How Much Is My Item Worth in Scrap?
RecycleFind estimates scrap value for cars, appliances, copper wire, catalytic converters, and 80+ items from typical weights and current scrap prices.
Showing 104 items
Steel shipping container (20 ft)
Massive weight. Working containers have much higher resale value than scrap value.
Car (SUV/Truck)
Larger vehicles worth more due to weight. May have higher value parts.
Copper tubing (HVAC, 100 ft 3/4")
HVAC copper tubing. Clean, unsoldered copper commands highest price.
Car (average sedan)
Average car weight. Actual value depends on size, condition, and parts. Remove fluids first.
Car (compact)
Smaller vehicles weigh less. Value includes all metal components.
Brass bed frame
Vintage brass beds are heavy. May be worth more sold intact as furniture.
Catalytic converter
Contains platinum, palladium, rhodium. Value varies WIDELY ($50-$2000+) by make/model. Don't guess - check the serial number first. A magnet helps identify aftermarket vs OEM cats. Always get multiple quotes before selling.
Copper pipe (100 ft, 1/2 inch)
100 feet of half-inch copper pipe weighs about 20 lbs.
Engine block (aluminum)
Aluminum engine blocks worth more than steel. Drain all fluids first.
Electric cable (per 100 ft)
Insulated cable, #12 AWG typical. Stripping increases value but takes time.
Car radiator (copper/brass)
Older radiators are copper/brass. Newer ones are aluminum (worth less).
Aluminum wheels/rims (set of 4)
Good condition rims may be worth more sold whole than as scrap.
Transformers (large)
Electrical transformers contain significant copper. Oil-filled require special disposal.
Electric motors (large industrial)
Industrial motors valuable for copper windings. Separate copper for better price.
Copper gutters (10 ft section)
Architectural copper. Clean sections worth more than damaged.
Engine block (cast iron)
Heavy cast iron blocks. Clean blocks worth more than dirty.
Cast iron bathtub
Very heavy. Cast iron worth slightly less than steel. May need help moving.
Refrigerator
Must have refrigerant properly removed by certified tech. The real money is in the copper coils inside - use wire cutters to extract them after proper disposal. Some yards offer free pickup but pay less.
Chest freezer
Refrigerant must be recovered. Heavier than upright freezers. Contains copper coils.
Aluminum heat exchanger
From HVAC units. Mixed with steel components, separate for better price.
Aluminum ladder
6-8 foot ladder. Remove plastic or rubber parts for best price.
Air conditioner (window unit)
Refrigerant must be recovered first. Once cleared, the copper coils inside are the prize - worth way more than the steel casing. A recip saw makes quick work of opening these up.
Transmission
Contains steel, aluminum, and other metals. Drain fluids before scrapping.
Washing machine
Top-load washers weigh less than front-load. The stainless steel drum inside is worth more separated - use a socket set and recip saw to pull it out. Can add $5-10 to your haul.
Stove/Oven (electric)
Electric ranges contain copper wiring. Gas ranges may have brass fittings.
Bicycle (aluminum frame)
Lightweight aluminum bikes. Remove components for better price.
Furnace
Gas furnaces contain brass valves. May contain aluminum or copper components.
Steel safe (small home)
Very heavy. Some contain concrete. Must be able to legally demonstrate ownership.
Dryer
Electric dryers only. Gas dryers may require disconnection by professional.
Aluminum storm door
Remove glass first. Architectural aluminum. Clean brings better price.
Dishwasher
Contains both steel and stainless steel. Separate stainless tub for higher value.
Axle (complete rear)
Includes differential and axle shafts. Very heavy, drain all fluids.
Steel garage door
Double car garage door. Remove electric opener mechanism first.
Trash compactor
Heavy duty steel construction. Contains motor. Less common now.
Car radiator (aluminum)
Modern radiators are aluminum. Clean radiators worth more than dirty.
Aluminum screen door
Remove screen material first. Frame is aluminum.
Brass light fixtures
Vintage brass fixtures. Remove glass and plastic components first.
Water heater (tank)
Drain completely before transport. Some contain copper heating elements.
Cast iron radiator
Old-style home radiators. Extremely heavy for their size.
