Current Scrap Metal Prices
Metal recycling is an integral part of reducing waste and conserving resources. However, before you sell your scrap metal to your local scrap yard, it’s important to understand today’s scrap metal prices. In this article, we’ll discuss current scrap metal prices, the factors that affect them, and market trends in the scrap metal industry. We’ll also cover the types of scrap metal and their value in the U.S. scrap metal market, as well as how to sell your scrap metal for the best prices.
- What are the current scrap metal prices?
- Types of scrap metal and their value
- Ferrous scrap metal prices in USA
- Steel Scrap Prices
- Scrap Prices for Iron and Cast Iron
- Price of Scrap Copper
- Scrap Prices for Radiators
- Price of Scrap Aluminimum
- Price of Scrap Brass
- Price of Scrap Lead in USA
- Price of Scrap Bronze
- Scrap Prices for Stainless Steel
- Scrap Prices for Wires and Cables in USA
- Price of Scrap Tubes, Pipes and Rods in USA
- Scrap Prices for Roofing Copper
- Price of Scrap Used Batteries
- Price of Scrap Transformers and Electric Motors
- Scrap Prices for Electronics
- Price of Scrap Vehicles and Their Parts
- Scrap Prices for Other Types of Metals
- Factors affecting scrap metal prices
- Scrap market trends
- How to Sell Scrap Metal for the Best Price
What are the current scrap metal prices?
Today’s scrap metal prices refer to the prices that scrap yards or recycling facilities pay for scrap metal. These prices fluctuate regularly based on market conditions, global economic factors, and supply and demand. Knowing the current prices is important when selling your scrap metal to ensure that you receive a fair price for your metal.
Types of scrap metal and their value
Scrap metal comes in different types, and each type has a different value. For example, copper and aluminum are more valuable than iron and steel. Below are prices for various types of metals, including ferrous metals (steel, iron), stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, lead, zinc, and other metals.
Ferrous scrap metal prices in USA
Ferrous scrap, which includes steel and iron, is widely used in the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. Prices for these metals are affected by several factors, including supply and demand, economic conditions, and global trade policies. In the United States, ferrous scrap prices vary by location, quality, and quantity of scrap. As of April 2023, the average price for shredded scrap is approximately $400 per ton and the price for heavy melting scrap is approximately $350 per ton. These prices can fluctuate based on market conditions and regional demand, so it is recommended that you regularly check the prices in the price tables below and keep up to date with current market trends.
Steel Scrap Prices
Steel is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and scrap steel plays an important role in the manufacture of new products. To help you stay informed about current market trends, we have provided a table below with the latest prices for steel scrap in the United States. Please note that the prices listed are U.S. averages and may vary slightly by region.
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
