Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals
The fundamental division in scrap metal is between ferrous (iron-containing) and non-ferrous metals. Use a magnet to tell them apart — ferrous metals like steel and iron are magnetic; non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel are not.
Non-ferrous metals command much higher prices per pound because they're rarer and more energy-intensive to produce from ore. A pound of copper scrap might be worth 10–20x more than a pound of steel scrap.
Most Valuable Scrap Metals
<strong>Copper</strong>: The most valuable common scrap metal. Found in plumbing pipe, electrical wiring, motors, and heat exchangers. Separate by type (bare bright copper wire, #1 copper, #2 copper) for best prices.
<strong>Aluminum</strong>: Cans, wheels, window frames, gutters, ladders. Light and valuable.
<strong>Brass</strong>: Faucets, valves, shell casings, decorative items. Heavy and very valuable.
<strong>Stainless steel</strong>: Kitchen equipment, medical instruments, some auto parts.
Common Lower-Value Scrap
Steel and iron are accepted everywhere but pay much less per pound. Old appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators), car bodies, structural steel, and steel pipe fall into this category. While the price per pound is low, these items are heavy enough that a full load can still earn meaningful money.
Many scrap yards will pick up large quantities for free or a small fee, then pay you for the metal value.
What Scrap Yards Don't Accept
Scrap yards have legal and safety restrictions. They typically won't accept: materials showing signs of hazardous content (PCB-containing equipment), certain sealed containers, radioactive materials, or items they can't identify safely.
For items containing hazardous materials — like old appliances with refrigerant (freon) — the hazardous material must often be removed by a certified technician before the metal can be scrapped.
How to Maximize Your Payout
Separate metals by type before arriving — mixed loads earn less than separated loads. Strip copper wire of insulation if you can (bare bright copper pays more than insulated wire). Call multiple yards and ask for current prices — they fluctuate with commodity markets. Bring ID — most states require scrap yards to record seller information to deter theft.