Most scrap metal projects cost between $50.00 and $500 per ton, with a typical price near $150. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical scrap metal cost
$50.00 – $500
per ton · typical $150
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Scrap metal cost breakdown
- Steel/iron (light iron)$50.00 – $150typical $100
- Aluminum (cans, sheet)$300 – $800typical $600
- Copper (bare bright)$3,000 – $5,000typical $4,000
What Scrap Metal costs
Covers the payment you receive for selling scrap metal to a recycler. Prices vary by metal type, market demand, and quantity. Copper, brass, and aluminum bring higher rates than steel or iron.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
Why do scrap prices fluctuate?
Global demand, commodity markets, and local supply affect prices. Copper is high due to demand in electronics and construction. Steel prices drop with reduced manufacturing.
How is the price determined?
Scrap yards weigh your material and apply current per-pound rates. Clean, sorted metal fetches more. Mixed or dirty scrap is discounted. Check daily prices online or call yards.
How can I maximize my earnings?
Separate metals by type and clean them (remove insulation, plastic). Call multiple yards for quotes. Sell larger quantities. Stay informed about market trends. Avoid theft—it's illegal and risky.