Scrap metal has real cash value — copper, brass and aluminum pay the most, while steel and iron are accepted almost everywhere for less per pound. Prices move daily with commodity markets, so call ahead for the day's rate before you haul a load.

In South Dakota we list 16 scrap yards and metal buyers across 12 cities, with the most in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Huron and Lead. Each links to its full page with address, phone and hours.

Scrap Yards & Metal Buyers in South Dakota

A-1 Auto Recyclers

📍Rapid City · 2080 Lamb Road, Rapid City, SD 57702
📞+1 605-348-8442
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Watertown Iron & Metal Co

📍Watertown · 600 4th Ave SW, Watertown, SD 57201
📞+1 605-886-2767
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Yankton Metals

📍Yankton · 1405 Bill Baggs Rd, Yankton, SD 57078
📞+1 605-665-2473
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Mardian Scrap Recycling Inc

📍Aberdeen · 609 6th Ave SW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
📞+1 605-225-4080
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Barti Metal Processing

📍Huron · 1969 Old Hwy 14 W, Huron, SD 57350
📞+1 605-352-2072
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Zabel Steel

📍Sioux Falls · 5501 W 9th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
📞+1 605-334-7001
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H & R Salvage Llc

📍Mitchell · 25351 405th Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301
📞+1 605-996-8271
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Ace Steel & Recycling

📍Pierre · 2700 Industrial Rd, Pierre, SD 57501
📞+1 605-945-1285
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Pcscrappers Llc

📍Sioux Falls · 623 S Lyons Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
📞+1 605-271-2616
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Scrapmart

📍Sioux Falls · 601 S Lyons Ave STE 400, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
📞+1 605-271-5575
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Ace Steel & Recycling

📍Rapid City · 2830 Eglin St, Rapid City, SD 57703
📞+1 605-342-8649
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P C Salvage

📍Pukwana · 24540 350th Ave, Pukwana, SD 57370
📞+1 605-682-9009
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Hanson Salvage

📍Milbank · 600 W Milbank Ave, Milbank, SD 57252
📞+1 605-432-5857
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Aggressive Auto Recycling

📍Rapid City · 2019 Seger Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
📞+1 605-342-1825
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Adams Salvage Recycling & Recovery

📍Lead · 21314 Yellow Creek Rd, Lead, SD 57754
📞+1 605-920-8957
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Ted's Service Metal Recycling

📍Ridgeview · 26434 US-212, Ridgeview, SD 57652
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What Metals Are Worth the Most?

🧲 Ferrous metals
Steel, iron, cast iron and most appliances. Magnetic and lower-value per pound, but accepted almost everywhere.
🟤 Copper
Wire, pipe and tubing. One of the highest-value everyday metals — strip insulation for a better rate.
⚪ Aluminum
Cans, siding, gutters, wheels and extrusions. Light, common and widely bought.
🟡 Brass
Fittings, valves, keys and fixtures. Mid-to-high value; often mixed with copper.
🚗 Catalytic converters
High value due to precious metals inside. Sales are regulated in many states — bring the vehicle title or proof of ownership.
🔋 Lead & batteries
Wheel weights and lead-acid batteries. Handled separately for safety; call ahead.

Before You Sell

  • Sort ferrous (magnetic) from non-ferrous metals — mixed loads are paid at the lowest rate.
  • Strip insulation from copper and aluminum wire where practical for a higher price per pound.
  • Drain fluids from any automotive parts before drop-off.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID — most yards are required to record it for metal purchases.
  • Call ahead for the day's prices; scrap rates move with commodity markets and change often.

Scrap Metal FAQ — South Dakota

Which South Dakota cities have the most scrap yards?

The most scrap buyers are in Rapid City (3), Sioux Falls (3), Aberdeen (1), Huron (1) and Lead (1). In total we list 16 scrap yards across 12 South Dakota cities — all listed above with addresses and hours.

Do I need an ID to sell scrap metal in South Dakota?

In most states, scrap yards are legally required to record a government-issued photo ID for metal purchases, and payment for certain items may be by check or delayed. Bring ID and, for vehicles or catalytic converters, proof of ownership.

How much is scrap metal worth in South Dakota?

Prices are set per pound and vary daily with commodity markets. Non-ferrous metals like copper and brass pay the most; ferrous steel and iron pay less. Call the yards listed above for that day's rates before you haul.

Can I sell a catalytic converter?

Many yards buy catalytic converters, but sales are increasingly regulated to curb theft. Expect to show ID and proof that the part came from a vehicle you own.

What's the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap?

Ferrous metals (steel, iron) are magnetic and lower value; non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass) are not magnetic and pay significantly more. A magnet is the quickest way to tell them apart.

See all scrap yards by city, the full South Dakota recycling directory, or scrap buyers in Texas, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Arkansas.