Zorba is the ISRI code for shredded mixed non-ferrous metals, predominantly aluminium, produced when end-of-life vehicles and appliances are shredded and the non-ferrous fraction is separated, typically with eddy current separators. It also contains varying amounts of copper, brass, zinc, stainless steel, lead and insulated wire. Zorba is commonly sold with a number such as 90 or 95, indicating the nominal non-ferrous metal content, and it is a major imported scrap grade in India.
Why it matters when buying
- Value depends on the aluminium fraction and the share of heavier metals; agree how metal content and composition will be checked.
- Rubber, plastic, dirt and free iron are common contamination and reduce recovery.
- Most Indian buyers hand-sort or sink-float Zorba into cast aluminium, wrought aluminium and red metals before melting.
- Check moisture, since shredded material can hold water.
Notes
Twitch is the related ISRI grade for floated, fragmentised aluminium separated from Zorba. Sorted aluminium from Zorba usually goes into secondary casting alloys. See scrap listings.