#1 Bare Bright Copper Wire
$3.08/lb
Average for 30 days
#1 Copper Tubing
$2.89/lb
Average for 30 days
Brass Shells
$1.84/lb
Average for 30 days
Cast Iron
$219.71/ton
Average for 30 days
Stainless Steel
$0.30/lb
Average for 30 days
VIEW PRICES

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?

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.

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.

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