The scrap scene in Rochester is an ever-shifting puzzle—copper glitters, steel stacks high, and every yard has its own tune. But with current rates floating around, being informed makes all the difference. Let’s dig into the numbers and see how to get the most from your metal.
Local Yard Snapshot & Prices
Ben Weitsman Scrap (via iScrap App)
Recent reported prices per ton:
- Shreddable Steel: $157.60/ton
- Unprepared HMS Steel: $213.00/ton
- Light Iron: $125.00/ton
- #1 HMS Steel: $239.71/ton
Plus aluminum rims: about $0.53/lb.
iScrap App+1
Niagara Metals (Buffalo area, serving Rochester too)
Per pound pricing:
- Bare Bright Copper: $2.76
- #1 Copper: $2.62
- #2 Copper: $2.42
- Insulated Copper Wire: $0.30–$1.20 (depending on purity)
- Yellow Brass: $1.55
- Sheet Aluminum: $0.42
- Lead-Acid Batteries: $0.14
- Cu–Al Radiators: $1.15
- 304 Stainless Steel: $0.30
niagarametals.com
J.R.'s Advanced Recyclers (Rochester area, as of August 2025)
Per pound:
- Bare Bright Copper Wire: $3.55
- #1 Copper Pipe: $3.50
- #2 Copper Pipe: $3.30
- Aluminum:
- Auto Rims: $1.00
- Cast: $0.68
- Extruded: $0.88
- Pop Cans: $0.70
- Brass:
- Red Brass: $3.10
- Yellow Brass (clean): $2.40
- Radiators (clean copper/aluminum): $1.85; dirty: $1.70
J.R.'s Advanced Recyclers
Why Prices Fluctuate Like Particles in a Collider
Metal pricing dances to its own rhythms—and it’s fun to watch:
- Purity matters—bare bright copper can fetch double the rate of low-grade bundles.
- Global demand & fares—export routes, tariffs, and international demand ripple into Rochester yards.
- Local market quirks—yard overhead, competition, and sort standards can give—or take—a few cents.
Quick Comparison Table
| Material / Category | Local Yard Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $2.76 (Niagara Metals) to $3.55 (J.R.’s) |
| #1 Copper Pipe | ~$3.50 (J.R.’s) |
| Yellow Brass | $1.55 to $2.40 |
| Aluminum (sheet/rims) | $0.42 to $1.00 per lb |
| Steel (#1 HMS) per ton | ~$240 (Ben Weitsman) |
| Light Iron per ton | ~$125 |
Why ScrapTrade Gives You the Edge in Rochester
When yards scatter the data and pricing shifts daily, ScrapTrade hands you clarity—and cash:
- Competitive Bidding: Skip the contact chase; multiple buyers compete online, raising your bottom line.
- Secure Escrow Payments: Your money is safe until delivery is verified.
- Convenience 24/7: No calling, no yard-hopping—list your scrap when you want, get offers fast.
- Scale-Friendly: A wire bundle or a load of HMS steel—ScrapTrade flexes with your volume.
- Transparency & Trust: Verified buyers, open bids, and zero surprises.
Final Thought: Rochester, Let Your Scrap Sparkle
Whether you’re sifting through copper spans or prepping piles of HMS steel, knowing your local price is smart—but not enough. With ScrapTrade, you combine that knowledge with wider market access, clearer pricing, and secure transactions.
Recycle responsibly. Earn confidently. Let that scrap work harder—for both wallet and planet.