Brass Scrap Prices November 2025: Market Report & Price Guide

Yellow brass scrap prices held between $2.65 and $2.85 per pound throughout November, with most transactions settling around $2.75 per pound for clean material. That represents about a 5% increase compared to September's average of $2.70, reflecting higher copper prices filtering through to brass alloys. Processors told me they saw consistent demand from brass ingot makers, who use yellow brass as feedstock for casting new components.

Red brass scrap commanded higher prices at $2.95 to $3.15 per pound, with clean plumbing fittings and valves fetching the top end of that range. Red brass contains more copper than yellow brass, typically 85% copper versus 65-70%, which explains the premium. Scrap yards paid particularly well for clean radiator brass from automotive applications, which averaged $2.60 per pound when sorted properly.

Mixed brass scrap prices ranged from $2.45 to $2.65 per pound depending on contamination levels and sorting quality. Yards discounted material that included steel screws, plastic fittings, or excessive solder. Processors who pre-sorted their brass and removed contaminants consistently got prices at the higher end of the range.

Regional pricing differences remained modest in November. Southeast scrap yards paid slightly higher prices due to strong local manufacturing demand, while Midwest operations stayed competitive by keeping transportation costs low. West Coast brass prices ran about 3-5 cents per pound higher, reflecting export demand and aerospace sector activity in California and Washington.

If you're looking to sell brass scrap, November brought good opportunities for both individual scrappers and commercial operations. Local scrap yards paid competitive rates throughout the month, with many offering slightly higher prices for larger loads. Yards with brass processing equipment could pay more because they could handle mixed material and separate it efficiently.

Plumbing contractors found November ideal for clearing out accumulated scrap from fall projects. I talked to several contractors who said they scheduled scrap yard visits in early November to avoid year-end inventory issues. Clean brass fittings and valves from bathroom and kitchen remodels fetched premium prices when sorted properly. Mixed plumbing brass with steel parts required separation, but yards paid fair rates for material that could be processed.

Automotive shops and salvage yards continued selling radiator brass at steady rates. Brass radiators from older vehicles contain both brass and copper, making them valuable when properly sorted. Yards paid $2.50 to $2.70 per pound for clean radiator brass, with prices improving for material that had been separated from aluminum radiators and other mixed metals.

Electrical contractors and manufacturers generated consistent brass scrap volumes from conduit fittings, junction boxes, and electrical hardware. This material typically grades as yellow brass and commands prices near the top of the yellow brass range when clean and sorted. Electrical brass scrap often comes in predictable batches, which helps scrap yards plan processing schedules.

Plumbing brass demand stayed strong through November as contractors worked through backlogs and prepared for winter slowdowns. New construction projects kept brass fitting manufacturers busy, while renovation work maintained steady demand for replacement parts. The plumbing sector uses brass for valves, fittings, faucets, and fixtures because it resists corrosion and handles water pressure well.

Manufacturing plants that produce plumbing components buy brass ingot made from recycled scrap, creating steady end-market demand. These facilities prefer consistent material quality, which benefits scrap yards that can sort and prepare brass to exact specifications. Yards with relationships with brass ingot makers often get better pricing because they can guarantee material composition.

Residential and commercial construction activity remained healthy through November, supporting demand for new plumbing installations. While single-family home starts slowed slightly, multifamily and commercial projects stayed active. That construction activity creates both immediate demand for new brass components and future scrap supply as older buildings get renovated or demolished.

Electrical equipment manufacturers consumed steady volumes of brass throughout November. The sector uses brass for connectors, terminals, switch components, and conduit fittings because it conducts electricity well and resists corrosion better than plain copper. Demand from electrical manufacturers tends to be steadier than construction-related consumption, which helps stabilize brass pricing.

Grid modernization and renewable energy installations drove additional demand for electrical brass components. Transmission and distribution infrastructure projects require substantial quantities of brass fittings and connectors. As utilities accelerate infrastructure upgrades, they're consuming more brass for both new installations and replacement parts in existing systems.

Data center construction and expansion continued supporting brass demand from the technology sector. Large data facilities use brass for electrical connections, cooling system components, and backup power infrastructure. These installations typically order material in large batches, creating predictable demand cycles for brass manufacturers and scrap processors.

Automotive brass demand stayed steady through November as vehicle manufacturers maintained production schedules. Cars and trucks use brass for radiator cores, transmission components, electrical connectors, and decorative hardware. While newer vehicles use more aluminum and plastic in some applications, brass remains important for components that need corrosion resistance and durability.

The shift toward electric vehicles creates new brass demand patterns. EVs use less brass in cooling systems since they don't have internal combustion engines, but they consume more in electrical connections and charging infrastructure. Fast-charging stations require robust brass connectors to handle high electrical loads safely. This transition changes where brass scrap comes from but maintains overall demand levels.

