Cracking open your garage or warehouse and wondering if that pile of metal scraps is worth something? It absolutely is—and knowing those prices in the U.S. right now can turn clutter into cash. Here's a breakdown of today’s market values, why they move, and how to make them work smarter for you.
Current Scrap Metal Prices in the U.S.
Here’s a clear overview using real data from reputable sources:
Copper
- No. 1 Copper: approx $4.10 per lb
- No. 2 Copper: approx $3.60 per lb RecycleInMe
Aluminum
- Sheet Aluminium: approx $0.75 per lb RecycleInMe
Lead
- Lead scrap: approx $0.88 per lb RecycleInMe
Nickel
- Nickel: approx $6.88 per lb RecycleInMe
Example Yard Pricing (J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers)
- Bare Bright Copper: $3.55/lb
- #1 Copper Pipe: $3.50/lb; #2 Pipe: $3.30/lb
- Red Brass: $3.10/lb; Clean Yellow Brass: $2.40/lb; Dirty Yellow Brass: $1.10/lb
- Cast Aluminum: $0.68/lb; Auto Rims: $1.00/lb
- High-grade circuit boards: $3.20/lb; Gold memory: $14.00/lb (jewelry-grade!) J.R.'s Advanced Recyclers
Regional Trends (Kansas City Example)
- Bare Bright Copper Wire: $3.65–3.75/lb
- Recycled aluminum (extrusion): $0.92–$0.97/lb
- Clean aluminum wire: ~$0.92/lb
- Clean copper-aluminum radiators: $1.95–2.00/lb Langley Recycling
Why These Prices Matter
- Copper remains the market heavyweight—clean types fetch $4 today. Even before stripping, pay attention.
- Aluminum, while modest per pound, adds up when collected in volume.
- Brass and specialty circuits show promise in niche streams, especially if you're set up to extract value.
- Regional differences vary based on location, buyer competition, and local recycling infrastructure.
- Precious scrap, like memory chips, can be unexpectedly valuable if properly sorted.
Trends Influence Scrap Rates
- Global trade tensions and tariffs—especially on aluminum—have caused price swings. Recycling has climbed in value as production costs rise The Wall Street Journal.
- Energy costs, mining logistics, and trade policies feed into daily pricing.
- Clean, sorted scrap still wins over mixed, dirty piles every time.
Tips for Selling Smarter
- Sort your scrap—separate copper, aluminum, brass, steel—clean scraps pay more.
- Check prices daily—use apps or yard websites to stay current.
- Spy on your neighborhood yards—compare calls, quotes, or silk a dozen yards.
- Check for local pickups or roll-offs if you have bulk quantities.
- Diversify materials—cards, batteries, radiators, tool steel—they all add up.
Final Word
In America today, scrap metals range from a modest few cents per pound to dramatic returns on high-grade circuits and memory chips. Smart sellers keep their eyes open, their metal sorted, and their options open. Whether you haul to your local yard or use smarter digital routes, the key is informed action.