Scrap Metal Prices in the USA Today
Check current US scrap metal price estimates in dollars per pound, compare common metal types, and find prices for your state. Actual scrap yard offers depend on metal grade, quantity, location, and local demand.
Current Scrap Metal Prices per Pound (USD)
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $1.41 |
| Aluminum Alloy | $1.36 |
| Copper | $6.33 |
| Brass | $4.76 |
| Lead | $0.84 |
| Nickel | $7.30 |
| Tin | $21.00 |
| Zinc | $1.70 |
| Steel Scrap | $0.18 |
| Steel Rebar | $0.28 |
Last Updated On
These prices are reference estimates, not guaranteed purchase offers. Scrap yards may pay different rates for clean, sorted material, mixed loads, or smaller quantities. Check the update date shown with the table and confirm a local quote before selling.
Scrap Metal Prices by US State
Scrap prices vary across the country because of regional demand, transport costs, competition between recyclers, and the types of metal accepted. Select your state to view more local price information. If you live near a state border, comparing nearby markets may also be useful.
What Determines the Price of Scrap Metal?
Metal type and grade
Copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and ferrous scrap have different markets. Even within one metal, yards may distinguish clean copper wire from insulated wire, or clean aluminum from mixed or contaminated material. The grade assigned by the buyer affects the offer.
Cleanliness and sorting
Separating different metals and removing nonmetal attachments where safe can make a load easier to process. Ask the recycler how it grades your material before spending time preparing it.
Location and quantity
Local demand, freight costs, and the amount you bring can affect the price per pound. Some yards have minimum quantities or different rates for commercial loads.
Market conditions
Scrap prices respond to changes in industrial demand, commodity markets, and the supply of recyclable material. A reference price is useful for comparison, but the final payout is set by the buyer.
Common Scrap Metals and How They Are Priced
Copper
Copper is found in electrical wiring, plumbing pipe, and some motors. Bare bright wire, clean copper pipe, and insulated wire may receive different grades and prices. Never burn insulation to recover copper.
Aluminum
Aluminum scrap includes extrusions, wheels, sheet, and cans. Prices depend on alloy, cleanliness, and whether the material is mixed with steel, plastic, or other metals.
Brass
Brass is commonly found in plumbing fittings, valves, and hardware. Mixed fittings and items containing nonbrass parts may be valued differently from clean brass.
Steel and Iron
Ferrous scrap is often priced lower per pound than copper or brass, but large quantities can still be worthwhile. Buyers may distinguish prepared steel, heavy melting scrap, cast iron, and mixed light iron.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is not the same as ordinary steel. Some grades contain nickel and other alloying elements, which can affect their value. Ask your yard which grades it accepts.
Lead
Lead may be found in certain weights, flashing, and batteries. Because it is toxic, avoid cutting, melting, or sanding it at home. Lead-acid batteries generally require appropriate recycling channels.
Zinc and Tin
Zinc can appear in die-cast parts and galvanizing, while tin is used in coatings and solder. Tin-plated steel cans are not equivalent to pure tin scrap, and yards may not buy every form of these materials separately.
Other Materials
Nickel-bearing alloys, electric motors, insulated cables, and electronic waste may have specialized buying categories. Contact the recycler to confirm what it accepts and how it calculates payment.
Need help recognizing materials? Read our guide to identifying scrap metals.
How to Get a Better Price at a Scrap Yard
- Identify and sort your metals. Keep copper, brass, aluminum, and steel separate where practical.
- Describe the material accurately. Tell the buyer whether it is clean, insulated, mixed, or attached to other components.
- Compare local quotes. Ask two or three recyclers for their current rate, accepted grades, and any minimum quantities.
- Check the weighing and payment terms. Ask how deductions, tare weight, and payment methods work.
- Transport and handle scrap safely. Do not dismantle hazardous equipment or process batteries or refrigerants yourself.
For more detail, see how to get the best price for scrap metal and what to know before visiting a scrap yard.
Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium Prices
Precious metals are valued differently from bulk scrap. Purity, weight, and the buyer's refining costs all matter. The figures below are reference prices; a dealer's offer may be lower.
Scrap Gold Prices
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct Gold | $47.14 | $1,466.07 |
| 14ct Gold | $73.53 | $2,287.06 |
| 18ct Gold | $94.27 | $2,932.13 |
| 22ct Gold | $115.14 | $3,581.12 |
| 24ct Gold | $125.68 | $3,909.12 |
Gold is commonly quoted by karat (for example, 10K, 14K, or 18K). Jewelry may be worth more as a finished item than for its melt value, depending on its condition and resale appeal.
Scrap Silver and Other Precious Metals
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Palladium | $23.89 | $742.95 |
| Platinum | $35.60 | $1,107.34 |
| Silver | $1.26 | $39.11 |
Silver, platinum, and palladium have separate markets. For jewelry, catalytic converters, and other complex items, the payable metal content and the buyer's assessment determine the offer.
Scrap Metal Prices in Other Countries
Looking for scrap metal prices outside the United States? Choose a country below. Units, currencies, local demand, and buying practices differ, so international reference prices should not be treated as directly comparable scrap yard offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap metal worth per pound?
It depends on the metal, its grade, and where you sell it. Use the current US price table above as a starting point, then request a quote from a local scrap yard.
Why does my local scrap yard offer less than the price shown?
Reference prices do not necessarily represent the amount a yard will pay. Processing costs, transportation, contamination, and the buyer's margin can affect its offer.
Is copper worth more than steel scrap?
Copper generally commands a higher price per pound than ordinary ferrous scrap, although exact prices change and copper grades can differ substantially.
Should I remove insulation from copper wire?
Ask your recycler first. Stripping may improve the grade of some wire, but it takes time and may not be worthwhile. Never burn wire insulation.
Are scrap prices the same in every state?
No. Prices vary by location and buyer. Use the state links above to explore regional information and confirm current local rates.
Learn More About Scrap Metal Recycling
Explore our guides to common scrap metals and where to find them, the basics of recycling scrap metal, and why scrap metal prices fluctuate.