Cast iron and steel scrap pay different rates. Cast iron pays $0.06–$0.12/lb while steel pays $0.08–$0.18/lb. Learn how to tell them apart and maximize your payout.
📞 Call (754) 310-2984 ⚡ Price CalculatorCast iron and steel are both ferrous metals, but they have different compositions and different scrap values. Steel scrap generally pays slightly more than cast iron, but the real difference is in how mills use them — and knowing which you have can affect your payout.
| Metal / Grade | Current Buy Price | Description | Identification Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMS #1 Steel | $0.12–$0.18/lb | Heavy melting steel, clean | Highest ferrous grade |
| HMS #2 Steel | $0.09–$0.14/lb | Mixed heavy steel, some rust | Most common grade |
| Shredded Steel | $0.10–$0.15/lb | Auto shred, mixed steel | High volume grade |
| Structural Steel | $0.09–$0.13/lb | I-beams, angle iron, plate | Common demolition grade |
| Cast Iron (Clean) | $0.08–$0.12/lb | Clean machinery, pipe, radiators | Slightly lower than HMS |
| Cast Iron (Dirty) | $0.06–$0.09/lb | Painted, mixed, or contaminated | Lowest ferrous grade |
| Stainless Steel 304 | $0.45–$0.65/lb | Chromium-nickel steel | 10x more than carbon steel |
Cast iron is brittle — it will crack or shatter if struck with a hammer rather than bending. It's also heavier per volume and has a grainy, crystalline fracture surface. Steel bends before it breaks. A spark test also works: cast iron produces a short, reddish spark with small bursts; steel produces longer, brighter sparks.
Usually slightly less, because cast iron has higher carbon content which makes it less desirable for some steel mills. The difference is typically $0.02–$0.04/lb. For large volumes, separating them is worth the effort.
For large volumes (10+ tons), call us directly for a pickup quote. We can arrange a roll-off container or flatbed pickup. Ferrous scrap is priced by the ton for large loads, and we can often beat local yard prices on clean, sorted material.
Call us or use the calculator for an instant estimate. Nationwide pickup available.
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