Scrap Metal Prices in the United States

Scrap Metal Prices Per Pound

Last Updated On 2024-11-20

International Scrap Metal Prices

If you are selling scrap internationally, you will be pleased to know that we currently record up to date scrap metal prices from a variety of countries around the world. Navigate through any of the links below to find out what the prices are in any of these countries, whether they are local to you or simply somewhere you would like to sell scrap metal. We update this information very frequently, similar to how we do for our United States data in the adjacent table, so you can always expect to receive accurate figures.

• Canada
• Australia
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Spain
• United Kingdom

As you can see, we are only providing scrap metal prices for the United States and Canada, however we are of course interesting in looking at international scrap yards too. We've been contacted on a number of occasions from people around the world, asking for information in regions as far away as Australia. As it stands we are only searching out for prices throughout Europe, in addition to the USA and Canada, however if we get enough emails about other regions then we will certainly consider them too. At the moment we are trying to put together some local prices for people living in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Again, if you want to find out the best scrap metal prices per pound or per kilogram, then drop us an email and we will try to help you out however possible.

Scrap Gold Price

Below you find today's scrap gold prices.

The current price of scrap gold can vary greatly from day to day and depends on the purity, which is measured in carats. Even though the purest gold will get you the best scrap price, it's not very common to have 24ct gold that you can scrap. Most people will have 14ct gold and you'll find it's very common to trade that in.

Scrap Prices for other Precious Metals

Below we have listed the current prices for the other precious metals.

Silver is probably the most common precious material that people have in their possession, but unfortunately also the one that fetches the lowest price. You'll mostly find that in jewelry such as bracelets, earrings and necklaces and it's not really worth to scrap it for the scrap price in those cases. You may want to try to sell it for the jewelry value instead.

Scrap Yard Locations

There are a number of different locations in almost every single city of the USA where you can sell scrap metal. Scrap yards have been growing in popularity in recent years, there was an upsurge in the mid-2000s when people throughout the country realized the potential to make money from it. There are typically one or two large scrap metal facilities within 20 miles of any person in the country. Because of this it really doesn't make any sense to not take advantage of this great source of income situated near you. If you, like I was, are keen to find out where the nearest scrap metal yards are in your vicinity, then please drop me an email using the contact form at the bottom of this page. I've provided thousands of different people the best places for them to make some money and they've all been back to thank me since. When I first came across a place to sell my metal a few years ago, I was shocked at how much money Americans were making every single week from it. Our database currently has a list of approximately 5000 metal yards and we're adding more and more every single day. Take advantage now and you won't be sorry that you did, each of these recycling plants accepts copper, aluminum, lead, steel, tin, brass, steel and many more forms of scrap metal too.

Most Valuable Metals

Without a doubt the heavier, rarer elements, are the most expensive metals that can be sold to a scrap yard. However, as you probably expected, these metals are often sold in far smaller quantities. Magnesium doesn't frequently come in large blocks and it is almost always difficult to separate from other metals too. Knowing this, you are probably better off search for scrap copper to sell or recycle. Copper is a very common metal in the USA and so it's easy for you to get your hands on. Scrap metal recycling facilities always pay good money for copper and so don't ever be worried about not getting paid very well. Dealers are keen to take this metal off your hands due to the fact that it is so reusable, for a variety of different purposes.

If you want to know how to identify the different types of scrap metal, then please have a look at our quick tutorial on identifying scrap metals.

Price of Scrap Copper

Copper is one the most popular metals for those selling scrap metal. It has been used for a decades in a huge variety of industries and fetches a high price. We recommended making copper a high priority when acquiring scrap metal. Most commonly found in wiring there are a number of great sources to find copper. Notably old kitchenware, a variety of electronic devices and old roofs and gutters.

Price of Scrap Aluminum

Aluminum is the second most produced metal on the planet. Buying and selling scrap aluminum is big business. While it does not have the highest values per tonne it is easily obtained and could be a cornerstone of many businesses. It's widespread use makes acquiring aluminum very easy. Common sources are vehicles as the bodywork is often made of aluminum, packaging for canned drinks and foil and manufacturing tools.

Price of Scrap Zinc

Zinc is a less common metal as it more expensive to mine and is brittle at room temperature however it has a high price. While scrap zinc is not a top priority for buy and selling scrap it is important to be aware of common sources. Its most common use is for galvanizing as it has anti-corrosive properties, it has also been used as a replacement for lead in things such as fishing weights.

Price of Scrap Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that stands out for its wonderful golden color. It can be sold for a decent price and easy to acquire. Brass has been used in a variety of applications most notably musical instrument as it is corrosion resistant and has great acoustic properties. Another common use is kitchen appliances and household fittings for its aesthetic appeal.

Price of Scrap Iron

Iron is world's most produced metal and has defined much of the industrial age. It makes up 90% of the metal produce on the planet and it is easy to see why. It is strong and cheap to produce. It does not have a high price so it is not the most desirable metal for buy and selling scrap however it is so common that it is always worth looking out for. As it so common it can be found anywhere some of the best sources are old vehicles and machine tooling.

Price of Scrap Lead

Lead as fallen out of favor in recent years as it is toxic however still has some value and there is plenty of opportunity sell it as scrap. Used for high density and low melting point it is the has been used in a huge number of applications. Most notably, in building for foundations and cladding and in guns and ammunition.

Price of Scrap Steel

Steel maybe one of the most important materials of the modern era. Known for its high tensile strength and relatively low cost it has been used in a huge number of industries. It does not have a high value however its commonality makes it a great way for steady income when selling scrap metal. Great sources of steel are old vehicles such as ships, large wires and heavy machinery.

Price of Scrap Tin

Tin has been is one of the most commonly used metals of earth manly for use in alloys and solder. It fetches a high price however is difficult to source in its raw form however, it is possible to collect items such as electronic good that have a high number of soldered sections and scrap them for there tin content.

Our Best Scrap Metal Tips & Tricks

We've been in the scrap metal business for many years and we summarized some of our experiences in selling and trading scrap metal as articles with tips. This may help you as you start scrapping and trading metals.

First, it's important to know what kinds of scrap metals exist and where you can find them. For this we have created an article on the most common scrap metal types and where to find them around your home. Once you read this, you'll be well on your way in starting off.

Then you may want to know how scrap yards work, before you go there. You don't want to get fleeced after all. So we've written down all the things you need to know about scrap yards so you're well informed on how scrap yards operate and what you can expect.

Starting out with scrap metal

We have put together a basic "how-to-guide" on starting with scrap metal recycling. We have named it the basics of recycling scrap metal and it's a good read to get you started!

Once you've gone through that you want to probably know how to get the most cash for your stuff, right? Well we got you covered! We wrote a whole piece about getting the best price for your scrap metals!

Also make sure to sell WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT! Prices can vary from time to time and we've done an exploratory piece on why scrap metal prices fluctuate so you can make better decisions on when to sell!