Scrap Metal Prices USA
Current national averages and local scrap yard buy rates. GetScrapEx is an independent aggregator tracking what 183 verified yards across 34 states actually pay based on real-time market activity. Free, no signup required.
Real-time price changes reported by verified scrap yards.
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7 hours ago↑ $291 / ton (Hobart, IN)
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7 hours ago$291 / ton (Hobart, IN)
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7 hours ago$291 / ton (Hobart, IN)
Market Summary: Key Metals
Key indicators moving the US scrap market. Ferrous metals are priced per gross ton (2,240 lbs), non-ferrous grades per pound (lb). Arrows show the 7-day trend compared to last week.
Ferrous & Heavy
Average Market Prices by Metal Category
Browse live national averages, high-low ranges, and weekly trends for 99 scrap grades. Click any metal to view local price spreads, historical charts, and top-paying states.
Aluminum
Pricing for Aluminum across the USA depends heavily on the specific alloy grade and the presence of any ferrous attachments. The median rate is tracking at $0.72/lb, with the market on the rise over the last week. However, high-demand grades like Aluminum BX are trading at a premium, currently peaking at $2.22/lb.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 3003 | $0.70/lb | $0.70 – $0.70/lb | Stable |
| Aluminum 5052 (Plate) | $1.28/lb | $1.20 – $1.32/lb | Stable |
| Aluminum 6061 Structural | $0.78/lb | $0.50 – $1.00/lb | Up ↑ +23.4% |
| Aluminum 6063 Extrusion (Clean) | $1.11/lb | $0.50 – $1.86/lb | Up ↑ +2.4% |
| Aluminum BX | $2.22/lb | $1.80 – $2.85/lb | Down ↓ −9.9% |
| Aluminum Cans (UBC) | $0.72/lb | $0.45 – $1.08/lb | Up ↑ +2.1% |
| Aluminum Clips & MLC | $0.87/lb | $0.50 – $1.08/lb | Up ↑ +1.4% |
| Aluminum Foil & Light Gauge | $0.15/lb | $0.15 – $0.15/lb | Stable |
| Aluminum Siding & Gutters | $0.74/lb | $0.50 – $1.02/lb | Down ↓ −11.3% |
| Aluminum Turnings | $0.25/lb | $0.25 – $0.25/lb | Stable |
| Aluminum Wire (EC / Clean) | $1.08/lb | $0.55 – $1.80/lb | Down ↓ −3.2% |
| Aluminum Wire (Insulated / ACSR) | $0.43/lb | $0.20 – $0.95/lb | Stable |
| Cast Aluminum | $0.63/lb | $0.35 – $0.90/lb | Down ↓ −4.8% |
| Clean Aluminum Sheet | $0.62/lb | $0.40 – $1.00/lb | Up ↑ +1.5% |
| Dirty Aluminum Extrusion | $0.76/lb | $0.45 – $1.00/lb | Stable |
| Irony & Breakage Aluminum | $0.29/lb | $0.15 – $0.57/lb | Up ↑ +27.4% |
| Lithographic Plates (Litho) | $1.06/lb | $0.80 – $1.20/lb | Stable |
| Painted & Old Sheet Aluminum | $0.54/lb | $0.35 – $0.75/lb | Stable |
| Painted Aluminum Extrusion | $1.04/lb | $1.04 – $1.05/lb | Stable |
| Thermal Break Aluminum | $0.64/lb | $0.58 – $0.70/lb | Stable |
Aluminum Rims & Wheels
For component scrap like Aluminum Rims & Wheels, facilities across the USA are quoting an average of $0.73/lb. Prices typically reflect the estimated recovery of internal metals. Unbroken, clean units such as Clean Aluminum Auto Wheels (Alloy 356) represent the high end of the market, fetching up to $0.96/lb in today's on the rise conditions.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome Plated Aluminum Wheels | $0.67/lb | $0.45 – $1.00/lb | Up ↑ +12.0% |
| Clean Aluminum Auto Wheels (Alloy 356) | $0.96/lb | $0.50 – $1.39/lb | Up ↑ +6.3% |
| Clean Truck & Semi Wheels (Alloy 6061) | $0.73/lb | $0.55 – $0.83/lb | Down ↓ −8.3% |
| Dirty & Irony Aluminum Wheels | $0.80/lb | $0.60 – $0.95/lb | Stable |
Batteries
For component scrap like Batteries, facilities across the USA are quoting an average of $0.18/lb. Prices typically reflect the estimated recovery of internal metals. Unbroken, clean units such as Small Lead Acid Batteries represent the high end of the market, fetching up to $0.24/lb in today's softening conditions.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Batteries (Car & Truck) | $0.18/lb | $0.10 – $0.25/lb | Stable |