#1 Steel | $210.96/ton | $240.34/ton |
Shreddable Steel | $153.74/ton | $173.37/ton |
#1 Heavy Melting Steel | $215.72/ton | $233.49/ton |
#2 Heavy Melting Steel | $217.82/ton | $236.68/ton |
High Speed Steel | $0.14/lb | $0.15/lb |
Plate & Structural Steel | $246.25/ton | $267.49/ton |
Steel Shavings | $49.51/ton | $52.87/ton |
Busheling | $279.87/ton | $299.49/ton |
Scrap Prices for Iron and Cast Iron
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Light Iron | $151.61/ton | $169.51/ton |
Machine Shop Turning/Iron Borings | $367.69/ton | $391.58/ton |
Scrap Iron | $207.82/ton | $230.54/ton |
Cast Iron | $211.69/ton | $228.19/ton |
Unprepared Cast Iron | $196.37/ton | $213.26/ton |
Uncleaned Auto Cast | $222.24/ton | $241.16/ton |
Price of Scrap Copper
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Burnt Copper | $2.49/lb | $2.68/lb |
Copper Scrap | $2.54/lb | $2.72/lb |
Copper Turnings | $2.27/lb | $2.43/lb |
Copper Yokes | $0.44/lb | $0.47/lb |
Light Copper | $2.48/lb | $2.68/lb |
Refined Rebrass & Copper | $2.12/lb | $2.26/lb |
Silver Plated Copper | $2.51/lb | $2.67/lb |
Tin Coated Copper | $2.74/lb | $2.93/lb |
Lead Coated Copper | $2.50/lb | $2.68/lb |
Scrap Prices for Radiators
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
AL/Copper Cutoffs | $0.54/lb | $0.61/lb |
AL/ Copper Rads w/Iron | $1.17/lb | $1.25/lb |
Aluminum Copper Radiators | $1.27/lb | $1.43/lb |
Brass Heater Cores | $1.81/lb | $1.94/lb |
Brass Radiators | $1.17/lb | $1.25/lb |
Clean Brass Radiators | $1.74/lb | $2.01/lb |
Dirty Brass Radiators | $0.90/lb | $0.96/lb |
Unclean Brass Radiators | $1.32/lb | $1.42/lb |
Aluminum Radiators | $0.39/lb | $0.42/lb |
Clean ACR | $1.35/lb | $1.50/lb |
ACR | $1.39/lb | $1.47/lb |
ACR Ends | $0.56/lb | $0.63/lb |
Dirty AL Radiators | $0.12/lb | $0.12/lb |
Price of Scrap Aluminimum
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Aluminum Siding | $0.50/lb | $0.55/lb |
Aluminum Cans | $0.43/lb | $1.09/lb |
Sheet Aluminum | $0.43/lb | $0.46/lb |
Aluminum #3 | $0.18/lb | $0.20/lb |
Aluminum 6061 | $0.47/lb | $0.51/lb |
Aluminum 6063 | $0.62/lb | $0.68/lb |
Aluminum Breakage | $0.15/lb | $0.18/lb |
Aluminum Clips | $0.48/lb | $0.51/lb |
Aluminum Litho | $0.62/lb | $0.69/lb |
Aluminum Scrap | $0.39/lb | $0.43/lb |
Aluminum Thermo-Pane/Break | $0.31/lb | $0.33/lb |
Aluminum Turnings | $0.14/lb | $0.16/lb |
Dirty Aluminum Turnings | $0.07/lb | $0.07/lb |
Cast Aluminum | $0.41/lb | $0.46/lb |
Old Sheet Aluminum | $0.42/lb | $0.45/lb |
Painted Aluminum | $0.55/lb | $0.62/lb |
Prepared Aluminum | $0.46/lb | $0.51/lb |
AL Extrusion | $0.50/lb | $0.56/lb |
AL Thermopane | $0.28/lb | $0.30/lb |
Dirty AL Extrusion | $0.17/lb | $0.19/lb |
Price of Scrap Brass
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Brass | $1.83/lb | $2.03/lb |
Brass Shells | $1.77/lb | $1.91/lb |
Brass Scrap | $1.70/lb | $1.83/lb |
Brass Turnings | $1.66/lb | $1.80/lb |
Clean Brass Turnings | $1.54/lb | $1.66/lb |
Rod Brass Turnings | $1.37/lb | $1.49/lb |
Dirty Brass | $0.60/lb | $0.66/lb |
Red Brass | $2.24/lb | $2.40/lb |
Semi-Red Brass | $2.07/lb | $2.21/lb |
Yellow Brass | $1.87/lb | $2.04/lb |
Price of Scrap Lead in USA
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Lead | $0.48/lb | $0.53/lb |