Stainless steel sink
Kitchen sinks. Grade 304 stainless worth more than 430.
Pop/beer kegs (aluminum)
Empty aluminum kegs. Must legally own - don't steal deposit kegs!
Car battery
Lead-acid batteries have core charges. Often $5-15 per battery.
Lawnmower (push)
Drain gas and oil first. Contains steel deck and aluminum engine.
File cabinet (4-drawer steel)
Heavy gauge steel. Remove plastic drawer slides for better price.
Metal swing set
Backyard swing set frame. Remove chains, seats, and plastic components.
Wrought iron fence (per 10 ft)
Decorative iron fencing. Very heavy. May have architectural salvage value.
Server rack equipment
Contains copper, gold, aluminum. E-waste recycling may offer more than scrap yards.
Brass fittings/faucets
Common plumbing brass. Keep yellow and red brass separate because yards grade and price them differently.
Aluminum lawn chairs (each)
Remove fabric or plastic webbing for better price.
Copper roofing (per sq ft)
Architectural copper sheeting. Very valuable, one of the best copper sources.
Alternator
Similar to starter motors, contains copper windings. Core charges may apply.
Steel wheels/rims (set of 4)
Steel wheels heavier than aluminum. Remove tires first for better price.
Differential
Heavy rear-end component. Drain oil before scrapping.
Steel desk
Office furniture. Remove drawers and wood components. Heavy gauge steel.
Grill (propane)
Remove propane tank first. Some contain stainless grates (separate for more).
Electric motor (copper)
The copper windings inside are worth 10x more than selling it whole. Breaking down motors takes time but a recip saw and wire cutters make it doable. Worth it on larger motors.
Copper wire (#1 bare bright)
Clean, uncoated copper wire. Highest grade. This is what you get when you strip insulation off - the national averages are $5.34/lb bare versus $2.80/lb for Romex. A wire stripper can materially improve the return on thick wire.
Copper pipe (clean)
Clean copper plumbing pipe. Remove solder, fittings, and valves. Price per pound.
Brass doorknobs (per pair)
Real brass or plated junk? Test with a magnet - if it sticks, it's worthless plated steel. Solid brass won't stick and is worth $2/lb.
Stainless steel appliances (front panel)
Appliance panels. Separate from regular steel body for better price.
Microwave
The transformer inside has thick copper windings worth pulling out. Takes 5 minutes with wire cutters and a screwdriver. That copper alone can be worth $3-5.
Car doors (each)
Includes window mechanism and steel frame. Remove glass and plastic trim.
Dehumidifier
Contains compressor and copper coils. Refrigerant recovery may be required.
UPS battery backup
Contains batteries (separate), plastic housing, and steel. Remove batteries for separate recycling.
Aluminum bicycle frame
Just the frame, no components. High-end bikes may be worth more intact.
Computer tower
Contains copper, aluminum, gold traces. E-waste recycling may pay more than scrap yard.
Metal bed frame
Steel bed frames. Brass beds worth significantly more.
Steel drum (55 gallon)
Industrial steel drums. Clean drums may have resale value. Never scrap if contained hazardous materials.
Aluminum window frames
Per window. Remove glass first. Clean aluminum worth more.
Brass valves/pipe fittings (per pound)
Plumbing brass. Keep yellow and red brass separate because yards grade and price them differently.
Brass padlocks (per pound)
Solid brass locks. Check with magnet - some are brass-plated steel.
Starter motor
Contains copper windings and steel housing. Some cores have value for rebuilding.
Shopping cart
NOTE: Taking shopping carts is theft. Only scrap if legally obtained.
Metal shelving unit
Industrial/garage shelving. Heavier units worth more.
Exhaust system (complete)
Mix of regular steel and stainless steel. Catalytic converter adds significant value if attached.
Hood/trunk lid
Steel on older cars, aluminum on newer vehicles. Aluminum worth more.
Metal toolbox (large)
Large mechanics toolbox. Working condition may have resale value.
Brass shell casings (per pound)
Spent ammunition casings. Must be fired/empty. Some ranges collect these.
Bicycle (steel frame)
Working bikes worth more donated/sold. Remove tires and plastic parts.
Printer (large office)
Mostly plastic. Steel frame and copper motors. Remove toner cartridges first.
