If you’ve got copper wiring, aluminum sheets, or steel parts cluttering your workshop in Buffalo, knowing current scrap prices puts cash in your pocket rather than in the dumpster. Let’s break down what local yards really pay—and why ScrapTrade can help you maximize your return.
Real-Time Buffalo Scrap Rates
Metalico Buffalo (Fillmore Ave.) — Updated August 2, 2025:
- Bare Bright Copper: $2.74/lb
- #1 Copper: $2.64/lb
- #2 Copper: $2.44/lb
- Low-Grade Insulated Copper Wire: $0.30 – $0.60/lb
- High-Grade Insulated Wire: $0.61 – $1.41/lb
- Yellow Brass: $1.55/lb
- Sheet Aluminum: $0.42/lb
- Siding/Gutters: $0.50/lb
- Stainless Steel (304): $0.30/lb
- Auto Batteries (Lead Acid): $0.14/lb
metalicobuffalo.com
Niagara Metals — Updated August 8, 2025:
- Bare Bright Copper: $2.76/lb
- #1 Copper: $2.62/lb
- #2 Copper: $2.42/lb
- Insulated Copper Wire: $0.30 – $1.20/lb
- Yellow Brass: $1.55/lb
- Sheet Aluminum: $0.42/lb
- Stainless Steel (304): $0.30/lb
- Copper Radiators (Cu-Al): $1.15/lb
niagarametals.com
Citywide Averages (ScrapMonster, August 11, 2025):
- Aluminum Siding: $0.50/lb (consistent high/low)
ScrapMonster
R&R Salvage (via iScrap App):
- Light Iron: $120/ton (~$0.05/lb)
- Stainless Steel: $0.30/lb
- Aluminum Rims: $0.60/lb
- Aluminum Cans: $0.40/lb
iscrapapp.com
What These Prices Mean for You
| Metal | Buffalo Range (per lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $2.64 – $2.76 | Strong payout—highest value metal |
| #1 Copper | $2.62 – $2.64 | Clean copper bars, tubes |
| #2 Copper | $2.42 – $2.44 | Realistic for mixed scrap |
| Insulated Copper Wire | $0.30 – $1.41 | Value depends on copper percentage |
| Yellow Brass | $1.55 | Solid mid-value alloy |
| Sheet Aluminum | $0.42 – $0.50 | Clean = better price |
| Aluminum Rims | $0.60 | Often higher due to purity |
| Stainless Steel (304) | $0.30 | Fair for non-magnetic SS |
| Auto Batteries (Lead Acid) | $0.14 | Low, but still recycling value |
| Light Iron (Steel) | ~$0.05 | Minimal but steady |
If your local yard lags behind these numbers, you could be leaving cash on the curb.
Why Pricing Varies Yard to Yard
- Grade Clarity: Stripped copper gets more—mixes, less.
- Overheads: Smaller yards may offer less to stay afloat.
- Freight Costs: Closer to mills? You might score extra.
- Market Timing: Prices shift daily—check before hauling.
How ScrapTrade Helps You Gain an Edge in Buffalo
Instead of settling for the nearest price, use ScrapTrade to:
- View live market data for copper, aluminum, brass, steel, and more.
- Connect with verified buyers, even those slightly outside Buffalo.
- Secure your income with escrow-protected payments.
- Simplify logistics—pickup options make longer distance deals just as easy.
You still get local speed—plus broader competition for better rewards.