Today's Stainless Steel Scrap Price — August 01, 2026
| Metal / Grade | Price Per Pound | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 304 Stainless Steel (clean) | $0.35–$0.55/lb | → |
| 316 Stainless Steel (clean) | $0.45–$0.70/lb | ↑ |
| 17-4 PH Stainless | $0.60–$1.20/lb | ↑ |
| 410 Stainless (magnetic) | $0.20–$0.35/lb | → |
| 430 Stainless | $0.25–$0.40/lb | → |
| 316L Stainless (low carbon) | $0.50–$0.75/lb | ↑ |
| Stainless Steel Turnings (dry) | $0.25–$0.45/lb | → |
| Mixed Stainless (unsorted) | $0.20–$0.35/lb | → |
| Stainless Steel Pipe/Tube | $0.40–$0.60/lb | → |
| Stainless Steel Sheet/Plate | $0.38–$0.58/lb | → |
Why Stainless Steel Scrap Price Varies by Grade
Stainless steel scrap value is primarily determined by its nickel and molybdenum content. 304 stainless (18% chromium, 8% nickel) is the most common grade. 316 stainless (16% chromium, 10% nickel, 2% molybdenum) commands a premium because of its higher nickel and molybdenum content. Specialty grades like 17-4 PH, 15-5 PH, and duplex stainless can be worth 2–3x more than standard 304.
How to Identify Your Stainless Grade
The easiest way to identify stainless grade is with a magnet. 304 and 316 stainless are non-magnetic (or very weakly magnetic). 410 and 430 stainless are magnetic and worth significantly less. If you have mill certifications or material test reports (MTRs) for your stainless, bring them — they allow us to pay a premium for verified high-grade material.
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Scrap
304 stainless is the workhorse of the industry. It comes from food processing equipment, kitchen equipment, tanks, vessels, structural components, and general industrial equipment. It's the most commonly traded stainless scrap grade.
316 stainless is used in pharmaceutical equipment, chemical processing, marine applications, and medical devices. Its higher nickel and molybdenum content makes it worth 20–35% more than 304 per pound. If you have 316 material, always sort it separately.
Industries That Generate Stainless Steel Scrap
We buy stainless from food and beverage plants, pharmaceutical manufacturers, chemical processors, oil refineries, dairy operations, breweries, hospitals, and aerospace facilities. Plant shutdowns involving stainless steel process equipment are among our highest-value transactions.
Getting the Best Price for Stainless Steel Scrap
- Sort by grade: Never mix 304 with 316 or specialty grades. Each grade should be in its own pile.
- Remove carbon steel: Carbon steel bolts, flanges, and supports dramatically reduce stainless value.
- Provide mill certs if available: Documented grade verification allows us to pay a premium.
- Keep turnings dry: Stainless turnings with coolant are downgraded 20–30%.
- Large loads get better rates: Truckload quantities of sorted 316 can command spot-market pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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