron:

• Thin steel sheets and tin plates
• Bicycles and mopeds (with aluminum and rubber removed)
• Steel radiators
• Boilers without electronics
• Thin-walled tubes and profiles
• Small household appliances made of steel

Examples of heavy machinery:

• I-beams and HEA sections
• Thick-walled tubes and bars
• Axles, gears, and cast iron parts
• Structural steel from demolition projects
• Heavy-duty agricultural and machinery parts

In the international scrap trade, this is referred to as the grading of ferrous metals. Three everyday examples illustrate this. A scrap bicycle is classified as light iron: the frame and spokes are thin-walled. A central heating boiler also falls under light iron, provided the electronics, copper parts, and insulation have been removed. But heavy iron pipes from an industrial facility or a demolition project, with a wall thickness of 6 millimeters or more, are classified as heavy iron. Three objects from different worlds, three different categories.

How do you identify the category if you're unsure?

The rule of thumb is simple: if you can bend or deform the material with your hands, it’s likely in the light iron category. If it’s stiff, solid, and requires tools to work with, it’s heavy iron. A wall thickness of 4 millimeters or less is considered light; anything thicker is considered heavy. Not sure about a specific batch? Send a photo via our WhatsApp service at +31 6 13 662 187, and our staff will take a look with you. Upon arrival, we’ll assess the material again at the counter or at the weighbridge.

What are the advantages of light iron over heavy iron?

In the international scrap trade, heavy scrap generally fetches a higher price per kilogram than light scrap. The reason: heavy scrap is purer in composition, contains fewer impurities per kilogram, and is more efficient for steel mills to process. Light scrap more often contains coatings, paint, or residual material and requires more processing steps.

At Krommenhoek Metals, we offer most customers a single, transparent price for scrap metal, whether it’s thin-walled radiators or heavy I-beams. In addition, we have separate rates for:

• Scrap metal: standard rate for structural and sheet metal
• Iron scrap: smaller pieces and dust; slightly lower rate
• Iron shavings: machine shavings from the machining industry
• Old electric motors: a separate category due to their copper content

This makes it easy for you, the customer, to understand: no traditional grading system with ten subcategories that makes it hard to keep track of everything. The current rates are updated dailyon our scrap prices page. Customers with our Steel Pass or Steel Pass + Instant Payment receive an extra bonus per kilogram.

Why is it worth sorting your scrap metal before you drop it off?

Sorting is especially worthwhile if you have mixed iron with non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, or brass. These metals fall into their own price categories and fetch significantly higher prices when sold separately. If you turn in a mixed load, the entire shipment will be priced at the lowest rate. Taking a few minutes to sort can make a difference of tens of euros.

When it comes to separating light and heavy scrap metal, sorting is less critical for us than at some other scrap yards, because we charge a single price for scrap metal. However, the following applies: the cleaner the material (free of paint, coatings, insulation, or non-ferrous residues), the more smoothly it will pass through the weighing process, and the faster you’ll have your money in your account or in your hand. Especially for companies that regularly dispose of scrap metal, establishing a consistent sorting procedure on the shop floor is well worth the effort. A bin for light material, a pallet for heavy structural steel, and a separate container for non-ferrous residues.

How does Krommenhoek Metals determine the price of your scrap metal?

We use up-to-date, transparent scrap prices that you can find online. Our rates are updated daily based on market fluctuations and international exchanges. The price you see is the price you get, based on the weight and quality of the material.

The weight is determined on a calibrated weighbridge. We conduct the quality assessment together with you: Is the material clean, free of non-ferrous metals such as copper or aluminum, and is the category correct? This assessment is based on more than a century of experience with ferrous metals. So there are no surprises later on.

Our Rotterdam location is right next to the A20 and is fully covered, so you can unload comfortably no matter the weather. For vehicles up to 4 metric tons, please go to Keenstraat 28; trucks unload at Linschotenstraat 21. The Westland branch at Maasdijkseweg 138 in Wateringen serves the The Hague region. Payment is made immediately via our ATM or a fast bank transfer.

Do you have a large amount of scrap iron and want to have it picked up? We’ll deliver a scrap container—anywhere in the Netherlands—within 24 hours. Our containers come in 20, 30, or 40 m³ sizes. If you have more than 1,000 kg of scrap, you may be eligible for our free pickup service.

What do you do with iron that's mixed with other metals?

Iron mixed with copper, aluminum, or other non-ferrous metals does not fall into the standard categories. In that case, it’s a good idea to separate them beforehand. Copper and aluminum fetch significantly higher prices when sold separately than iron does. If you turn them in mixed together, the entire load will be priced at the lowest rate.

Not sure how to sort your waste? We’ll give you expert advice—by phone, via WhatsApp, or at the service counter. No complicated explanations, just an honest answer. That’s how we’ve been doing it since 1925.

Krommenhoek Metals has been active in the metal trading and recycling industry since 1925. It is a family-owned business with Royal Warrant status, a customer rating of 4.75 out of 5, and two locations in Rotterdam and Wateringen. We hold certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, WEEELABEX, the MRF seal of approval, and the End of Waste certificate, and we are a BIR Gold Member. Furthermore, every 1,000 kg of recycled scrap iron saves 1,100 kg of iron ore and 630 kg of coal. A fair price for you and a valuable contribution to a cleaner supply chain.

FAQ

What is the difference between light iron and heavy iron?

Light steel has a wall thickness of up to approximately 4 millimeters and is thin-walled and bendable. Heavy steel is thicker, more solid, and stiffer. Examples include structural steel, cast iron, and thick shafts. The difference lies in the thickness and construction of the material, not in the total weight of your cargo.

Does heavy iron fetch a higher price than light iron at Krommenhoek Metals?

In the international scrap trade, this is generally the case, because heavy iron is purer and easier to process. At Krommenhoek Metals, we apply a single, clear rate to the majority of our scrap iron, regardless of whether it is light or heavy. However, we do have separate categories for iron grit, iron turnings, and old electric motors. In practice, purity is a more decisive factor for your return than the light/heavy distinction.

Do I need to sort my scrap metal before I drop it off?

It’s not required, but it’s a smart move if you have non-ferrous metals mixed in with your scrap iron. Copper and aluminum have their own, much higher prices. Keep them separate, and you’ll get the right price for each type. As for separating light and heavy scrap, sorting isn’t as critical for us, since we charge a single price for scrap iron.

How are scrap prices determined at Krommenhoek Metals?

Prices are based on current market conditions and international commodity exchanges, and are updated daily on our website. The final amount depends on the weight measured on our calibrated weighbridge and the quality of the material.

Can I have the scrap metal picked up instead of bringing it in myself?

Yes. For larger quantities, we’ll deliver a scrap container anywhere in the Netherlands, usually within 24 hours. Our containers come in 20, 30, or 40 m³ sizes. If you have more than 1,000 kg of scrap, you may be eligible for our free pickup service. Call us at +31 (0)10 415 2815 or send us a WhatsApp message, and we’ll find the best solution for your situation.

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