Electric range hood
Stainless steel worth separating. Contains motor and wiring.
Copper wire (Romex/household cable)
Insulated household cable. Stripping can improve the return, but the recovered copper weight and your stripping time decide whether it is worthwhile.
Copper heatsinks
From computers/electronics. Pure copper, remove aluminum fins for best price.
TV (CRT old style)
Many scrap yards WON'T take CRT TVs or charge to dispose. Check e-waste programs.
Electric meter (residential)
Contains copper and brass. May require proof of ownership. Never steal from active service!
Chain link fence (per 10 ft section)
Galvanized steel fencing. Remove posts separately.
Brake rotors (per pair)
Cast iron brake rotors. Front rotors heavier than rear. Clean is better.
Fuel tank (drained)
MUST be completely drained and safe. Many yards won't accept unless properly prepared.
Aluminum baseball bat
Hollow aluminum bat. May have small value to collectors if rare/vintage.
Barbell/dumbbell (without weights)
Steel bars only. Olympic bars may have resale value if in good condition.
I-beams/structural steel (per foot)
Heavy structural steel. Weight varies greatly by size. May have reuse value.
Propane tank (20 lb empty)
MUST be completely empty and valve removed. Many yards require professional certification.
Garbage disposal
Heavy steel and copper motor. Small but dense.
Aluminum cans (garbage bag full)
A full 30-gallon trash bag holds about 1.5 lbs of crushed cans.
Metal trash can (large)
Galvanized steel trash cans. Commercial size worth more.
Laptop
Working laptops worth more sold whole. E-waste recycling often better than scrap.
Aluminum cans (per pound)
About 30-32 cans per pound. Clean and dry cans worth most.
Aluminum pots and pans (per pound)
Cookware aluminum. Cast aluminum worth slightly less. Price per pound.
Metal folding chairs (each)
Banquet/folding chairs. Remove padding or vinyl seats.
Power supply unit
Contains copper windings and aluminum. Remove from computer case first.
Aluminum siding (per sq ft)
Architectural aluminum. Clean siding worth more than painted.
Weight plates (gym, per pound)
Cast iron or steel weight plates. Working gyms may buy used plates.
Rebar (per pound)
Reinforcement bar from construction. Often sold by the pound or ton.
Metal roofing (per sq ft)
Corrugated metal roofing. Steel or aluminum - check with magnet.
How RecycleFind Calculates Scrap Value
RecycleFind estimates scrap value from typical item weights and U.S. national average scrap prices. Final yard payouts differ by:
- •Current market prices: Scrap metal prices fluctuate daily based on global commodity markets
- •Item condition: Cleaner, easier-to-process items often fetch better prices
- •Your location: Prices vary by region and local scrap yard policies
- •Quantity: Larger quantities may command better per-pound rates
- •Preparation: Separated, sorted metals are worth more than mixed loads
How to Get More Money for Scrap Metal
- ✓Separate metals: Sort different metal types before you go - mixed metals pay less
- ✓Remove non-metal parts: Strip plastic, rubber, and other materials when possible
- ✓Call ahead: Check prices at multiple scrap yards before making the trip
- ✓Timing matters: Watch market trends and sell when prices are favorable
- ✓Bring ID: Most scrap yards require identification for payment
- ✓Know the grades: Different grades of the same metal have different values
Common Questions About Scrapping
How do I tell if something is copper, brass, or bronze?
Visual test: Copper is reddish-orange, brass is yellow-gold, and bronze is darker/brownish-gold. However, oxidation can make identification tricky.
Magnet test: None of these stick to magnets (unlike steel). Grab a strong neodymium magnet and test it - if it sticks, it's just brass-plated steel junk.
Sound test: Brass makes a distinct ringing sound when struck. Copper sounds more muted.
File test: Scratch a hidden area with a file - the fresh metal underneath shows the true color. Yellow underneath = brass. Reddish = copper.
Once you know the metal, compare current grades with the brass scrap value calculator or estimate insulated and stripped wire with the copper wire scrap value calculator.
Is it worth stripping copper wire?
It depends on wire gauge and your time:
- •10 AWG or thicker: Often worth checking. The national average is $3.71/lb for THHN versus $5.12/lb for bare bright, but the recovered copper weight and your time decide the result.
