How Much Is Brass Worth at the Scrap Yard in 2026?
"I have a 235 lb solid brass pendulum. Should I sell it on eBay as an antique or scrap it? What's it worth as scrap?"
235 lbs of Yellow Brass at current prices ($1.80–$2.50/lb) is worth $423–$587 as scrap. Before you scrap it, check eBay completed listings for similar items — a large decorative brass piece might be worth more as an antique. But if it's just industrial brass, scrap it.
Brass is one of the most common and consistently valuable scrap metals. But there are multiple grades of brass, each with different prices — and mixing them costs you money. Here's the complete guide to brass grades, prices, and how to maximize your payout.
Brass Grades and Current Prices
Yellow Brass (most common — plumbing fittings, valves, decorative items): $1.80–$2.50/lb. Red Brass (higher copper content — fire hydrant fittings, some valves): $2.00–$2.80/lb. Brass Radiators (automotive, HVAC): $1.20–$1.80/lb. Brass Turnings (machining chips): $1.50–$2.00/lb. Dirty Brass (with iron, solder, or other contamination): $1.00–$1.60/lb.
How to Identify Brass Grades
Yellow Brass: bright golden color, used in plumbing, valves, fittings, decorative items. Red Brass: darker, more reddish color, higher copper content, used in fire protection and industrial valves. Brass Radiators: the honeycomb-style radiators from older vehicles and HVAC equipment — sold as a specialty grade. The color is the easiest way to distinguish yellow from red brass.
Scrap It or Sell It? The Antique Question
For decorative brass items (candlesticks, figurines, architectural pieces), always check eBay completed listings before scrapping. A 235-lb brass pendulum might be worth $500 as scrap but $2,000+ as an antique or to a museum. Search eBay for the specific item, filter by 'Sold' listings, and compare. If the antique value is more than 2x the scrap value, it's worth trying to sell it first.
How to Maximize Brass Value
Keep yellow and red brass separate — they pay different prices. Remove iron components (steel bolts, iron fittings) before selling. Keep brass dry and free of oil. For large lots (100+ lbs), contact a commercial buyer for above-yard pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yellow brass worth per pound?
Yellow Brass is currently worth $1.80–$2.50/lb. Red Brass pays slightly more at $2.00–$2.80/lb.
How do I tell brass from copper?
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy and has a more golden/yellow color than pure copper, which is reddish-orange. Brass is also harder and less malleable than copper.
Should I separate brass from copper before selling?
Yes. Brass pays $1.50–$2.00/lb less than copper. If you mix them, the yard prices everything as brass. Always separate them.
Do you buy brass?
Yes. We buy all grades of brass — yellow, red, radiators, and turnings. Call (754) 310-2984 for commercial quantities.