Lead Shot | $0.14/lb | $0.15/lb |
Lead Wheel Weights | $0.11/lb | $0.11/lb |
Price of Scrap Bronze
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Bronze | $2.11/lb | $2.25/lb |
Bronze Turnings | $1.28/lb | $1.37/lb |
Composition Scrap | $2.08/lb | $2.21/lb |
Scrap Prices for Stainless Steel
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Stainless Steel | $0.29/lb | $0.31/lb |
17-4 Stainless Steel | $0.14/lb | $0.14/lb |
300 Series Stainless Steel | $0.32/lb | $0.35/lb |
304 Stainless Steel | $0.28/lb | $0.32/lb |
310 Stainless Steel | $0.77/lb | $0.82/lb |
316 Stainless Steel | $0.58/lb | $0.65/lb |
321 Stainless Steel | $0.46/lb | $0.50/lb |
400 Series Stainless Steel | $0.08/lb | $0.08/lb |
Stainless Steel Heatsinks | $0.18/lb | $0.20/lb |
Stainless Steel Kegs | $0.18/lb | $0.21/lb |
Stainless Steel Sinks | $0.07/lb | $0.07/lb |
Stainless Steel Breakage | $0.20/lb | $0.22/lb |
Non Magnetic Stainless Steel | $0.28/lb | $0.31/lb |
Stainless Turnings | $0.12/lb | $0.12/lb |
Scrap Prices for Wires and Cables in USA
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
#1 Bare Bright Copper Wire | $2.96/lb | $3.24/lb |
Insulated Copper Wire | $0.87/lb | $0.95/lb |
Bare Bright Copper | $2.91/lb | $3.19/lb |
Enameled Copper | $2.62/lb | $2.78/lb |
Insulated Copper Cable | $1.95/lb | $2.28/lb |
Tin Insulated Copper Wire | $1.51/lb | $1.61/lb |
Brass Hair Wire | $1.95/lb | $2.12/lb |
Romex® Wire | $1.51/lb | $1.70/lb |
Aluminum Wire w/Steel | $0.10/lb | $0.10/lb |
Insulated Aluminum Wire | $0.20/lb | $0.22/lb |
Steel BX | ||
Insulated Steel BX | $0.40/lb | $0.42/lb |
Computer Wire | $0.44/lb | $0.48/lb |
THHN Wire | $1.99/lb | $2.13/lb |
500/750 Insulated Cable | $2.31/lb | $2.53/lb |
CATV Wire | $0.00/lb | $0.00/lb |
Clean AL Wire | $1.54/lb | $1.71/lb |
Communications Wire | $0.99/lb | $1.09/lb |
Double Insulated Cable | $1.29/lb | $1.48/lb |
EC Wire | $0.62/lb | $0.67/lb |
Elevator Wire | $0.34/lb | $0.36/lb |
Fire Wire | $0.98/lb | $1.07/lb |
Heliax Wire | $1.35/lb | $1.49/lb |
Housewire | $0.96/lb | $1.06/lb |
Solid Core Heliax | $0.19/lb | $0.21/lb |
Wire Scrap | $0.80/lb | $0.88/lb |
Wiring Harness | $0.95/lb | $1.01/lb |
Price of Scrap Tubes, Pipes and Rods in USA
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
#1 Copper Tubing | $2.77/lb | $2.98/lb |
#2 Copper Tubing | $2.61/lb | $2.83/lb |
Clean AL/Copper Fin | $1.39/lb | $1.49/lb |
Dirty AL/Copper Fin | $0.97/lb | $1.05/lb |
#2/3 Mix Copper | $2.70/lb | $2.89/lb |
Aluminum Copper Coil | $1.48/lb | $1.58/lb |
Brass Pipe | $2.05/lb | $2.19/lb |
Plumbers Brass | $1.92/lb | $2.09/lb |
Rod Brass | $1.97/lb | $2.10/lb |
Scrap Prices for Roofing Copper
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
#2/3 Mix Copper | $2.70/lb | $2.89/lb |
#3 Copper with Tar | $1.89/lb | $2.03/lb |
#3 Roofing Copper | $2.42/lb | $2.82/lb |
#1 Flashing Copper | $2.60/lb | $2.83/lb |
Clean Roofing Copper | $2.53/lb | $2.74/lb |
Dirty Roofing Copper | $2.31/lb | $2.46/lb |
Price of Scrap Used Batteries
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Car/Truck Batteries | $0.14/lb | $0.16/lb |
Backup Batteries | $0.04/lb | $0.04/lb |
Lead Batteries | $0.15/lb | $0.16/lb |
Ni-Cad Batteries | $0.00/lb | $0.00/lb |
Steel Case Batteries | $0.12/lb | $0.12/lb |
