Question 1

How do you calculate scrap metal value?

Accepted Answer

To calculate scrap metal value: 1) Weigh your scrap material accurately (use a scale in pounds or kilograms). 2) Identify the metal type and grade (copper, aluminum, steel, etc.). 3) Check current scrap metal prices per pound at local yards or online indices. 4) Multiply weight by price per pound to get gross value. 5) Subtract scrap yard fees (typically 10-25%) to estimate your actual payout. For example, 100 lbs of copper at $3.50/lb = $350 gross value, minus 15% fee = $297.50 payout.

Question 2

How much is 100 pounds of copper worth? How much is 30 pounds of copper worth?

Accepted Answer

Copper scrap value = weight (lbs) × price per pound. At $3.50/lb: 100 pounds of copper worth ≈ $350 gross (~$297 after 15% yard fee). 30 pounds of copper worth ≈ $105 gross (~$89 after fee). 1000 pounds of copper worth ≈ $3,500 gross (~$2,975 after fee). Prices change daily—use our free scrap value calculator above: enter your weight (30, 100, 500, 1000 lbs, etc.) and current $/lb to get how much your copper is worth today.

Question 3

How much is scrap metal worth? What is a scrap value calculator?

Accepted Answer

Scrap metal worth depends on type, weight, and current price per pound. Copper: ~$3–4/lb. Brass: ~$1.50–2.50/lb. Aluminum: ~$0.50–1/lb. Steel: ~$0.10–0.20/lb. A scrap value calculator multiplies your weight by price per pound and optionally subtracts yard fees to estimate payout. Our free scrap value calculator and scrap metal price calculator above does this for copper, aluminum, steel, brass—enter weight and $/lb to see how much your scrap is worth.

Question 4

How much is 100 pounds of scrap metal worth?

Accepted Answer

100 pounds of scrap metal worth depends on the metal. At typical 2024 prices: 100 lbs copper ≈ $300–400, 100 lbs brass ≈ $150–250, 100 lbs aluminum ≈ $50–100, 100 lbs steel ≈ $10–20. Use our scrap value calculator above: select metal type, enter 100 (or any weight) in pounds, and your local price per pound to get an estimate. Scrap yard fees (10–25%) reduce the actual payout.

Question 5

What are current scrap metal prices?

Accepted Answer

Scrap metal prices fluctuate daily based on commodity markets. As of 2024, typical ranges are: Copper (bare bright) $3.00-$4.00/lb, Brass (yellow) $1.50-$2.50/lb, Aluminum (clean) $0.50-$1.00/lb, Stainless steel $0.50-$1.00/lb, Steel/iron $0.10-$0.20/lb, Lead $0.50-$0.80/lb, Copper wire (insulated) $2.00-$3.00/lb. Prices vary by location, metal grade, quantity, and global commodity prices. Always call local scrap yards for current rates.

Question 6

Which scrap metal is worth the most money?

Accepted Answer

The most valuable common scrap metals are: 1) Copper (bare bright, clean) - $3.00-$4.00/lb, highest value for common scrap. 2) Brass (clean, yellow) - $1.50-$2.50/lb. 3) Copper wire (stripped) - $2.50-$3.50/lb. 4) Stainless steel - $0.50-$1.00/lb. 5) Aluminum (clean, separated) - $0.50-$1.00/lb. Copper is typically the most valuable because it's highly conductive, widely used in electrical and plumbing applications, and in constant demand.

Question 7

How much is copper scrap worth?

Accepted Answer

Copper scrap value depends on grade and purity. As of 2024: Bare bright copper (cleanest, no coating) - $3.50-$4.00/lb, #1 copper (clean pipe/wire, 95%+ pure) - $3.00-$3.50/lb, #2 copper (unclean, oxidized) - $2.50-$3.00/lb, Insulated copper wire - $1.50-$2.50/lb (depending on insulation thickness), Copper/brass radiators - $1.50-$2.00/lb. Prices fluctuate with London Metal Exchange (LME) copper futures. 100 lbs of bare bright copper at $3.50/lb = $350 gross value.

