How Much Is My Item Worth in Scrap?

Massive weight. Working containers have much higher resale value than scrap value.

Larger vehicles worth more due to weight. May have higher value parts.

HVAC copper tubing. Clean, unsoldered copper commands highest price.

Average car weight. Actual value depends on size, condition, and parts. Remove fluids first.

Smaller vehicles weigh less. Value includes all metal components.

Vintage brass beds are heavy. May be worth more sold intact as furniture.

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.

100 feet of half-inch copper pipe weighs about 20 lbs.

Aluminum engine blocks worth more than steel. Drain all fluids first.

Insulated cable, #12 AWG typical. Stripping increases value but takes time.

Older radiators are copper/brass. Newer ones are aluminum (worth less).

Good condition rims may be worth more sold whole than as scrap.

Electrical transformers contain a lot of copper. Oil-filled require special disposal.

Industrial motors valuable for copper windings. Separate copper for better price.

Architectural copper. Clean sections worth more than damaged.

Heavy cast iron blocks. Clean blocks worth more than dirty.

Very heavy. Cast iron worth slightly less than steel. May need help moving.

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.

Refrigerant must be recovered. Heavier than upright freezers. Contains copper coils.

From HVAC units. Mixed with steel components, separate for better price.

6-8 foot ladder. Remove plastic or rubber parts for best price.

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.

Contains steel, aluminum, and other metals. Drain fluids before scrapping.

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.

Electric ranges contain copper wiring. Gas ranges may have brass fittings.

Lightweight aluminum bikes. Remove components for better price.

Gas furnaces contain brass valves. May contain aluminum or copper components.

Very heavy. Some contain concrete. Must be able to legally demonstrate ownership.

Electric dryers only. Gas dryers may require disconnection by professional.

Remove glass first. Architectural aluminum. Clean brings better price.

Contains both steel and stainless steel. Separate stainless tub for higher value.

Includes differential and axle shafts. Very heavy, drain all fluids.

Double car garage door. Remove electric opener mechanism first.

Heavy duty steel construction. Contains motor. Less common now.

Vintage brass fixtures. Remove glass and plastic components first.

Modern radiators are aluminum. Clean radiators worth more than dirty.

Remove screen material first. Frame is aluminum.

Drain completely before transport. Some contain copper heating elements.

Old-style home radiators. Extremely heavy for their size.

Kitchen sinks. Grade 304 stainless worth more than 430.

Lead-acid batteries have core charges. Often $5-15 per battery.

Empty aluminum kegs. Must legally own - don't steal deposit kegs!

Drain gas and oil first. Contains steel deck and aluminum engine.

Heavy gauge steel. Remove plastic drawer slides for better price.

Backyard swing set frame. Remove chains, seats, and plastic components.

Decorative iron fencing. Very heavy. May have architectural salvage value.

Contains copper, gold, aluminum. E-waste recycling may offer more than scrap yards.

Common plumbing brass. Keep yellow and red brass separate because yards grade and price them differently.

Remove fabric or plastic webbing for better price.

Architectural copper sheeting. Very valuable, one of the best copper sources.

Similar to starter motors, contains copper windings. Core charges may apply.

Steel wheels heavier than aluminum. Remove tires first for better price.

Heavy rear-end component. Drain oil before scrapping.

Office furniture. Remove drawers and wood components. Heavy gauge steel.

Remove propane tank first. Some contain stainless grates (separate for more).

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.

Clean, uncoated copper wire. This is what you get when you strip insulation off. The November 4, 2026 bare bright median is $5.45/lb. Romex on the August reference list is $2.80/lb. Compare those two offers and your time before you strip a pile.

Test with a magnet: if it sticks, it's plated steel and worthless. Solid brass won't stick and is worth $2/lb.

Clean copper plumbing pipe. Remove solder, fittings, and valves. Price per pound.

Appliance panels. Separate from regular steel body for better price.

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.

Includes window mechanism and steel frame. Remove glass and plastic trim.

Contains compressor and copper coils. Refrigerant recovery may be required.

Contains batteries (separate), plastic housing, and steel. Remove batteries for separate recycling.

Just the frame, no components. High-end bikes may be worth more intact.

Contains copper, aluminum, gold traces. E-waste recycling may pay more than scrap yard.

Steel bed frames. Brass beds are worth more.

Industrial steel drums. Clean drums may have resale value. Never scrap if contained hazardous materials.

Plumbing brass. Keep yellow and red brass separate because yards grade and price them differently.

Solid brass locks. Check with magnet - some are brass-plated steel.

Per window. Remove glass first. Clean aluminum worth more.

Contains copper windings and steel housing. Some cores have value for rebuilding.

NOTE: Taking shopping carts is theft. Only scrap if legally obtained.

Industrial/garage shelving. Heavier units worth more.

Mix of regular steel and stainless steel. A catalytic converter still attached adds value.

Steel on older cars, aluminum on newer vehicles. Aluminum worth more.

Large mechanics toolbox. Working condition may have resale value.

Spent ammunition casings. Must be fired/empty. Some ranges collect these.

Working bikes worth more donated/sold. Remove tires and plastic parts.

Mostly plastic. Steel frame and copper motors. Remove toner cartridges first.

Stainless steel worth separating. Contains motor and wiring.

Insulated household cable. Stripping can improve the return, but the recovered copper weight and your stripping time decide whether it is worthwhile.

From computers/electronics. Pure copper, remove aluminum fins for best price.

Many scrap yards WON'T take CRT TVs or charge to dispose. Check e-waste programs.

Contains copper and brass. May require proof of ownership. Never steal from active service!

Galvanized steel fencing. Remove posts separately.

Cast iron brake rotors. Front rotors heavier than rear. Clean is better.

MUST be completely drained and safe. Many yards won't accept unless properly prepared.

Hollow aluminum bat. May have small value to collectors if rare/vintage.

Steel bars only. Olympic bars may have resale value if in good condition.

Heavy structural steel. Weight varies greatly by size. May have reuse value.

MUST be completely empty and valve removed. Many yards require professional certification.

Heavy steel and copper motor. Small but dense.

A full 30-gallon trash bag holds about 1.5 lbs of crushed cans.

Galvanized steel trash cans. Commercial size worth more.

Working laptops worth more sold whole. E-waste recycling often better than scrap.

About 30-32 cans per pound. Clean and dry cans worth most.

Cookware aluminum. Cast aluminum worth slightly less. Price per pound.

Banquet/folding chairs. Remove padding or vinyl seats.

Contains copper windings and aluminum. Remove from computer case first.

Architectural aluminum. Clean siding worth more than painted.

Cast iron or steel weight plates. Working gyms may buy used plates.

Reinforcement bar from construction. Often sold by the pound or ton.

Corrugated metal roofing. Steel or aluminum - check with magnet.