How Much Is My Item Worth in Scrap?
Search our database of common items to get instant scrap value estimates based on typical weights and current market prices. Perfect for planning your next scrap yard trip.
Make 2-3x More Per Load
Most scrappers leave money on the table. Stripping copper wire doubles your money. Separating metals bumps rates 30-50%. Having the right tools pays for itself in 1-2 trips.
⚡ Real scrappers earn $200-300/month more with these basics
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.
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.
Catalytic converter
Contains platinum, palladium, rhodium. Value varies WIDELY ($50-$2000+) by make/model. Don't guess - check the serial number first. A magnet (recommended tool) helps identify aftermarket vs OEM cats. Always get multiple quotes before selling.
Copper tubing (HVAC, 100 ft 3/4")
HVAC copper tubing. Clean, unsoldered copper commands highest price.
Brass bed frame
Vintage brass beds are heavy. May be worth more sold intact as furniture.
Copper pipe (100 ft, 1/2 inch)
100 feet of half-inch copper pipe weighs about 20 lbs.
Transformers (large)
Electrical transformers contain significant copper. Oil-filled require special disposal.
Engine block (aluminum)
Aluminum engine blocks worth more than steel. Drain all fluids first.
Engine block (cast iron)
Heavy cast iron blocks. Clean blocks worth more than dirty.
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).
Cast iron bathtub
Very heavy. Cast iron worth slightly less than steel. May need help moving.
Aluminum wheels/rims (set of 4)
Good condition rims may be worth more sold whole than as scrap.
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.
Refrigerator
Must have refrigerant properly removed by certified tech. The real money is in the copper coils inside - use wire cutters (recommended tool) to extract them after proper disposal. Some yards offer free pickup but pay less.
Copper gutters (10 ft section)
Architectural copper. Clean sections worth more than damaged.
Transmission
Contains steel, aluminum, and other metals. Drain fluids before scrapping.
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.
Chest freezer
Refrigerant must be recovered. Heavier than upright freezers. Contains copper coils.
Electric motors (large industrial)
Industrial motors valuable for copper windings. Separate copper for better price.
Washing machine
Top-load washers weigh less than front-load. The stainless steel drum inside is worth more separated - use a socket set (recommended tool) and recip saw (recommended tool) 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.
Water heater (tank)
Drain completely before transport. Some contain copper heating elements.
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 (recommended tool) makes quick work of opening these up.
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.
Dryer
Electric dryers only. Gas dryers may require disconnection by professional.
Aluminum ladder
6-8 foot ladder. Remove plastic or rubber parts for best price.
Stainless steel sink
Kitchen sinks. Grade 304 stainless worth more than 430.
Dishwasher
Contains both steel and stainless steel. Separate stainless tub for higher value.
Cast iron radiator
Old-style home radiators. Extremely heavy for their size.
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.
Aluminum heat exchanger
From HVAC units. Mixed with steel components, separate for better price.
Steel desk
Office furniture. Remove drawers and wood components. Heavy gauge steel.
Trash compactor
Heavy duty steel construction. Contains motor. Less common now.
Car battery
Lead-acid batteries have core charges. Often $5-15 per battery.
Bicycle (aluminum frame)
Lightweight aluminum bikes. Remove components for better price.
Car doors (each)
Includes window mechanism and steel frame. Remove glass and plastic trim.
Lawnmower (push)
Drain gas and oil first. Contains steel deck and aluminum engine.
Server rack equipment
Contains copper, gold, aluminum. E-waste recycling may offer more than scrap yards.
Car radiator (aluminum)
Modern radiators are aluminum. Clean radiators worth more than dirty.
Stainless steel appliances (front panel)
Appliance panels. Separate from regular steel body for better price.
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 storm door
Remove glass first. Architectural aluminum. Clean brings better price.
Grill (propane)
Remove propane tank first. Some contain stainless grates (separate for more).
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.
Brass light fixtures
Vintage brass fixtures. Remove glass and plastic components first.
Metal toolbox (large)
Large mechanics toolbox. Working condition may have resale value.
Aluminum screen door
Remove screen material first. Frame is aluminum.
Pop/beer kegs (aluminum)
Empty aluminum kegs. Must legally own - don't steal deposit kegs!
Microwave
The transformer inside has thick copper windings worth pulling out. Takes 5 minutes with wire cutters (recommended tool) and a screwdriver. That copper alone can be worth $3-5.
Dehumidifier
Contains compressor and copper coils. Refrigerant recovery may be required.
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.
Copper roofing (per sq ft)
Architectural copper sheeting. Very valuable, one of the best copper sources.
Brass fittings/faucets
Common plumbing brass. Yellow brass worth more than red brass.
Aluminum lawn chairs (each)
Remove fabric or plastic webbing for better price.
Computer tower
Contains copper, aluminum, gold traces. E-waste recycling may pay more than scrap yard.
Electric motor (copper)
The copper windings inside are worth 10x more than selling it whole. Breaking down motors takes time but a recip saw (recommended tool) and wire cutters (recommended tool) make it doable. Worth it on larger motors.
Fuel tank (drained)
MUST be completely drained and safe. Many yards won't accept unless properly prepared.
UPS battery backup
Contains batteries (separate), plastic housing, and steel. Remove batteries for separate recycling.
