#1 Heavy Melting Scrap (#1 HMS) is a widely traded ferrous scrap grade made from prepared wrought iron and steel. It is commonly generated from structural demolition, heavy machinery, industrial equipment and other substantial steel products.
The grade is defined by minimum thickness, maximum dimensions and preparation for furnace charging. Correct sizing and segregation are important because material that does not meet the agreed specification may be purchased under another ferrous grade.
What Is #1 Heavy Melting Scrap?
Under current ReMA ferrous scrap specifications, No. 1 Heavy Melting Steel, Code 200, consists of wrought iron and/or steel scrap that is at least 1/4 inch thick.
Individual pieces may not exceed 60 × 24 inches and must be prepared so the material can be charged compactly into a steelmaking furnace.
ReMA also recognizes smaller dimensional preparations for buyers and furnaces requiring different charging sizes.
What Are the Main #1 HMS Specifications?
Current ReMA specifications include three principal #1 Heavy Melting Steel preparations:
- No. 1 HMS, Code 200: At least 1/4 inch thick, with individual pieces no larger than 60 × 24 inches.
- No. 1 HMS 3 Feet × 18 Inches, Code 201: At least 1/4 inch thick, with pieces no larger than 36 × 18 inches.
- No. 1 HMS 5 Feet × 18 Inches, Code 202: At least 1/4 inch thick, with pieces no larger than 60 × 18 inches.
The exact preparation required depends on the receiving processor or steel mill, so sellers should confirm the applicable specification before cutting or loading a commercial shipment.
How to Identify #1 HMS
#1 HMS is generally heavy, substantial ferrous material rather than thin sheet or light-gauge steel.
Common characteristics include:
- Steel or wrought iron at least 1/4 inch thick
- Heavy structural or industrial steel
- Material cut to furnace-charging dimensions
- Minimal nonferrous attachments or foreign material
- No excessive dirt, corrosion or contamination
- Preparation suitable for compact furnace charging
A magnet can confirm that a material is ferrous, but magnet testing alone cannot determine whether it meets the full #1 HMS specification.
Common Sources of #1 Heavy Melting Scrap
#1 HMS is frequently recovered from heavy industrial, construction and demolition applications.
Common sources include:
- Structural beams and heavy steel sections
- Industrial machinery and equipment
- Heavy plate
- Construction and demolition steel
- Farm and heavy equipment
- Manufacturing and fabrication scrap
- Heavy steel frames and supports
- Industrial dismantling projects
#1 HMS vs. #2 HMS
The most important distinction between #1 HMS and #2 Heavy Melting Scrap is the material thickness and the types of steel permitted under the applicable specifications.
#1 HMS requires steel at least 1/4 inch thick. General #2 HMS begins at 1/8 inch thick and expressly includes black and galvanized wrought iron and steel that is not suitable as No. 1 Heavy Melting Steel.
Because several dimensional variants exist for both grades, sellers should not classify a load based on thickness alone. Preparation, dimensions, material type and buyer requirements all matter.
#1 HMS vs. Busheling Scrap
#1 Busheling Scrap is also an important steelmaking feedstock, but it is a different commercial grade.
Busheling generally consists of clean new factory sheet scrap, stampings and clippings. #1 HMS is based on heavier wrought iron and steel and is commonly generated from structural, industrial and obsolete equipment sources.
The two grades should therefore not be used interchangeably even though both may ultimately be consumed by steel mills.
Why Does HMS Have Size Requirements?
Heavy steel must be prepared so it can be handled efficiently and charged into a furnace without creating oversized pieces that interfere with scrap handling or melting operations.
The dimensional limits in HMS specifications help create a more predictable feedstock for processors and steelmakers.
Large beams, machinery components and structural sections may therefore need to be cut, sheared or otherwise prepared before they qualify as prepared #1 HMS.
What Can Downgrade #1 HMS?
A shipment can lose grade value when the material falls outside the buyer's agreed specification.
Potential issues include:
- Steel thinner than the required minimum
- Oversize pieces
- Excessive nonferrous attachments
- Dirt or foreign material
- Excessive rust or corrosion
- Mixed light-gauge steel
- Material better classified under another HMS or ferrous grade
ReMA's ferrous specifications allow buyer and seller to agree to deviations, so the receiving buyer's purchasing specification should always be confirmed before shipment.
What Affects #1 HMS Scrap Prices?
#1 HMS prices vary with regional steel-mill demand, scrap supply, preparation, quantity, freight, location and buyer requirements.
Heavy melting scrap may be quoted by gross ton, net ton, metric ton, hundredweight or pound depending on the yard and region. Always compare offers using the same unit and delivery basis.
For current grade-specific buying data, view RecyclingMonster's #1 HMS Prepared Prices.
You can also compare the broader Steel Scrap Prices section and Current Scrap Metal Prices.
How to Maximize #1 HMS Scrap Value
- Keep heavy steel separate from sheet metal and light iron.
- Cut oversize pieces to the dimensions required by the receiving buyer.
- Remove excessive nonferrous attachments and foreign material when practical.
- Keep different HMS grades separated where possible.
- Confirm the buyer's minimum thickness and maximum dimensions before processing a load.
- Compare quotes using the same unit and freight basis.
- Check whether the quoted price applies to prepared or unprepared material.
Where Can You Sell #1 Heavy Melting Scrap?
#1 HMS is purchased by ferrous scrap processors, metal recycling centers, brokers, foundries and steel mills.
Use RecyclingMonster's Metal Recycling Center Directory to locate scrap yards and processors by location.
Because #1 HMS is a specification-driven grade, confirm that the facility purchases prepared heavy melting steel and ask about its required dimensions before arranging delivery.
Have Large Quantities of #1 HMS?
Demolition contractors, industrial plants, construction companies and equipment dismantlers can generate substantial quantities of heavy melting scrap.
For large projects, ask potential buyers about roll-off containers, onsite loading, torching or shearing requirements, pickup service, freight charges and delivered-versus-pickup pricing.
Preparing heavy steel correctly before transportation can reduce handling at the receiving yard and help prevent otherwise valuable material from being downgraded as unprepared steel.