304 Stainless Steel Scrap Price Per Pound — 2026 Buyer's Guide

We pay top dollar for 304 stainless steel scrap in all forms. Sheet, pipe, angle, tanks, fabricated parts, and industrial lots. Free pickup for commercial quantities. Same-day payment.

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$0.25–$0.55
Price Per Pound (2026)
18% Cr / 8% Ni
Alloy Composition
500+ lbs
Free Pickup Minimum
Same Day
Payment on Approval

Current 304 Stainless Steel Scrap Prices (2026)

The price for 304 stainless steel scrap is driven primarily by the nickel market, since 304 SS contains approximately 8% nickel. In 2026, clean 304 stainless steel scrap is trading in the range of $0.25 to $0.55 per pound, with premiums paid for clean, uncontaminated material in large quantities.

The table below shows typical price ranges for the most common forms of 304 stainless steel scrap. These are estimates — call 754-310-2984 for a confirmed, live quote based on your specific material.

FormConditionPrice Range (per lb)Notes
304 SS Sheet / PlateClean, no paint$0.40–$0.55Highest value form
304 SS Pipe / TubingClean$0.35–$0.50Schedule 40/80 pipe
304 SS Angle / StructuralClean$0.30–$0.45Bar, angle, channel
304 SS Tanks / VesselsDrained, no insulation$0.28–$0.42Food/pharma grade preferred
304 SS Turnings / ChipsDry, oil-free$0.20–$0.35Machined turnings
Mixed 304 SS LotVarious$0.25–$0.40Plant shutdown lots

Why 304 Stainless Steel Has High Scrap Value

304 stainless steel is the most widely used grade of stainless steel in the world, accounting for over 50% of all stainless steel production. Its high scrap value stems from its significant nickel content (7–10%) and chromium content (18–20%). Both nickel and chromium are critical alloying elements that are recovered and reused in the production of new stainless steel, making 304 SS one of the most recyclable industrial metals available.

The global stainless steel recycling rate exceeds 85%, and scrap dealers like ScrapMetalBuyers.com play a critical role in the supply chain by sourcing clean, sorted material directly from industrial facilities, manufacturers, and plant shutdowns.

How to Identify 304 Stainless Steel Scrap

Proper identification of 304 stainless steel is essential to ensure you receive the correct price. Here are the most reliable field identification methods used by industrial scrap professionals:

What We Buy: 304 Stainless Steel Forms

ScrapMetalBuyers.com purchases 304 stainless steel scrap in virtually every form generated by industrial operations. Whether you have a single tank or an entire plant's worth of stainless steel, we have the logistics and capital to handle it.

Sheet & Plate

New, used, and remnant 304 SS sheet and plate in any thickness. Cut-offs, drops, and full sheets all accepted.

Pipe & Tubing

Schedule 40, 80, and 160 pipe. Sanitary tubing, heat exchanger tubes, and process piping from food, pharma, and chemical plants.

Tanks & Vessels

Mixing tanks, storage tanks, pressure vessels, and reactors. We handle removal and logistics for large equipment.

Structural Shapes

Angle iron, channel, I-beam, and bar stock in 304 SS. Common in food processing and pharmaceutical facilities.

Fabricated Parts

Pumps, valves, fittings, flanges, and custom fabrications. We evaluate working vs. scrap value and pay accordingly.

Turnings & Chips

Machined turnings and chips from CNC operations. Must be dry and free of cutting oil for best pricing.

How to Sell Your 304 Stainless Steel Scrap

Selling 304 stainless steel scrap to ScrapMetalBuyers.com is straightforward. Our process is designed for industrial sellers who need fast, accurate pricing and reliable logistics.

  1. Call or Submit a Quote Request: Contact us at 754-310-2984 or use the form below. Describe your material — grade, form, estimated weight, and location.
  2. Send Photos: Email or text photos of your material. This allows us to assess condition and provide a more accurate initial quote.
  3. Receive a Confirmed Offer: We provide a firm, written offer within hours of receiving your information. No lowballing at the scale.
  4. Schedule Pickup: For lots of 500 lbs or more, we arrange free pickup at your facility. For smaller quantities, we provide prepaid shipping labels.
  5. Get Paid Same Day: Payment is issued on the day of pickup or delivery via ACH, wire transfer, or check — your choice.

