Scrap metal is one of the few things you recycle that can actually pay you back. This site helps you find metal recycling near you and understand what kind of metal you have, since aluminum, copper, steel, and old appliances often go through different routes and different pricing.
Three details to start. We come back with the nearest options and what each one buys.
Search by ZIP code, city, or state to find scrap yards and metal recycling locations near you.
Enter a ZIP and we will come back with the yards nearest you and what each one buys.
Not every scrap yard buys every type of metal, and not every location pays cash for what you bring in. Availability, pricing, and accepted materials vary by facility, so call ahead to confirm before loading up your car, especially for larger items like appliances or car parts.
The right option depends on the type and quantity of metal you have. Common routes include:
These typically buy both ferrous and non-ferrous metal by weight.
Generally accept small metal items like aluminum cans and steel food cans, but not larger scrap.
Sometimes available for appliances and larger metal items.
Appropriate for vehicles, car parts, and components like catalytic converters.
Occasionally available for large appliances when purchasing a replacement.
A soda can and an old washing machine do not belong in the same bin, so match the item to the right recycling route rather than assuming curbside pickup covers everything metal.
Scrap yards generally sort metal into two broad categories, and this distinction affects both where you take it and what it is worth.
Contains iron
Ferrous metals contain iron and include steel and cast iron. These are typically lower in value per pound but are recycled in high volume, showing up in appliances, car frames, and structural materials.
No iron content
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and include aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel. These generally sell for more per pound than ferrous metal, which is why separating your scrap by type before a scrap yard visit can affect how much you are paid.
Six categories cover most of what turns up at a yard, and each one has its own handling and pricing quirk.
Aluminum cans, siding, gutters, and other aluminum items are widely accepted at scrap yards and often carry decent value due to how efficiently aluminum can be recycled. Cans specifically are also commonly accepted through curbside recycling.
Copper wire, pipe, and fittings are among the higher-value scrap metals. Some scrap yards distinguish between insulated and bare copper wire, which can affect pricing, so ask before dropping off a load of wiring.
Steel appears in appliances, car parts, and construction materials, and is accepted at most scrap yards, though it typically pays less per pound than non-ferrous metals like copper or aluminum.
Brass fittings, fixtures, and hardware are non-ferrous and generally hold solid scrap value, though yards may sort different grades of brass separately.
Refrigerators, washing machines, and similar appliances contain a mix of metals, but some also contain refrigerants or other components that require special handling before the metal itself can be recycled. Many scrap yards accept appliances but may ask that refrigerant be removed first by a certified technician.
Catalytic converters contain valuable metals and are frequently targeted for theft, which means many scrap yards require identification and documentation of ownership before purchasing one. Other auto parts and car bodies are typically handled through auto salvage yards rather than general scrap metal recyclers.
Find the line that matches your load, because the route and the requirements change with it.
A general scrap yard is usually the right starting point for mixed metal, since most buy both ferrous and non-ferrous material by weight.
Scrap yards and curbside programs both accept aluminum cans, though larger aluminum items like siding or furniture usually need a scrap yard rather than curbside pickup.
Scrap yards are the standard route, and separating insulated wire from bare copper beforehand can affect the price you are offered.
Most scrap yards accept steel readily, though very large volumes or structural steel may require advance coordination for pickup or drop-off.
Check whether the scrap yard accepts appliances with refrigerant still inside, since many require this to be removed first by a certified technician before they will take the unit.
Expect to show identification and proof of ownership, since regulations around catalytic converter sales exist specifically to reduce theft.
No single yard buys every type of metal at the same price or under the same requirements, so it is worth calling ahead, especially for appliances, wiring, or catalytic converters.
Five things that decide whether you get the good price or the mixed-scrap price.
Often, yes, which sets metal apart from most other recyclable materials. Scrap yards typically buy metal by weight, with non-ferrous metals like copper and brass paying more per pound than ferrous metals like steel. Prices change based on current market conditions, so what a yard pays one month may differ from the next. Some items, like small appliances or heavily mixed scrap, may be accepted for a low price or even a small fee rather than a payout, depending on the labor involved in processing them.
Construction companies, contractors, and businesses generating scrap metal in volume, such as from demolition or manufacturing, typically work directly with a scrap yard on a commercial account rather than making repeat individual visits. Many yards offer roll-off containers or scheduled pickup for larger volumes. Contact a scrap yard directly to discuss commercial pricing and logistics if you are generating metal waste regularly.
Volume generators usually set up an account rather than making repeat individual visits.
Many yards offer roll-off containers or scheduled pickup for larger volumes.
Contact a yard directly to discuss commercial pricing and logistics if you generate metal waste regularly.
Often, yes, especially for non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminum, and brass. Steel and mixed scrap typically pay less per pound but are still commonly accepted.
Yes, in most areas, aluminum and steel food cans are accepted through standard curbside recycling. Larger scrap metal items generally need a scrap yard instead.
Many will, though some require refrigerant to be professionally removed first. Check with the specific yard before bringing in a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner.
Regulations in many areas require identification and proof of ownership for catalytic converter sales specifically to reduce theft, since these parts contain valuable metals and are a common theft target.
Yes. Prices for metals like copper, aluminum, and steel fluctuate based on market conditions, so it is worth calling ahead to confirm current rates before a large drop-off.
Search your ZIP code to find metal recycling near you, sort ferrous from non-ferrous metal if you can, and call ahead to confirm pricing and any requirements for appliances or catalytic converters.