1. Commonwealth of Kentucky – Public Infrastructure (“Metal”)
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet shows that as of August 15, 2025, scrap aluminum fetches $0.81/lb, and "Metal" (likely ferrous scrap from highway operations) is valued at $315 per ton—a useful but specialized benchmark. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
2. Stuff Recycling – Winchester, KY (Updated August 29, 2025)
A treasure trove of precise figures. Some highlights include:
- Bare Bright Copper – $3.10/lb
- Copper #1 – $3.00/lb
- Copper #2 – $2.80/lb
- Clean Cu/Al Radiators – $1.50/lb, Unclean – $1.35/lb
- Red Brass – $1.75/lb, Yellow Brass – $1.65/lb
- Aluminum Cans – $0.60/lb, Clean Extrusion – $0.67/lb
- Clean Aluminum Wheels – $0.75/lb
- Ferrous Steel (#1 Prepared) – $185/ton, Unprepared Steel – $140/ton
Stuff Recycling
3. River Metals Recycling – Louisville, KY
Via the iScrap App, we see:
- Yellow Brass – $2.00/lb
- Aluminum Cans – $0.40/lb
- #1 Bare Bright Copper Wire – $3.70/lb (noted 5.9% increase)
iScrap App
Why Do These Prices Fluctuate?
Markets for scrap metal twist and turn with influences from:
- Metal quality & cleanliness: The cleaner and more sorted your copper or aluminum, the better your payout.
- Supply and demand shifts: Seasonal construction cycles or export demand spur price swings Sgt. Scrap.
- Local vs. global price pressures: Global tariffs or freight costs often ripple into Kentucky’s scrap market.
- Transportation and processing costs vary by yard, affecting their offers.
How ScrapTrade Helps Sellers in Kentucky
Let’s face it, chasing yard quotes feels a bit like running a relay race. ScrapTrade hands you the megaphone and gathers the bids for you—transparently, securely, and efficiently.
- Real-time competitive bidding from multiple verified buyers removes guesswork.
- Escrow protection ensures payment only lands once you’ve delivered—no disappearing-yard worries.
- Convenience—list your material once and let the offers come to you.
- Scalability—whether it’s a bundle of wires or a truckload of steel, ScrapTrade adapts.
- Transparency and peace of mind—no hidden fees, no phone tag, just clear returns.
Quick Snapshot: Local Yard Rates vs. ScrapTrade Potential
| Metal / Category | Local Yard (Stuff Recycling) | River Metals (Louisville) |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $3.10 /lb | — |
| #1 Copper | $3.00 /lb | — |
| #2 Copper | $2.80 /lb | — |
| Yellow Brass | $1.65 /lb | $2.00 /lb |
| Aluminum Cans | $0.60 /lb | $0.40 /lb |
| Aluminum Extrusion | $0.67 /lb (clean) | — |
| Steel (Prepared) | $185 /ton | — |
Note: Prices vary by yard and change frequently. ScrapTrade lets you tap into all of them and more—without running around.
Final Thought: Kentucky—Let’s Trade Smarter
Scrap metal in Kentucky isn’t a puzzle—it’s a dynamic opportunity, if you have the right tools. Instead of juggling phone calls or driving between yards for sometimes-uncertain offers, let ScrapTrade bring the market to you. Transparent, speedy, secure—and smart. You've got the scrap. Now let's make it move with style.