Forktruck Battery | $0.11/lb | $0.11/lb |
Price of Scrap Transformers and Electric Motors
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Copper Transformers | $0.30/lb | $0.33/lb |
Aluminum Transformers | $0.05/lb | $0.05/lb |
Electric Motors (Copper) | $0.19/lb | $0.21/lb |
Electric Motors (Aluminum) | $0.10/lb | $0.10/lb |
Meatballs (Electric Motors) | $0.19/lb | $0.24/lb |
Rotors | $247.82/ton | $281.62/ton |
Alternators | $0.34/lb | $0.36/lb |
Starters | $0.30/lb | $0.33/lb |
Scrap Prices for Electronics
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
CPU Chips | $3.04/lb | $3.25/lb |
Hard Drives | $0.49/lb | $0.53/lb |
Motherboards | $1.57/lb | $1.69/lb |
Power Supplies | $0.18/lb | $0.20/lb |
Hard Drive Boards | $3.24/lb | $3.46/lb |
Hard Drives without Boards | $0.17/lb | $0.19/lb |
Laptops | $0.58/lb | $0.62/lb |
Ballasts | $0.09/lb | $0.09/lb |
Low Grade Boards | $0.11/lb | $0.11/lb |
PC Tower | $0.17/lb | $0.19/lb |
PC Board with Steel | $0.24/lb | $0.26/lb |
Cellphones | $0.29/lb | $0.31/lb |
Christmas Lights | $0.20/lb | $0.22/lb |
Circuit Breakers | $0.01/lb | $0.01/lb |
Dishwashers | $3.33/each | $3.56/each |
Washing Machines | $3.34/each | $3.56/each |
Water Heaters | $3.33/each | $3.55/each |
Refrigerators | $3.33/each | $3.56/each |
Dryers | $3.33/each | $3.57/each |
Empty PC Servers | $0.17/lb | $0.19/lb |
Servers | $0.32/lb | $0.34/lb |
Keyboards | $0.00/lb | $0.00/lb |
Ink Cartridges | $0.00/lb | $0.00/lb |
Mainframes | $0.24/lb | $0.26/lb |
Fuses | $0.01/lb | $0.01/lb |
Memory | $4.92/lb | $6.38/lb |
Mice | $0.00/lb | $0.00/lb |
Non-Green PC Board | $1.21/lb | $1.29/lb |
O2 Sensors | $1.43/lb | $1.52/lb |
PC Boards | $1.45/lb | $1.73/lb |
Printers/Fax Machines | $13.24/ton | $14.12/ton |
Speakers | $0.01/lb | $0.01/lb |
Telecom Equipment | $1.02/lb | $1.09/lb |
Price of Scrap Vehicles and Their Parts
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Catalytic Converters | $64.48/each | $82.79/each |
Aluminum Rims | $0.56/lb | $0.60/lb |
Aluminum Boat | $0.19/lb | $0.21/lb |
Aluminum Bumpers | $0.26/lb | $0.28/lb |
Aluminum Diesel Tank | $0.19/lb | $0.21/lb |
Aluminum Engine Block | $0.07/lb | $0.07/lb |
Complete Car | $182.24/ton | $199.75/ton |
Incomplete Car | $135.48/ton | $144.88/ton |
Crushed Cars | $156.48/ton | $189.18/ton |
Automobiles | $211.56/ton | $226.30/ton |
Dry Automobile | $159.43/ton | $170.20/ton |
Wet Automobile | $151.21/ton | $161.55/ton |
Small Foreign Cat | $101.70/each | $108.33/each |
Large Foreign Cat | $193.51/each | $206.96/each |
Regular Domestic Cat | $48.26/each | $51.66/each |
Large GM Cat | $159.77/each | $170.39/each |
Small GM Cat | $82.22/each | $87.82/each |
Car w/Tires | $158.08/ton | $171.94/ton |
Scrap Prices for Other Types of Metals
Metal | Min Price | Max Price |
---|---|---|
Nickel | $1.82/lb | $1.94/lb |
Tin | $0.42/lb | $0.45/lb |
Tin Babbit | $2.39/lb | $2.56/lb |
Zinc | $0.15/lb | $0.20/lb |
Carbide | $5.63/lb | $6.03/lb |
Cobalt | $1.45/lb | $1.55/lb |
FSX 414 | $4.83/lb | $5.14/lb |
Silver | $313.95/lb | $335.84/lb |
Gold | $30,829.00/lb | $30,887.00/lb |
Platinum | $54.87/lb | $58.61/lb |
Hastelloy Solids | $2.42/lb | $2.59/lb |
Hastelloy Turnings | $1.93/lb | $2.07/lb |
Zorba | $149.97/ton | $160.39/ton |
