Who Buys Scrap Water Meters?

Complete guide to selling your brass water meters. Compare all buyer types, pricing, and find out who pays the most for scrap water meters in 2026.

Buyer Comparison: Where to Sell Water Meters

Buyer TypePrice/lbPickup?Payment SpeedMin QuantityBest For
ScrapMetalBuyers.com$1.75-$4.50Yes (Free)Same DayNo minimumAll quantities
Local Scrap Yard$1.50-$2.50RarelySame DayNo minimumSmall lots, walk-in
eBay (Working)$3-$15+No1-2 weeks1 meterWorking/NOS meters
Metal Recycler$1.75-$3.00YesNet 301,000+ lbsLarge industrial lots
Brass Foundry$2.50-$3.50YesNet 15-305,000+ lbsClean brass only
Craigslist/Facebook$2-$4VariesImmediateNo minimumLocal cash deals

Detailed Buyer Breakdown

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ScrapMetalBuyers.com (Specialty Buyer)

We specialize in brass water meters and understand their true value. Unlike general scrap yards that classify meters as "mixed brass," we grade them properly and pay accordingly. Free commercial pickup nationwide for 500+ lb lots.

✓ Pros
  • ✓ Highest per-pound prices
  • ✓ Free pickup on commercial lots
  • ✓ Same-day payment
  • ✓ No minimum quantity
  • ✓ Buys any condition
  • ✓ Expert grading = fair price
✗ Cons
  • ✗ Pickup requires 500+ lbs
  • ✗ Smaller lots must ship
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Local Scrap Yard

Most convenient option for small quantities. Drive in, weigh your meters, get paid cash. However, most scrap yards classify water meters as "mixed brass" or "dirty brass" and pay $0.50-$1.50 less per pound than specialty buyers.

✓ Pros
  • ✓ Immediate cash payment
  • ✓ No shipping required
  • ✓ No minimum quantity
  • ✓ Walk-in, no appointment
✗ Cons
  • ✗ Lower prices ($0.50-$1.50/lb less)
  • ✗ Often misgrade as "mixed brass"
  • ✗ You transport (heavy!)
  • ✗ May require ID/holding period
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eBay (For Working Meters)

If your meters are in working condition (especially 2" and larger), eBay can yield 5-50x scrap value. A working 2" Neptune T-10 sells for $400-$900 on eBay vs $44-$100 as scrap. However, this only works for functional meters — damaged/obsolete meters should go to scrap.

✓ Pros
  • ✓ Highest prices for working meters
  • ✓ Global buyer pool
  • ✓ Good for rare/vintage meters
✗ Cons
  • ✗ Only for working meters
  • ✗ Shipping is expensive (heavy)
  • ✗ eBay fees (13%+)
  • ✗ Slow (listing + selling + shipping)
  • ✗ Returns/disputes possible
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Metal Recycler / Foundry

Large-scale metal recyclers and brass foundries buy in bulk (typically 1,000+ lbs minimum). They offer pickup but usually pay on Net 30 terms. Best for municipalities or large contractors with thousands of meters.

✓ Pros
  • ✓ Handles very large volumes
  • ✓ Will pick up
  • ✓ Consistent pricing
✗ Cons
  • ✗ High minimum quantities
  • ✗ Slow payment (Net 30)
  • ✗ May require contract
  • ✗ Won't buy small lots

Who Has Water Meters to Sell?

If you're wondering whether you can sell water meters, here are the most common sources:

Municipalities & Water Utilities

The largest source of scrap water meters. When cities upgrade to smart meters or AMI systems, they remove thousands of old brass meters. These are typically sold through public auction, sealed bids, or direct sale to licensed recyclers. If you work for a municipality, contact us for bulk pricing on your meter replacement program.

Plumbers & Contractors

Licensed plumbers remove old meters during renovations, service line replacements, and new construction. These meters accumulate quickly — a busy plumber might remove 5-20 meters per month. Rather than making individual trips to the scrap yard, many plumbers accumulate meters and sell in bulk for better pricing.

Scrap Metal Dealers

Scrap dealers who accumulate water meters from various sources can sell directly to us for better pricing than their local yard offers. We buy sorted, graded lots at premium prices because we understand the true value of brass water meters.

Demolition Companies

Building demolitions yield water meters, along with other valuable brass plumbing components. Demolition companies that separate and sort their metals earn significantly more than those who sell everything as mixed scrap.

Property Managers & HOAs

Multi-unit buildings (apartments, condos, commercial complexes) may have dozens of individual water meters. When these are replaced during renovations or upgrades, the old meters have significant scrap value.

Tips for Getting the Best Price

💰 Sell Your Water Meters to Us

We Buy Water Meters — Any Brand, Any Size, Any Condition

Call now for an instant quote. Free pickup on commercial quantities.

📞 Call 954-488-0700 ← Water Meters Hub