Scrap metal recycling is not only environmentally responsible, but it can also be a lucrative way to earn some extra cash. The value of scrap metal fluctuates based on market demand, location, and the specific type of metal. This guide provides a detailed overview of current scrap metal prices per pound, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to recycle metal.
Understanding Scrap Metal Prices
It’s crucial to remember that the prices listed below are estimates and can change frequently due to market volatility. Contacting your local scrap yard is always recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. Several factors influence the price of scrap metal, including global economic conditions, supply and demand, and processing costs.
Copper Scrap Prices
Copper is one of the most valuable and commonly recycled metals. Here’s a breakdown of copper scrap prices per pound:
| Copper Type | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Bare Bright Wire (stripped/shiny) | $3.60 |
| #1 Tubing (clean tube/ clean fine wire) | $3.50 |
| #2 Tubing (paint/solder/burnt wire) | $3.35 |
| Tin Plated (wire/bus) | $3.35 |
| Enamel Coated (wire/bus) | $3.35 |
| Light Copper (used roofing/pots) | $3.00 |
| Clean Aluminum/Copper AC Coils (free of steel) | $1.60 |
| Irony Aluminum /Copper AC Coils (just steel edges) | $1.50 |
Alt text: Close-up of shiny, bare bright copper wire, highlighting its clean and valuable state for scrap recycling.
Insulated Copper Wire Prices
The price of insulated copper wire depends on the percentage of copper content and the type of insulation.
| Insulated Copper Type | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Heavy Ins. (350-500 mcm THHN 85%+) | $2.90 |
| #1 Insulated (10-12 THHN 80%+) | $2.55 |
| Romex 65% (underground less) | $2.00 |
| Communication 50% (no aluminum/no tin plate/no spline) | $1.30 |
| Clean Extension Cord 35% (no plugs/no tin) | $0.70 |
| Low Yield 35% (tin plate/aluminum shield) | $0.60 |
| Low yield less than 35% (Christmas lights/ribbon wire) | $0.20 |
| Insulated Heliax (all copper/hollow center) | $1.30 |
| Aluminum MC (containing copper wire) | $1.30 |
| Steel BX (with copper/ no lead shield) | $0.30 |
Brass Scrap Prices
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, making it another valuable metal for recycling.
| Brass Type | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Yellow Brass (clean) | $2.10 |
| Irony Brass (contamination, handles, graded upon inspect.) | varies |
| Red Brass (determined upon inspection) | $2.20 |
| Clean Auto Radiators (copper and brass combined) | $1.50 |
| Dirty Truck Radiators (copper and brass combined) | varies |
| Radiator Cores (mostly brass and solder) | $1.20 |
Alt text: Pile of clean yellow brass scrap metal, showcasing its typical color and recyclable form.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
Stainless steel is valued for its corrosion resistance and is commonly found in appliances, cookware, and industrial equipment.
| Stainless Steel Type (non magnetic) | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| 304 Prepared (4 ft. or smaller and clean) | $0.30 |
| 304 Unprepared (larger than 4 ft./3% contamination) | $0.15 |
| 316 stainless (4 ft. or smaller and clean) | $0.40 |
Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum is lightweight, recyclable, and widely used in various applications.
| Aluminum Type | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Alloy Wheels (tire completely removed/no chrome or plastic) | $0.70 |
| Extruded Aluminum (free of plastic/other metals) | $0.60 |
| E.C. Wire (free of insulation and steel) | $0.60 |
| Litho Plate (clean) | $0.60 |
| MLC/New Clips (no paint or other contamination) | $0.50 |
| Aluminum Siding (no backing/steel nails/plastic film) | $0.50 |
| Contractor Siding (Clean) | $0.53 |
| Mixed Aluminum/Old Sheet (1% contamination) | $0.45 |
| Clean Aluminum Radiators (No tanks) | $0.45 |
| Dirty Aluminum Radiators (With tanks) | $0.15 |
| Cast Aluminum (1% contamination) | $0.40 |
| Aluminum Cans (under 100 lbs. No Pet Food or Foil) | $0.45 |
| Aluminum Cans (over 100 lbs. No Pet Food or Foil) | $0.48 |
| Insulated E.C. (can vary based on contamination) | $0.30 |
| Irony Aluminum | varies |
| Pet Food Cans (No Foil) | $0.15 |
Alt text: Recyclable aluminum cans piled together, ready for processing at a recycling facility.
Lead and Battery Scrap Prices
Lead is a dense metal often found in batteries and other industrial applications.
| Lead/Batteries Type | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Soft Lead (clean and malleable) | $0.40 |
| Wheel Weights (unsorted) | $0.10 |
| Wheel Weights (sorted) | $0.15 |
| Auto/Industrial Lead Acid Batteries | $0.15 |
| Steel Cased Forklift | $0.10 |
CBM (Copper Bearing Material) Scrap Prices
CBM includes items that contain copper but are not pure copper.
| CBM Type (copper bearing material) | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Small Electric Motors (basketball or smaller) | $0.30 |
| Large Electric Motors (cast iron case/larger than b-ball) | $0.20 |
| Light Ballasts (marked no pcb/no fluorescent type or UV) | $0.10 |
| Sealed Units (oil must be drained) | $0.20 |
Steel Scrap Prices
Steel is a common and widely recycled metal.
| Steel Type | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Unprepared Bulky Needs To Be Sheared/Torched | $0.06 |
| Shredder/Unprepared Plate & Structural | $0.08 |
| Vehicles (must have title) | $0.08 |
| Cast Iron | $0.09 |
| Prepared #1 (5’x2’x2’max and 1/4″ min. thickness) | $0.09 |
| Clean Cast Rotors | $0.09 |
| Chain Link Fence/All Fencing | $0.02 |
Maximizing Your Scrap Metal Value
To get the most money for your scrap metal, consider these tips:
- Separate Your Metals: Sorting your scrap metal by type (copper, aluminum, brass, steel, etc.) will significantly increase its value.
- Clean Your Metals: Remove any non-metallic attachments, such as plastic, rubber, or other contaminants.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with current scrap metal prices to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Choose a Reputable Scrap Yard: Look for a recycling center with a good reputation and fair pricing practices.
- Prepare Your Steel: Cut and prepare your steel according to the scrap yard’s specifications for better pricing.
Conclusion
Scrap metal recycling is a beneficial practice that conserves resources and provides a financial incentive. While the prices of scrap metal can fluctuate, understanding the different types of metals and their values can help you maximize your earnings. Always check with your local scrap yards for the most current pricing information. Contact a local recycling center to learn more about scrap metal recycling and how you can contribute to a more sustainable future.
