How Much Is My Scrap Metal Worth?
Scrap metal prices change daily based on commodity markets. Copper scrap ranges from $2.50-$4.50/lb, aluminum from $0.30-$1.00/lb, brass from $1.25-$2.50/lb, and steel from $0.05-$0.15/lb. Enter your metal type and weight to estimate your scrap value at current market rates.
Scrap Metal Value Calculator
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Why Knowing Your Scrap Metal Value Matters
Scrap metal recycling is a multi-billion dollar industry. Whether you're cleaning out a garage, renovating a home, or working in construction, the metal you discard could be worth real money. Copper wire, old plumbing, aluminum cans, brass fittings, and steel beams all have scrap value. Knowing current prices before visiting a scrap yard ensures you get fair payment and helps you decide which metals are worth separating and hauling.
Key Factors That Affect Scrap Metal Value
Understanding what drives the price of scrap metal helps you get the most accurate valuation.
Metal Type
Copper is the most valuable common scrap metal at $2.50-$4.50/lb. Brass brings $1.25-$2.50/lb. Aluminum ranges from $0.30-$1.00/lb depending on alloy. Steel and iron are the least valuable at $0.05-$0.15/lb but are often available in large quantities.
Grade & Purity
#1 copper (clean, uncoated wire) pays more than #2 copper (with insulation or solder). Clean aluminum cans pay more than mixed/dirty aluminum. Separating and cleaning your scrap before selling significantly increases your per-pound rate.
Weight & Quantity
Scrap yards pay by the pound. Larger loads generally get better per-pound rates. Some yards have minimum weight requirements. Steel is heavy but low-value; copper is lighter but high-value. Calculate your total weight to estimate earnings.
Market Conditions
Scrap prices follow commodity markets and fluctuate daily. Copper prices are tied to global manufacturing demand. Aluminum tracks energy costs. Steel prices respond to construction activity. Check current spot prices before selling.
Location & Yard
Prices vary by 10-30% between scrap yards in the same area. Yards near ports or smelters often pay more. Some yards offer pickup services for large loads. Always call ahead to confirm current prices — posted prices may be outdated.
Tips for Valuing Scrap Metal
Get the most accurate estimate by following these tips when evaluating your scrap metal.
Separate metals by type before selling — mixed loads pay the lowest rates
Remove insulation from copper wire to get #1 copper pricing instead of #2
Weigh your scrap at home before going to the yard to verify their scale
Call multiple scrap yards to compare prices — rates can vary 10-30%
Scrap Metal Market Insights
Scrap metal prices in 2026 are influenced by global manufacturing demand, infrastructure spending, and energy costs. Copper remains the king of scrap metals, driven by electrical infrastructure and EV manufacturing. Aluminum demand continues to grow as automakers lightweight vehicles. Steel prices fluctuate with construction activity. The scrap recycling industry is moving toward more transparent pricing with online platforms publishing daily rates.
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Scrap Metal Valuation FAQ
What scrap metal is worth the most money?
Copper is the most valuable common scrap metal at $2.50-$4.50/lb. Precious metals (gold, platinum, palladium from catalytic converters) are worth much more per ounce but are found in smaller quantities. Brass is the second most valuable common scrap at $1.25-$2.50/lb.
How much is a pound of copper worth in scrap?
Clean copper scrap (#1 copper) currently pays $3.00-$4.50/lb depending on your location and market conditions. #2 copper (with insulation or attachments) pays $2.50-$3.50/lb. Prices change daily with commodity markets.
Is it worth scrapping aluminum cans?
Aluminum cans pay about $0.50-$0.75/lb. A standard aluminum can weighs about 0.5 oz, so you need roughly 32 cans per pound. It takes about 640 cans to make $10. Worth it if you're already collecting them, but not worth a special trip for small quantities.
Where can I sell scrap metal?
Scrap yards (also called salvage yards or recycling centers) buy scrap metal by the pound. Find local yards by searching 'scrap yard near me.' Some yards specialize in certain metals. For large quantities, some yards offer pickup services.
How do I identify different metals for scrapping?
Use a magnet: steel/iron are magnetic, copper/aluminum/brass are not. Copper is reddish-orange. Brass is yellow-gold. Aluminum is silver-gray and lightweight. Stainless steel is non-magnetic silver. When in doubt, scrap yards will identify and sort metals for you.