How do I find today's scrap metal price near me?

Call two or three local yards and ask for today's posted price on your specific grade, or check their posted price sheets online. Prices are set per yard and change weekly, so a national average is only a rough guide.

Why do two yards quote different prices for the same metal?

Yards buy at different volumes, sell to different mills and process material differently. Differences of 20% or more on the same grade in the same town are common, which is why it pays to call around before you haul.

Which scrap metal pays the most per pound?

Among everyday household and shop metals, bare bright copper wire is typically the highest paying grade, followed by other copper grades and brass. Aluminum sits in the middle, and steel and iron pay the least per pound but usually make up most of a load by weight.

Should I sort my scrap before going to the yard?

Yes. Mixed loads are usually graded down to the cheapest metal in the pile, so separating copper, brass, aluminum and steel before you arrive is the fastest way to raise your payout.

Are the app's scrap value estimates accurate?

They are estimates only, not guarantees. Scrapper's Delight estimates metal content and applies local posted prices, but your yard's scale, grading and deductions decide the final payout.

Scrap Metal Prices Near Me

Prices are set yard by yard and move weekly. Here's how to find today's real number before you burn fuel hauling a load.

1. Call two yards, not one

Posted prices are per pound (or per ton for heavy loads) and differ between yards in the same town — often by 20% or more on the same grade. Ask each yard for today's price on the specific grade you have, whether that price holds for your weight, and what time they stop taking loads.

2. Know your grade before you ask

Yards pay by grade, not by "metal". The common ones you'll be quoted on:

Bare bright copper — clean, shiny, uncoated wire. The top-paying everyday grade.
#1 and #2 copper — pipe and fittings, with #2 carrying solder, paint or heavy oxidation.
Insulated wire — paid on recovered copper content, so thick-jacketed wire pays far less per pound.
Yellow brass, aluminum, aluminum/copper coil — mid grades; keep them separated from steel.
Shred / short iron / prepared steel — the bulk of most loads, priced per ton and the lowest per pound.
Electric and catalytic components — many yards price these individually rather than by posted sheet.

Sorting before you arrive is the single biggest lever: mixed loads get graded down to the cheapest metal in the pile.

3. Expect deductions

Yards weigh your vehicle full and empty (tare weight). They can also dock for moisture, dirt, attached plastic, concrete, oil, or a fuel tank still in the frame. Draining fluids and pulling non-metal is usually worth the hour.

4. Bring what they require

Most US yards require a government photo ID, and many pay by check or card rather than cash for copper and catalytic converters. Some require the title for vehicles or large appliances. Ask on the phone so you aren't turned away at the scale.

5. Check whether it's worth more whole

An engine, transmission, alternator, motor or control board is often worth several times its scrap weight as a used part. Scan the item first and compare the two numbers before you cut anything apart — see sell the parts or scrap it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find today's scrap metal price near me?: Call two or three local yards and ask for today's posted price on your specific grade, or check their posted price sheets online. Prices are set per yard and change weekly, so a national average is only a rough guide.
Why do two yards quote different prices for the same metal?: Yards buy at different volumes, sell to different mills and process material differently. Differences of 20% or more on the same grade in the same town are common, which is why it pays to call around before you haul.
Which scrap metal pays the most per pound?: Among everyday household and shop metals, bare bright copper wire is typically the highest paying grade, followed by other copper grades and brass. Aluminum sits in the middle, and steel and iron pay the least per pound but usually make up most of a load by weight.
Should I sort my scrap before going to the yard?: Yes. Mixed loads are usually graded down to the cheapest metal in the pile, so separating copper, brass, aluminum and steel before you arrive is the fastest way to raise your payout.
What do I need to bring to a scrap yard?: Most US yards require a government photo ID, and many pay by check or card rather than cash for copper and catalytic converters. Some require a title for vehicles or large appliances. Call ahead so you are not turned away at the scale.
Are the app's scrap value estimates accurate?: They are estimates only, not guarantees. Scrapper's Delight estimates metal content and applies local posted prices, but your yard's scale, grading and deductions decide the final payout.

Get today's estimate for your item

Scrapper's Delight identifies the item from a photo, estimates its metal weight and scrap value using local posted prices for your area, and shows the parts resale side by side.

All figures in the app are estimates, not guarantees. Your yard's scale and posted price decide the final payout.

Scan an item