| Scrap Lead Acid Batteries | $0.18/lb | $0.10 – $0.33/lb | Down ↓ −14.1% |
| Small Lead Acid Batteries | $0.24/lb | $0.23 – $0.25/lb | Stable |
| Steel Case Forklift Batteries | $0.19/lb | $0.14 – $0.28/lb | Stable |
Brass
Recent pricing data across the USA shows Brass averages hovering around $2.70/lb. Because recovery rates drive pricing in this category, separating your materials is critical. Suppliers bringing in well-sorted Red Brass can secure payouts as high as $3.64/lb. Buyer demand in this segment is currently remaining stable.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Breakage | $1.50/lb | $1.50 – $1.50/lb | Stable |
| Brass EDM Wire | $3.00/lb | $3.00 – $3.00/lb | Stable |
| Brass Shells | $2.67/lb | $1.55 – $3.20/lb | Stable |
| Brass Turnings | $1.93/lb | $1.40 – $2.45/lb | Stable |
| Bronze Scrap | $3.39/lb | $2.80 – $3.70/lb | Stable |
| Irony Brass | $1.29/lb | $0.75 – $1.65/lb | Stable |
| Plumbing Brass | $2.72/lb | $1.95 – $3.10/lb | Stable |
| Red Brass | $3.64/lb | $1.75 – $4.80/lb | Up ↑ +2.1% |
| Refinery Brass | $1.08/lb | $0.52 – $1.71/lb | Stable |
| Water Meters | $3.02/lb | $1.65 – $3.80/lb | Stable |
| Yellow Brass Solids | $2.70/lb | $1.20 – $3.71/lb | Down ↓ −6.5% |
Copper
Recent pricing data across the USA shows Copper averages hovering around $4.37/lb. Because recovery rates drive pricing in this category, separating your materials is critical. Suppliers bringing in well-sorted Bare Bright Copper can secure payouts as high as $4.77/lb. Buyer demand in this segment is currently pulling back.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Copper | $4.60/lb | $2.00 – $5.73/lb | Down ↓ −5.6% |
| #2 Copper | $4.37/lb | $2.50 – $5.52/lb | Stable |
| Bare Bright Copper | $4.77/lb | $3.50 – $5.70/lb | Down ↓ −5.1% |
| Copper Turnings | $3.85/lb | $3.40 – $4.17/lb | Stable |
| Light Copper / Sheet Copper | $4.32/lb | $2.02 – $5.38/lb | Up ↑ +4.7% |
Electric Motors
For component scrap like Electric Motors, facilities across the USA are quoting an average of $0.30/lb. Prices typically reflect the estimated recovery of internal metals. Unbroken, clean units such as Copper Transformers represent the high end of the market, fetching up to $0.46/lb in today's on the rise conditions.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum & Dirty Motors | $0.10/lb | $0.10 – $0.10/lb | Stable |
| Automotive AC Compressors | $0.30/lb | $0.25 – $0.35/lb | Stable |
| Automotive Alternators | $0.41/lb | $0.20 – $0.60/lb | Stable |
| Automotive Starters | $0.44/lb | $0.20 – $0.60/lb | Down ↓ −18.2% |
| Copper Electric Motors | $0.30/lb | $0.18 – $0.54/lb | Up ↑ +4.0% |
| Copper Transformers | $0.46/lb | $0.35 – $0.55/lb | Up ↑ +42.9% |
| Light Ballasts & Power Supplies | $0.08/lb | $0.08 – $0.08/lb | Stable |
| Scrap Engines & Transmissions | $0.11/lb | $0.07 – $0.16/lb | Stable |
| Sealed Unit Compressors (Appliance) | $0.25/lb | $0.15 – $0.35/lb | Up ↑ +1.8% |
High Temp & Specialty
When dealing with High Temp & Specialty across the USA, buyer verification is key. The broad average for this segment sits at $3.00/lb, and prices are currently remaining stable. Premium forms like Tungsten Carbide maintain the strongest valuations, reaching $5.28/lb.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt & High Temp Alloys | $5.00/lb | $5.00 – $5.00/lb | Stable |
| Hastelloy | $2.50/lb | $2.50 – $2.50/lb | Stable |
| Specialty Copper Alloys | $3.00/lb | $3.00 – $3.00/lb | Stable |
| Tool Steel & Stainless | $0.25/lb | $0.25 – $0.25/lb | Stable |
| Tungsten Carbide | $5.28/lb | $5.28 – $5.28/lb | Stable |
Insulated Copper Wire
