We buy all Neptune brass water meters — T-10, Trident, HP Turbine, and legacy models. Neptune is the most common residential water meter brand in the United States, and their heavy brass construction makes them extremely valuable for scrap.
Neptune Technology Group, founded in 1892, is the largest manufacturer of water meters in North America. Their T-10 residential meter is installed in more municipalities than any other brand, making Neptune meters the most commonly available for scrap recycling.
Neptune meters are manufactured from high-quality cast brass (C83600 alloy — 85% copper, 5% tin, 5% lead, 5% zinc), which is one of the highest-value brass alloys for scrap recycling. This alloy is classified as "red brass" or "gun metal" by most scrap yards and commands premium pricing.
Most common residential meter. Positive displacement, nutating disc design. Available in 5/8" to 2" sizes. Heavy brass maincase.
Commercial/industrial turbine meter. Larger sizes (2"-12"). Extremely heavy brass/bronze construction. High scrap value.
High-performance turbine meters for commercial applications. Bronze body with stainless internals. Premium scrap value.
Older Neptune meters (pre-2000) often have heavier brass bodies than modern versions. Highly sought after for scrap.
The Neptune T-10 comes in multiple sizes. Here's what each size is worth as scrap brass:
| Model | Size | Weight | Scrap Value | eBay Value (Working) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-10 5/8" | 5/8" | 3.5 lbs | $6.13 - $15.75 | $8 - $25 |
| T-10 5/8" x 3/4" | 5/8" x 3/4" | 4.2 lbs | $7.35 - $18.90 | $10 - $30 |
| T-10 3/4" | 3/4" | 5.5 lbs | $9.63 - $24.75 | $15 - $40 |
| T-10 1" | 1" | 9 lbs | $15.75 - $40.50 | $30 - $80 |
| T-10 1-1/2" | 1-1/2" | 18 lbs | $31.50 - $81.00 | $100 - $250 |
| T-10 2" | 2" | 32 lbs | $56.00 - $144.00 | $400 - $900 |
| Trident 3" | 3" | 55 lbs | $96.25 - $247.50 | $500 - $1,200 |
| Trident 4" | 4" | 95 lbs | $166.25 - $427.50 | $800 - $2,000 |
Pro Tip: Working Neptune T-10 meters in 2" size sell for $400-$900 on eBay — far more than scrap value. If your meters are in working condition with intact registers, ask us about resale options before scrapping.
Neptune meters are easy to identify by the following characteristics:
If you're unsure whether your meters are Neptune, send us a photo and we'll identify the brand and provide a quote within minutes.
Neptune meters use ASTM B584-C83600 brass alloy (also called "Ounce Metal" or "85-5-5-5"). This alloy composition is:
| Element | Percentage | Scrap Value Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | 85% | Primary value driver |
| Tin | 5% | Adds value (tin premium) |
| Lead | 5% | Neutral (pre-2014 meters) |
| Zinc | 5% | Minor value |
This high copper content (85%) is why water meters are classified as "red brass" rather than "yellow brass" (which is only 60-70% copper). Red brass commands a significant premium — typically $0.50-$1.00/lb more than yellow brass at most scrap yards.
Note: Post-2014 Neptune meters are "lead-free" (less than 0.25% lead) per the Safe Drinking Water Act. These newer meters use a slightly different alloy but maintain similar scrap value.
We pay top dollar for Neptune T-10 and Trident meters in any condition. Free pickup on commercial quantities.
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