Question 8

How much do scrap yards pay per pound?

Accepted Answer

Scrap yard payouts vary by metal type, market conditions, and quantity. Typical rates: Copper $3.00-$4.00/lb, Brass $1.50-$2.50/lb, Aluminum cans $0.30-$0.60/lb, Aluminum (clean sheet) $0.50-$1.00/lb, Stainless steel $0.50-$1.00/lb, Steel/iron $0.10-$0.20/lb, Car batteries $0.20-$0.30/lb, Lead $0.50-$0.80/lb. Scrap yards typically pay 10-25% less than quoted prices to cover processing, sorting, and profit margins. Larger quantities often get better rates.

Question 9

What do scrap yards pay the most for?

Accepted Answer

Scrap yards pay premium prices for: 1) Clean, separated metals (no contamination), 2) Large quantities (better rates for volume), 3) High-value metals like copper, brass, and stainless, 4) Prepared materials (wire stripped of insulation, sorted by type), 5) Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass) over ferrous (iron, steel). Clean bare bright copper commands the highest price. Mixing metals or leaving contamination significantly reduces value. Taking time to sort and prepare scrap can increase payout by 20-50%.

Question 10

Is scrapping metal worth it?

Accepted Answer

Scrapping metal can be worth it depending on: 1) Type and quantity—copper and brass are profitable even in small amounts; steel requires large volumes. 2) Access to materials—contractors, electricians, and renovators often have valuable scrap. 3) Time investment—sorting and hauling must justify payout. 4) Local prices—vary significantly by region. For example, 100 lbs of copper yields ~$300, worth the effort. 100 lbs of steel yields ~$15, may not be. Professional scrappers focus on high-value non-ferrous metals and volume.

Question 11

How do you get the best price at a scrap yard?

Accepted Answer

To maximize scrap yard payouts: 1) Separate metals by type—mixed loads get lowest price. 2) Clean materials—remove insulation, attachments, contaminants. 3) Know current prices—check online indices or call multiple yards. 4) Bring large quantities—volume discounts available. 5) Build relationships—regular customers often get better rates. 6) Bring proper ID—required for payment. 7) Visit multiple yards—prices vary 10-30% between locations. 8) Understand grades—#1 copper worth more than #2. Preparation and research can increase payout by 30-50%.

Question 12

What can you not scrap?

Accepted Answer

Items you cannot scrap at most yards: 1) Radioactive materials (smoke detectors, some gauges). 2) Hazardous waste (certain batteries, mercury thermostats). 3) Ammunition and explosives. 4) Stolen property (yards check serial numbers, require ID). 5) Prohibited items by law (manhole covers, street signs, utility property). 6) Medical waste. 7) Railroad materials. Many yards won't accept: Mixed/contaminated metals, gas tanks (unless properly drained), refrigerators with Freon (unless certified technician removes it). Always ask your yard about restrictions.

Question 13

Do you need ID to scrap metal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, virtually all scrap yards in the United States require government-issued photo ID to sell scrap metal. This is due to: 1) State and local laws aimed at preventing metal theft. 2) Record-keeping requirements for law enforcement. 3) Tax reporting for payments over $600 annually (IRS Form 1099). Yards typically photograph or copy your ID, license plate, and the scrap materials. Some states have additional requirements like thumbprints or holding periods. This protects legitimate businesses and helps recover stolen property.

How Much Is My Copper Worth? Free Scrap Value Calculator

Scrap Value Results

Material Information

⚠️ Important Notes

Scrap Metal Calculator Features & Types

How Much Is X Pounds of Copper Worth? Scrap Value Calculator by Weight

Quick Example: How Much Is 100 Pounds of Copper Worth?

How Our Scrap Calculator Works

Scrap Value Calculation Formula

Scrap Metal Grades and Pricing

Sources & References

Scrap Calculator Examples

Scrap Details:

Value Calculation:

Aluminum Cans Example

Steel Scrap Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Found This Calculator Helpful?

Related Calculators