Recent pricing data across the USA shows Insulated Copper Wire averages hovering around $1.62/lb. Because recovery rates drive pricing in this category, separating your materials is critical. Suppliers bringing in well-sorted MCM & Industrial Cable can secure payouts as high as $4.04/lb. Buyer demand in this segment is currently pulling back.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Insulated Wire | $2.90/lb | $0.95 – $4.40/lb | Down ↓ −0.8% |
| #2 Insulated Wire | $1.62/lb | $0.52 – $2.53/lb | Up ↑ +4.1% |
| #3 Insulated Wire (Low Grade) | $0.94/lb | $0.50 – $1.29/lb | Down ↓ −17.2% |
| Armored Cable (BX) | $0.65/lb | $0.50 – $1.05/lb | Down ↓ −5.1% |
| Christmas Lights | $0.20/lb | $0.15 – $0.25/lb | Stable |
| Coax & Heliax Cable | $1.92/lb | $0.75 – $2.50/lb | Stable |
| Computer Wire | $0.40/lb | $0.40 – $0.40/lb | Stable |
| Jelly Wire | $1.03/lb | $0.90 – $1.30/lb | Stable |
| MCM & Industrial Cable | $4.04/lb | $3.30 – $4.55/lb | Stable |
| Romex® Wire | $2.73/lb | $1.70 – $3.50/lb | Down ↓ −17.5% |
| Telecom & Data Wire | $1.81/lb | $1.10 – $2.35/lb | Stable |
| THHN Wire | $3.65/lb | $2.55 – $4.60/lb | Stable |
| Wire Harnesses | $1.62/lb | $1.00 – $1.85/lb | Stable |
Lead
Niche categories like Lead require specific buyer verification across the USA. The broad average for this segment sits at $0.13/lb, and prices are currently softening. Specialized alloys or pure forms — notably Soft Lead (Clean) — maintain the strongest valuations, reaching $0.46/lb.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Lead (Clean) | $0.46/lb | $0.28 – $0.62/lb | Down ↓ −7.6% |
| Wheel Weights (Hard Lead) | $0.13/lb | $0.10 – $0.20/lb | Stable |
Radiators
Pricing for Radiators across the USA depends heavily on the specific alloy grade and the presence of any ferrous attachments. The median rate is tracking at $1.40/lb, with the market softening over the last week. However, high-demand grades like Pure Copper Radiators are trading at a premium, currently peaking at $2.89/lb.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR) | $2.30/lb | $1.40 – $3.26/lb | Down ↓ −3.9% |
| Aluminum Radiators (Clean) | $0.49/lb | $0.35 – $0.65/lb | Down ↓ −31.7% |
| Coolers & Condensers | $0.64/lb | $0.40 – $0.84/lb | Down ↓ −21.4% |
| Copper & Brass Radiators (Clean) | $2.74/lb | $1.47 – $3.85/lb | Down ↓ −17.6% |
| Heater Cores | $1.40/lb | $1.40 – $1.40/lb | Stable |
| Irony Aluminum Copper Radiators (Dirty ACR) | $2.39/lb | $1.00 – $3.12/lb | Down ↓ −1.1% |
| Irony Aluminum Radiators | $0.51/lb | $0.28 – $0.71/lb | Stable |
| Irony Copper & Brass Radiators | $1.91/lb | $0.50 – $2.75/lb | Down ↓ −51.4% |
| Pure Copper Radiators | $2.89/lb | $2.45 – $3.17/lb | Stable |
| Radiator Ends | $0.75/lb | $0.55 – $1.00/lb | Stable |
Stainless Steel
Pricing for Stainless Steel across the USA depends heavily on the specific alloy grade and the presence of any ferrous attachments. The median rate is tracking at $0.36/lb, with the market softening over the last week. However, high-demand grades like 316 Stainless Steel are trading at a premium, currently peaking at $0.65/lb.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Series Stainless Steel | $0.36/lb | $0.23 – $0.50/lb | Stable |
| 304 Stainless Steel | $0.35/lb | $0.20 – $0.50/lb | Down ↓ −18.0% |
| 316 Stainless Steel | $0.65/lb | $0.50 – $0.90/lb | Stable |
Steel & Iron (Ferrous)
Unlike non-ferrous commodities, Steel & Iron (Ferrous) is typically traded by the ton. The current aggregate average across the USA stands at $207/ton. The market is softening, with heavy melting scrap and prepared structural pieces leading demand. Specifically, Automotive Cast Iron (Rotors/Drums) is the most valuable ferrous grade in this segment right now, returning up to $326/ton.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Prepared Steel (HMS) | $244/ton | $67 – $358/ton | Up ↑ +1.3% |
