To identify and separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals, use a magnet as the first step. Ferrous metals, such as iron and steel, are magnetic and will attract the magnet, while non-ferrous metals, like aluminum, copper, and brass, will not. Next, visually inspect the metal for color and weight—for example, copper has a reddish-brown color, aluminum is lightweight and silver, and brass has a yellowish tint. For a more precise identification, use tools like metal analyzers or spectrometers to test the metal composition. Properly separating these metals is crucial for recycling centers to process them efficiently.