How Much Is Stainless Steel Worth at the Scrap Yard in 2026?
"I have a bunch of stainless steel from a restaurant kitchen — sinks, prep tables, shelving. What should I expect to get paid?"
304 stainless (most kitchen equipment) pays $0.45–$0.70/lb. 316 stainless (marine/chemical grade) pays $0.55–$0.85/lb. 400-series stainless (magnetic) pays $0.20–$0.40/lb. Use a magnet first — if it sticks, it's 400-series and worth less. Restaurant equipment is almost always 304.
Stainless steel is everywhere — restaurant equipment, medical devices, industrial piping, food processing equipment. But not all stainless is equal. The grade determines the price, and the difference between 304 and 400-series is significant. Here's how to identify your grade and get the right price.
The Magnet Test — First Step for Stainless
Press a strong magnet against your stainless steel. If it sticks firmly, it's 400-series (ferritic stainless like 430). If it doesn't stick or sticks very weakly, it's 300-series (austenitic, like 304 or 316). This single test determines which price category your material falls into.
Stainless Steel Grades and Current Prices
304 stainless (18-8, most common): $0.45–$0.70/lb. Used in kitchen equipment, food processing, architectural applications. 316 stainless (marine grade, has molybdenum): $0.55–$0.85/lb. Used in chemical processing, marine hardware, medical devices. 430 stainless (magnetic, ferritic): $0.20–$0.40/lb. Used in appliances, automotive trim. 17-4 PH (precipitation hardened): $0.80–$1.50/lb — specialty grade, needs XRF verification.
Restaurant Equipment — What to Expect
Commercial kitchen equipment (prep tables, sinks, shelving, pots) is almost universally 304 stainless. A typical commercial prep table weighs 40–80 lbs and is worth $18–$56 in scrap. A full restaurant kitchen teardown can yield 500–2,000 lbs of 304 stainless worth $225–$1,400.
How to Maximize Stainless Steel Value
Keep grades separated — don't mix 304 with 430. Remove non-stainless components (steel legs, aluminum trim, plastic handles) before selling. For large quantities (500+ lbs), contact a commercial buyer who pays above yard rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 304 stainless steel worth per pound?
304 stainless is currently worth $0.45–$0.70/lb at scrap yards. Commercial buyers may pay slightly more for large quantities.
How do I tell 304 from 316 stainless?
Both are non-magnetic. 316 contains molybdenum and is used in marine and chemical applications. XRF testing is the only way to definitively distinguish them. 316 commands a $0.10–$0.15/lb premium over 304.
Why does magnetic stainless pay less?
400-series stainless has less nickel content than 300-series. Nickel is the primary value driver in stainless steel pricing.
Do you buy stainless steel?
Yes. We buy all grades of stainless steel. Commercial quantities (500+ lbs) qualify for free pickup. Call (754) 310-2984.