Copper wire (#1 bare bright)
Clean, uncoated copper wire. Highest grade. This is what you get when you strip insulation off - worth $3.50/lb vs $1.50/lb insulated. A wire stripper (recommended tool) literally doubles your money 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 (recommended tool) - if it sticks, it's worthless plated steel. Solid brass won't stick and is worth $2/lb.
Bicycle (steel frame)
Working bikes worth more donated/sold. Remove tires and plastic parts.
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.
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.
Propane tank (20 lb empty)
MUST be completely empty and valve removed. Many yards require professional certification.
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!
Aluminum bicycle frame
Just the frame, no components. High-end bikes may be worth more intact.
Alternator
Similar to starter motors, contains copper windings. Core charges may apply.
Metal trash can (large)
Galvanized steel trash cans. Commercial size worth more.
Starter motor
Contains copper windings and steel housing. Some cores have value for rebuilding.
Brass valves/pipe fittings (per pound)
Plumbing brass. Yellow brass worth more than red brass. Price per pound.
Brass padlocks (per pound)
Solid brass locks. Check with magnet - some are brass-plated steel.
Brass shell casings (per pound)
Spent ammunition casings. Must be fired/empty. Some ranges collect these.
Aluminum window frames
Per window. Remove glass first. Clean aluminum worth more.
Copper heatsinks
From computers/electronics. Pure copper, remove aluminum fins for best price.
Copper wire (#2 insulated)
Insulated copper wire. Strip it to bare bright (#1) and double your money - see #1 bare bright pricing above. Worth the effort on 10 AWG or thicker.
Metal folding chairs (each)
Banquet/folding chairs. Remove padding or vinyl seats.
Garbage disposal
Heavy steel and copper motor. Small but dense.
Laptop
Working laptops worth more sold whole. E-waste recycling often better than scrap.
Aluminum baseball bat
Hollow aluminum bat. May have small value to collectors if rare/vintage.
Power supply unit
Contains copper windings and aluminum. Remove from computer case first.
Aluminum cans (garbage bag full)
A full 30-gallon trash bag holds about 1.5 lbs of crushed cans.
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.
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 We Calculate Scrap Value
Our estimates are based on typical item weights and average scrap metal prices. Actual values may vary based on:
- •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
Essential Tools for Scrap Metal Processing
Having the right tools can significantly increase your scrap value by helping you properly identify, prepare, and sort materials. Here are the most useful items for serious scrappers:
🧲Metal Testing & Identification
- •Neodymium test magnets - The fastest way to tell steel from aluminum or copper. If it sticks, it's ferrous (worth less). If it doesn't, you've got non-ferrous metal (worth more). A strong rare-earth magnet saves you from hauling worthless plated steel thinking it's solid brass.
- •Digital calipers - Know what you're hauling before you load it. Measure wire diameter to calculate copper weight, or check pipe thickness. Cheap digital calipers pay for themselves when you avoid wasting gas on lightweight junk.
- •Pocket scale - For small high-value stuff like brass fittings or copper faucets. A portable digital scale helps you decide if that brass doorknob is worth grabbing or just brass-plated junk.
🔧Processing & Preparation
- •Wire strippers - This is where you make real money. Stripping thick copper wire bumps you from #2 insulated (~$1.50/lb) to #1 bare bright (~$3.50/lb). That's literally double your money. Get a decent wire stripper - pays for itself on your first load of Romex.
- •Reciprocating saw - Breaking down water heaters, cutting rebar, separating aluminum from steel on appliances. A cordless recip saw with metal-cutting blades is the scrapper's best friend. Way faster than a hacksaw.
- •Cut-resistant gloves - You will cut yourself on sharp metal. It's not if, it's when. Spend $15 on decent gloves or spend $200 at urgent care. Your call.
📦Sorting & Transportation
- •Sorting bins - Mixed metal loads pay garbage prices. Separated copper, brass, and aluminum each get their own rate. Grab some cheap storage bins and label them. You'll make an extra $20-50 per trip just from sorting.
- •Moving straps - Water heaters weigh 120+ lbs. Cast iron tubs are 350 lbs. Engine blocks are 400 lbs. Save your back. Lifting straps and a good dolly mean you can work alone and keep all the money.
- •Heavy-duty tarp - Cops pull over trucks with metal flying out. Also keeps rain from adding water weight to your load. A decent tarp is cheaper than a ticket and protects your truck bed.
🛡️Safety Equipment
- •Safety glasses - Metal shards flying into your eye will end your day real quick. I've seen it happen. $8 safety glasses are non-negotiable.
- •Steel-toe boots - Drop a transmission on your foot in sneakers and you're done. Steel-toe boots aren't optional when you're wrestling 200 lb appliances.
- •Basic first aid - You're gonna get cut. Sharp edges everywhere. Keep bandages, antiseptic, and maybe some QuikClot in your truck. Trust me.
Tips for Maximizing Scrap Value
- ✓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.
Is it worth stripping copper wire?
It depends on wire gauge and your time:
- •10 AWG or thicker: Absolutely worth it. Manual stripping is quick and can double your money (#2 insulated ~$1.50/lb vs #1 bare bright ~$3.50/lb).
- •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.
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. Get a basic socket set and you can 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 cuts water heaters, bed frames, whatever. Game changer.
- •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: One of these hook scales 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.
Important Notes
- ⚠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
Related Tools & Resources
Scrap Metal Value Calculator
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Junk Removal Cost Calculator
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Professional Scrap Metal Guide
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Metal Recycling Guide
Complete guide to recycling different types of metals.