Skip the guesswork! Our AI-powered tool searches current market data to give you accurate, location-specific pricing for any metal and grade combination.
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Metal prices fluctuate daily. Compare prices across regions and consider waiting when markets are down. Industrial demand typically peaks in spring and fall.
Use our interactive calculator with real market prices to estimate your total earnings before visiting the scrap yard.
✓ Uses live market data • ✓ Multiple weight units • ✓ Custom pricing
Locate scrap yards near you that offer competitive prices for your specific metals.
Find Nearby YardsValue: $1.80-2.50/lb
Insulated copper wire
Value: $3.30-4.48/lb
70-100% MORE! 💰
Real-World Example:
A 100 lb load of insulated wire = $200. After stripping = $350-400. That's $150-200 extra for a few hours of work!
⚠️ Don't Mix Grades! Separating can increase value by 50%
Cast Aluminum
$0.65-0.79/lb
Engine blocks, transmissions
Sheet Aluminum
$0.75-0.85/lb
Siding, cans, gutters
Extruded Aluminum
$0.62-0.69/lb
Window frames, doors
Use a magnet to identify and remove screws, hinges, or other ferrous metals
While not required, cleaner aluminum typically fetches better prices
Many yards pay premium rates for crushed aluminum cans
Value Increase:
500+ lbs often unlocks premium rates. Save up rather than making frequent small trips.
Yards may deduct for water weight. Store under cover to avoid rust and moisture.
Any non-metal content (glass, plastic, concrete) will be deducted from your weight.
Know your weight to verify yard scales and negotiate confidently.
New to scrap metal? Our guides walk you through every step of the process.
Please Note: Prices shown are approximately 2 months old and serve as a general market reference. Actual prices vary by location and yard. Always contact recycling centers directly for current rates.
Construction season drives demand up 15-25%. Best time for all metals, especially steel and aluminum.
Monthly price increases often hold for 2-3 weeks. Strike when the iron is hot.
500+ lbs gives you negotiating leverage. Yards may offer premium rates for volume.
Check market reports for trend confirmation. 3+ weeks of increases = good timing.
Prices often dip 10-15% due to slower construction. Wait for spring unless you need cash now.
Prices dropping for 3+ consecutive weeks. Market may bottom out - patience could pay off.
Under 50 lbs may not be worth the trip. Accumulate more for better rates and fuel efficiency.
Tariff announcements cause volatility. Wait a few weeks for markets to stabilize.
Winter
Lowest Prices
Dec-Feb: 10-15% below average
Spring
Best Prices
Mar-May: 15-25% above average
Summer
Stable
Jun-Aug: Near average
Fall
Good
Sep-Nov: 5-10% above average
Check neighborhood cleanup schedules. Early bird gets the good stuff!
Offer to haul away old units during deliveries. Win-win for everyone.
Ask contractors for scrap wire, pipe, etc. (Always get permission first!)
Water heaters, AC units, copper pipe often left behind
Brake rotors, wheels, radiators, catalytic converters
Copper coils worth $20-80. Central units have more than window units.
Copper windings worth $5-50 depending on size. Found in power tools, appliances.
$2-5 per fixture. Old houses have solid brass vs. modern brass-plated.
Gold-plated pins, aluminum heatsinks, copper components
Copper pipe commands premium. Pre-1980s homes often have all-copper plumbing.
Always Required:
⚠️ Important: Most states require scrap yards to report certain items (catalytic converters, copper pipes with fresh cuts) to prevent theft. Yards will ask for proof of ownership.
Ready to turn your scrap into cash? Find the best-paying yards in your area.
Find Scrap Yards Near MeScrap yards don't set prices arbitrarily. They follow a formula based on global commodity markets:
London Metal Exchange sets global commodity prices (copper, aluminum, etc.)
Sorting, testing, melting, transportation (typically $0.10-0.50/lb)
Yard profit (typically 10-30% depending on metal and volume)
Clean copper (99%) vs. mixed brass (60-70% copper content)
Scrap metal prices can vary by 15-30% between regions due to local market conditions:
Prices vary 10-30% between locations. Get quotes over the phone first.
Check London Metal Exchange baseline rates. Yards typically pay 40-60% of LME for consumer scrap.
Prevents "scale manipulation" disputes. Bathroom scales work for smaller loads.
Mixed metals = lowest price tier. Separation adds 20-50% to value.
500+ lbs often unlocks premium rates. Patience pays dividends.
You have the right to observe weighing. Compare to your home weight.
If material rated lower than expected, politely ask why and what could improve the grade.
"ABC Yard quoted $X.XX" (only if true). Creates leverage for negotiation.
Regular sellers get better treatment. Be professional and consistent.
Track which yards pay best for what materials. Build your data over time.
Leave and find another yard if you encounter:
Find trusted, verified scrap yards with transparent pricing in your area
Search Verified YardsOur scrap metal prices are aggregated from industry sources to provide you with comprehensive US market data across multiple regions.
Prices shown are approximately 2 months old and updated monthly. This data serves as a general reference for market trends and planning.
Important: Actual prices vary by location, material quality, quantity, and individual yard policies. Always verify current rates with your local recycling center.
Check prices across different areas to find the best rates.
Monitor changes to time your sales when prices peak.
Focus on copper, brass, and clean aluminum for best returns.
Confirm current prices and requirements before your trip.
Now that you know the value of your materials, find the best recycling centers in your area that accept scrap metals and offer competitive prices.
