Today's Scrap Metal Prices
National average prices updated daily. Actual yard prices vary by location — use these as a baseline when comparing yards.
| Metal | Price / lb | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 85¢/lb | manual |
| Brass | $1.80/lb | manual |
| Copper | $4.30/lb | manual |
| Iron | 7¢/lb | manual |
| Lead | 60¢/lb | manual |
| Nickel | $7.60/lb | manual |
| Stainless Steel | 50¢/lb | manual |
| Steel | 8¢/lb | manual |
| Zinc | $1.30/lb | manual |
Updated 2026-02-17 · Prices are national averages and may differ from local yards.
Clean vs. Dirty
Stripped copper wire pays significantly more than insulated wire. Remove coatings when possible.
Sort Before You Go
Mixed loads get priced at the lowest metal in the batch. Sort your metals to maximize payout.
Call Ahead for Large Loads
If you have 100+ lbs of a single material, call the yard first — they may offer better rates.