Heavy-duty vehicles and industrial equipment continue using substantial brass volumes. Trucks, buses, and construction equipment need brass for radiator systems, hydraulic components, and electrical systems. These applications support steady demand even as passenger vehicle designs evolve. Scrap from heavy-duty applications often comes in larger pieces, making it easier to sort and process.

Scrap availability improved in November as contractors and manufacturers cleared out accumulated material before year-end. Plumbing contractors generated steady flows of brass fittings and valves from renovation projects. The fall construction season wrapped up, creating opportunities to clean out job site accumulations. Processors told me they saw better-quality material coming in, with less contamination than typical summer volumes.

Industrial brass scrap generation stayed consistent through November. Manufacturing plants producing brass components create turnings, chips, and offcuts during machining operations. This material typically grades as clean yellow or red brass depending on the alloy being machined. Industrial scrap often commands premium prices because it's sorted by alloy type and contains minimal contamination.

Demolition projects contributed to brass scrap supply as buildings came down and contractors salvaged plumbing and electrical components. Older buildings often contain more brass than newer construction, making demolition material valuable when properly sorted. Brass pipe, fittings, and fixtures from mid-century buildings tend to be high-quality and command good prices at scrap yards.

Consumer brass scrap volumes increased heading into the holiday season. People cleaning out garages and basements brought in old brass fixtures, decorative items, and hardware. While individual loads are small, the cumulative volume matters to scrap yards. Yards with good customer service often build relationships with individuals who regularly bring in brass scrap, creating steady supply streams.

Brass scrap prices track copper pricing closely because copper makes up 60-85% of most brass alloys. When copper prices rise, brass values typically follow within a few days. November saw this relationship play out as copper held above $4.00 per pound, supporting brass prices even as other factors created mixed signals. Processors watch copper futures markets to anticipate brass price movements.

The copper content premium means red brass commands higher prices than yellow brass. Red brass contains about 85% copper versus 65-70% for yellow brass, creating roughly a 20-25% price premium. Scrap yards pay based on actual copper content when they test material, so accurate sorting matters for getting full value. Mixed brass that includes both types typically grades at yellow brass pricing, which is why separation improves returns.

Zinc prices also influence brass values since zinc makes up most of the remaining alloy content. Zinc traded between $1.20 and $1.30 per pound in November, which is relatively stable compared to copper's volatility. The zinc component helps brass maintain value even when copper prices dip, providing some price stability for scrap dealers.

LME copper futures provide the best indicator for where brass prices might head. When copper futures rise, brass scrap prices typically follow within a week. Processors use futures markets to hedge inventory risk, buying scrap when prices dip and holding material when they expect copper to rise. This creates price support during weak periods and limits upside during strong markets.

Getting top prices for brass scrap starts with proper identification and sorting. Yellow brass looks golden and contains about 65-70% copper. Red brass has a reddish appearance due to higher copper content, typically 85% or more. The visual difference becomes clear once you've handled both types, and sorting them separately can add 20-30 cents per pound to your returns.

Removing contaminants is critical for getting best prices. Steel screws, plastic fittings, and rubber gaskets reduce value because they require processing to remove. Clean brass commands premium prices, while mixed material gets discounted. Taking time to strip brass fittings of steel parts and plastic components pays off at the scrap yard.

Magnetic testing helps separate brass from steel. Brass isn't magnetic, so if a magnet sticks, you've got steel or iron mixed in. Removing magnetic materials improves brass grades and pricing. Many scrap yards will do this sorting for you, but they'll pay less because they factor in their labor costs. Doing the work yourself maximizes your returns.

Volume matters when selling brass scrap. Larger loads typically get better per-pound pricing because yards can process them more efficiently. Accumulating brass scrap over time and selling in larger batches often improves returns compared to making multiple small trips. Many yards offer tiered pricing that improves with load size.

Heading into December, brass scrap prices look stable. Copper's strength should continue supporting brass values, while steady demand from plumbing, electrical, and automotive sectors maintains end-market consumption. The main variable is scrap availability, which typically declines in December as construction activity slows and people focus on holidays.

Year-end inventory adjustments might create buying opportunities for scrap yards looking to start 2026 with stocked material. Processors who can hold inventory often accumulate brass in December to sell when prices improve in January. This creates some downward price pressure late in the year, but copper's underlying strength should limit any significant declines.

January typically brings renewed demand as manufacturers restart production after holiday shutdowns. This seasonal pattern supports brass prices in early 2026, especially if copper maintains current levels. Processors holding inventory into the new year often see better pricing opportunities than those selling in December.

The long-term outlook for brass scrap remains positive. Infrastructure modernization, renewable energy expansion, and automotive electrification all support demand for brass components. These trends create steady end-markets for recycled brass, supporting scrap pricing even when short-term factors create volatility. Processors focused on quality sorting and reliable supply relationships should continue seeing solid returns through 2026.