- •12-14 AWG (Romex): Worth it if you've got a decent wire stripper. Hand-stripping this gauge gets tedious, but the price difference makes it worthwhile.
- •Smaller than 14 AWG: Usually not worth the effort unless you have large quantities and mechanical stripping equipment.
💡 Bottom line: If the wire is thicker than a pencil, strip it. Thinner than that, sell it as-is unless you have massive quantities. A wire stripper that handles 10-24 AWG pays for itself in two trips, tops. Check both grades in the copper wire value calculator.
What tools do I need to start scrapping appliances?
For breaking down appliances safely and efficiently, you'll need:
- •Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead) - Most appliance panels are held with screws
- •Socket set - Most appliances are held together with 1/4" and 3/8" bolts. A basic socket set lets you disassemble almost anything.
- •Reciprocating saw - When bolts are rusted or you just need to cut through steel fast. A cordless recip saw with a metal blade goes through water heaters, bed frames, whatever, in about the time it takes to find the right socket.
- •Wire cutters - For extracting copper from motors and appliances. Heavy-duty cutters handle thick gauge wire without killing your hands.
- •Utility knife - Cutting through plastic housings, removing rubber gaskets, general cleanup. Keep a good utility knife in your back pocket at all times.
- •Safety gear - Cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots are essential
⚠️ Important: Don't mess with refrigerant yourself. Fridges and AC units need certified recovery. Most scrap yards either handle it or won't take them. Call first.
How can I estimate the weight of an item before hauling it?
Here are practical methods for estimating scrap weight:
- •Bathroom scale method: Weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the item. Subtract the difference.
- •Luggage scale: A hook scale lets you weigh motors, copper coils, whatever before you load it. Helps you decide if it's worth the trip.
- •Calipers for wire/pipe: Digital calipers measure diameter, then you use online calculators to estimate weight. Works great for copper pipe and heavy wire.
- •Platform scale (serious scrappers): If you're doing this regularly, a 500 lb floor scale at home means you know exactly what you're bringing in. Helps catch yard scales that "run light."
💡 Why this matters: Some yards have scales that mysteriously weigh light. If you know you loaded 250 lbs and they say it's 220 lbs, you can call them on it. Knowledge is money.
Should I clean my scrap metal before selling?
It depends on the metal and contamination:
- ✓Yes, clean these: Copper pipes (remove solder), aluminum radiators (drain coolant), wiring (remove insulation on thick wire), stainless sinks (remove fixtures)
- ✗Not worth it: Removing paint from steel, washing dirt off items, disassembling mixed-material items unless value difference is significant
The 10-minute rule: If cleaning takes 10 minutes and adds $5+, do it. If it only adds a dollar or two, skip it and grab more material instead. Your time has value.
🧹 What you MUST remove: Plastic, rubber, wood. Mixed loads get docked hard. A utility knife and 5 minutes of cleanup can mean $10-20 more per item.
What's the best way to transport scrap metal safely?
Follow these safety practices for scrap transport:
- •Strap everything down: Loose metal bouncing around at 60 mph will destroy your truck bed and kill someone behind you. Ratchet straps are non-negotiable.
- •Use a tarp: Small pieces will fly out. I've seen brake rotors fall off trucks on the highway. A heavy tarp keeps your load in and cops off your back.
- •Protect your truck: Scrap metal will tear up a truck bed. Cardboard, old carpet, whatever. Unless you like scratches and rust stains everywhere.
- •Get lifting straps: Shoulder straps or a dolly save your back. I know guys in their 40s who can barely walk from hauling heavy stuff wrong. Don't be that guy.
- •Know when to get help: 400 lb engine blocks, 350 lb cast iron tubs, steel safes - these need two people minimum. Trying to muscle them solo is how you end up in the ER.
Scrap Value Estimate Limits
- ⚠Prices shown are estimates only - always verify current prices with your local scrap yard
- ⚠Catalytic converters contain precious metals and have highly variable values - get multiple quotes
- ⚠Some items may require proof of ownership or have special disposal requirements
- ⚠Electronics may be worth more through e-waste recycling programs than as scrap metal
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