Today's Prices — August 01, 2026
| Grade / Type | Price | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Inconel 625 (nickel alloy) | $8.00–$14.00/lb | ↑ |
| Copper Bare Bright | $3.80–$4.20/lb | ↑ |
| Titanium Grade 5 | $4.00–$8.00/lb | → |
| Brass (yellow) | $1.80–$2.20/lb | ↑ |
| 316 Stainless Steel | $0.45–$0.70/lb | ↑ |
| 304 Stainless Steel | $0.35–$0.55/lb | → |
| Aluminum (extrusion) | $0.55–$0.75/lb | → |
| Lead (soft) | $0.55–$0.75/lb | → |
| Steel HMS #1 | $220–$280/ton | → |
| Cast Iron | $150–$200/ton | → |
Understanding Metal Recycling Value
Metal recycling value is determined by the commodity markets — primarily the London Metal Exchange (LME) for non-ferrous metals and domestic mill prices for steel. Prices fluctuate daily based on global supply and demand, energy costs, and manufacturing activity.
Highest Recycling Value Metals
Nickel superalloys (Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel, Waspaloy) have the highest recycling value of any common scrap metal, paying $6–$18/lb. These alloys are used in jet engines, gas turbines, and chemical processing equipment. If you have equipment from aerospace or oil & gas facilities, it may contain these high-value alloys.
Copper is the most commonly recycled high-value metal. Bare bright copper wire pays $3.80–$4.20/lb. Copper is found in electrical wire, motors, transformers, plumbing, and heat exchangers.
Titanium from aerospace components pays $4–$8/lb for Grade 5 (6Al-4V). Titanium is non-magnetic, very light for its strength, and has a distinctive silver-gray color.
How to Maximize Your Metal Recycling Value
- Identify your alloys: Knowing the specific grade (316 vs 304 stainless, 6061 vs cast aluminum) can increase your payout by 25–50%.
- Sort before selling: Mixed loads get downgraded. Separate each metal type.
- Remove contamination: Steel bolts in aluminum, plastic on copper wire, and iron in brass all reduce value.
- Use our calculator: Get an instant estimate before you call.
- Call for large loads: Truckload quantities get better per-pound pricing.
Free Metal Recycling Value Calculator
Use our free scrap metal price calculator to get an instant estimate for your specific material and weight. Enter your metal type and pounds — we'll show you the estimated value instantly.
Related: Today's Scrap Metal Prices · Plant Shutdown Buyers
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