| #2 Prepared Steel | $230/ton | $67 – $291/ton | Down ↓ −3.2% |
| Automotive Cast Iron (Rotors/Drums) | $326/ton | $157 – $426/ton | Down ↓ −3.0% |
| Cast Iron (Heavy) | $207/ton | $67 – $314/ton | Up ↑ +5.7% |
| Light Iron & Shredder | $234/ton | $90 – $291/ton | Down ↓ −1.8% |
| Plate & Structural Steel (P&S) | $274/ton | $134 – $336/ton | Up ↑ +1.6% |
| Rebar | $101/ton | $67 – $134/ton | Stable |
| Steel Turnings | $110/ton | $90 – $112/ton | Stable |
| Tin (Sheet Metal) | $165/ton | $45 – $224/ton | Down ↓ −2.8% |
| Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) | $186/ton | $45 – $291/ton | Down ↓ −5.3% |
| Wire Fence | $119/ton | $112 – $134/ton | Stable |
Zinc & Die Cast
Niche categories like Zinc & Die Cast require specific buyer verification across the USA. The broad average for this segment sits at $0.30/lb, and prices are currently holding steady. Specialized alloys or pure forms — notably Clean Zinc Die Cast — maintain the strongest valuations, reaching $0.32/lb.
| Metal grade | Average | Price range | Trend (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Zinc Die Cast | $0.32/lb | $0.25 – $0.40/lb | Stable |
| Zinc Solids | $0.30/lb | $0.30 – $0.30/lb | Stable |
Scrap metal prices by state
Looking for scrap metal prices near you? Pick your state below for the local average, this week’s trend, and the verified scrap yards that report into it. Within each state we also break out the largest metro areas, so big yards in Houston, Philadelphia, or Newark have their own page.
How We Track Scrap Prices
GetScrapex is an independent analytics platform. We aggregate daily buy prices directly from 183 verified active scrap yards across 34 states to give haulers, contractors, and DIY recyclers transparency. We do not buy or sell scrap metal. Learn more about our validation process on the Pricing Methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick answers about how US scrap yard buy prices are set, updated, and quoted on GetScrapex.
How are US scrap metal prices set?
US scrap metal prices are negotiated between scrap yards and the mills, refineries, and exporters that buy from them — they track global benchmarks like the LME and COMEX, but with a deduction for the yard’s handling, freight, and risk. That deduction is why the per-pound price you see at the scale is always below the spot quote on CNBC.
Why does my local yard pay less than the national average?
Pricing is highly local: yards far from a mill or a port pay less because freight eats their margin, and a yard with one buyer pays less than one with three. Volume and prep matter too — a 200-lb trunk of mixed copper will not get the bare-bright price posted here.
How often does GetScrapex update prices?
Yard-level prices are pulled every business day; the national average and 7-day trend recalculate from a rolling 90-day window so a single bad data point can’t move them. The "Last updated" stamp in the header shows the most recent refresh.
Per pound or per ton — which unit applies to my metal?
Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass, lead, stainless) are priced per pound in the US scrap market. Ferrous metals — steel, cast iron, rebar, shred — are priced per gross ton (2,240 lb), so a 100-lb car hood is worth roughly $10, not $90.
What is the difference between #1 and #2 copper?
#1 copper is clean, unalloyed tubing, wire, or bus bar with no solder, fittings, or heavy oxidation — it pays closest to bare bright. #2 copper allows light solder, small fittings, or tarnish; yards discount it because it costs more to refine. Sort and strip before you haul: mixing #2 into a #1 load gets the whole pile priced as #2.