Get a Quote for Your 304 Stainless Steel Scrap

Frequently Asked Questions — 304 Stainless Steel Scrap

What is the current scrap price for 304 stainless steel? +
304 stainless steel scrap typically trades between $0.25 and $0.55 per pound in 2026, depending on form, quantity, and market conditions. Clean, uncoated sheet and pipe commands the highest prices. Call 754-310-2984 for a live confirmed quote.
How do I identify 304 stainless steel scrap? +
304 stainless steel is non-magnetic (or very weakly magnetic), has a bright silver finish, and is often stamped '304' or '18-8' on the material. It contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. A magnet test is a quick field check — 304 SS will not attract a strong magnet.
Do you buy 304 stainless steel scrap in large quantities? +
Yes — ScrapMetalBuyers.com specializes in large commercial lots of 304 stainless steel scrap. We offer free pickup for loads of 500 lbs or more anywhere in the continental United States, with same-day payment on approved lots. Call 754-310-2984 to schedule.
What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel scrap value? +
316 stainless steel contains 2–3% molybdenum in addition to the 18% chromium and 10–14% nickel found in 304 SS. This additional molybdenum gives 316 SS higher corrosion resistance and a higher scrap value — typically 10–20% more per pound than 304 SS. Both grades are highly recyclable and command strong prices.
Can you pick up 304 stainless steel scrap from my facility? +
Yes. We offer free commercial pickup for lots of 500 lbs or more anywhere in the continental United States. We handle all logistics including loading, transportation, and documentation. For smaller quantities, we provide prepaid shipping labels. Call 754-310-2984 to schedule a pickup.

Ready to Sell Your 304 Stainless Steel Scrap?

Get a confirmed quote within hours. Free pickup for commercial lots. Same-day payment.

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Related Stainless Steel Resources

All Stainless Steel Grades

Compare prices and specifications for 304, 316, 410, 430, and other stainless steel grades.

316 Stainless Steel Scrap

Higher value than 304 SS due to molybdenum content. See current prices and what we pay.

Inconel Scrap

High-nickel superalloys like Inconel 625 and 718 command significantly higher prices than stainless steel.

Current Scrap Metal Prices

Live price estimates for all metals we buy — copper, aluminum, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and more.

⚙ What Is Your Scrap Metal Worth?

Get an instant estimate — select your metal, enter weight, see your result.

Estimates only. Call 754-310-2984 for a confirmed quote.

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Watch: Niobium/Columbium Scrap Price Today 2026 — $$6.00–$12.00/lb | ScrapMetalBuyers.com

As shown in our video: ScrapMetalBuyers.com buys niobium scrap at competitive prices. Call 954-488-0700 for a free quote.

Full video transcript (accessibility)

ScrapMetalBuyers.com buys niobium scrap at competitive prices. Call 954-488-0700 for a free quote.

Watch: Stainless Steel 304 Scrap Price Today 2026 — $$0.45–$0.65/lb | ScrapMetalBuyers.com

As shown in our video: Today's 304 stainless steel scrap price is $0.45–$0.65 per pound. 304 stainless is the most common grade, used in food processing, kitchen equipment, and industrial applications. For a confirmed quote, call ScrapMetalBuyers.com at 954-488-0700.

Full video transcript (accessibility)

Today's 304 stainless steel scrap price is $0.45–$0.65 per pound. 304 stainless is the most common grade, used in food processing, kitchen equipment, and industrial applications. For a confirmed quote, call ScrapMetalBuyers.com at 954-488-0700.

Watch: Stainless Steel 304 Scrap Price Today 2026 — $$0.45–$0.65/lb | ScrapMetalBuyers.com

As shown in our video: Today's 304 stainless steel scrap price is $0.45–$0.65 per pound. 304 stainless is the most common grade, used in food processing, kitchen equipment, and industrial applications. For a confirmed quote, call ScrapMetalBuyers.com at 954-488-0700.

Full video transcript (accessibility)

Today's 304 stainless steel scrap price is $0.45–$0.65 per pound. 304 stainless is the most common grade, used in food processing, kitchen equipment, and industrial applications. For a confirmed quote, call ScrapMetalBuyers.com at 954-488-0700.