Inconel | $0.46/lb | $0.69/lb |
Inconel 792 | $2.67/lb | $2.85/lb |
Inconel 800 | $0.85/lb | $0.91/lb |
Inconel 825 | $0.67/lb | $0.71/lb |
Invar | $0.22/lb | $0.24/lb |
Kovar | $0.22/lb | $0.24/lb |
MarM247 | $2.01/lb | $2.14/lb |
Monel | $2.26/lb | $2.42/lb |
Pewter | $0.94/lb | $1.00/lb |
#1 HMS | $236.42/ton | $267.33/ton |
#1 Prepared | $232.92/ton | $252.45/ton |
#2 HMS | $217.29/ton | $235.77/ton |
#2 Prepared | $205.28/ton | $237.42/ton |
Unprepared HMS | $201.82/ton | $220.08/ton |
Unprepared P&S | $199.95/ton | $218.39/ton |
Back Panels | ||
Compressors | $0.17/lb | $0.21/lb |
CRT | $0.00/lb | $0.00/lb |
Die Cast | $0.19/lb | $0.21/lb |
Dirty ACR | $1.03/lb | $1.16/lb |
F 75 | $1.93/lb | $2.07/lb |
Junkshop Extrusion | $0.21/lb | $0.23/lb |
Sealed Units | $0.17/lb | $0.21/lb |
Factors affecting scrap metal prices
Several factors can affect scrap metal prices, including the economy, production processes, and global demand. For example, during an economic downturn, the demand for raw materials decreases, leading to a decrease in scrap metal prices. On the other hand, during economic growth, the demand for raw materials increases, leading to an increase in scrap metal prices. Here are some of the key factors to consider:
- Economic conditions: The state of the economy plays a significant role in determining scrap metal prices. During a recession, the demand for commodities decreases, leading to a decrease in prices. Conversely, during periods of economic growth, the demand for commodities increases, causing prices to rise.
- Global demand: The demand for scrap is not limited to one region or country. Instead, it is affected by global demand. For example, China is a major importer of scrap metal and any changes in their demand can have a significant impact on prices.
- Production processes: Changes in production processes can also affect scrap metal prices. For example, the shift to electric vehicles has led to increased demand for metals such as copper and lithium, causing prices to rise.
- Supply and demand: The basic principles of supply and demand also apply to scrap metal prices. When the supply of scrap metal is high, prices are low. Conversely, when supply is low, prices rise.
- Exchange rates: Exchange rates between different currencies can also affect scrap metal prices, especially for scrap metal sold internationally. Changes in exchange rates can affect the demand for scrap metal and therefore its price.
Scrap market trends
Current market trends can have a significant impact on scrap metal prices. For example, the emergence of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources has led to increased demand for metals such as copper and lithium, resulting in higher prices. Understanding market trends in the scrap metal industry can help you predict future prices for different types of scrap metal.
How to Sell Scrap Metal for the Best Price
When selling scrap metal, it is important to explore different selling options to ensure you get the best price. You can sell your scrap metal to a salvage yard or recycling facility, or you can use online markets such as eBay or Craigslist. Exploring different options can help you determine the best choice for your specific needs.