Best Scrap Metal Recyclers in Spokane WA
If you've got old appliances, copper wiring, aluminum, or steel lying around, turning scrap metal into cash is one of the fastest ways to get money in Spokane. You're looking at $50 to $300 depending on what you have and current market prices, and you can walk out the same day with payment. It's not going to make you rich, but if you've got a garage full of stuff or access to construction waste, it's real money for minimal effort. Here's what you need to know about scrapping in Spokane.
What Metal Types Pay Best Right Now
Before you load up your truck, understand that copper is your best friend. You'll get anywhere from $2.50 to $3.50 per pound for clean copper wire and pipes, which means a bundle of old wiring can net you $30 to $60. Aluminum cans and sheet aluminum run $0.30 to $0.50 per pound, so you need volume. Brass is valuable too, around $1.50 to $2.00 per pound. Steel and iron are the heaviest but lowest value at $0.08 to $0.15 per pound, so it's mostly worth it if you're dealing with heavy appliances or structural material.
Mixed metal loads (where you combine everything) will get you paid less per pound because recyclers have to sort it themselves. That said, if you're just trying to get cash fast, most places will take mixed loads without hassle. Just be realistic: a car full of mixed metal might be $30 to $80, not hundreds.
Where to Take Your Scrap in Spokane
Spokane has several solid recycling facilities that buy scrap metal. The major ones like Waste Management locations and regional recycling centers are your main options. These places have scales, they pay fairly, and they're open during normal business hours. Some open at 7 AM and close by 5 or 6 PM, so timing matters if you work a regular job.
Bring a valid ID. Recyclers are required to keep records, and some require ID for any transaction. Call ahead if you have a large load because they might need to schedule you, especially on busy days. Bring your metal sorted by type if possible, though many places will do basic sorting.
Payment methods vary. Most facilities pay by check or cash on the spot. A few are moving to card systems, so ask first if cash is crucial for you. Expect the actual weighing and payment process to take 15 to 30 minutes if you're not backed up in a line.
How Much Weight Are You Looking At
This matters because it determines whether you're doing this solo or you need help. One bag of copper wire might weigh 20 pounds and get you $50 to $75. An old refrigerator or water heater will weigh 100 to 200 pounds but might only get you $10 to $20 because it's mostly steel. A car's worth of mixed aluminum and steel could be anywhere from 200 to 400 pounds and might net $40 to $100.
The point: volume doesn't always equal money. Copper and brass are heavy hitters. Steel and aluminum are worth doing if you already have them, but don't go out of your way hauling heavy loads of pure steel for minimal payout.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
Shop around if you have multiple recyclers nearby. Prices fluctuate with commodity markets, so one facility might pay slightly more than another on any given week. A quick phone call asking about current copper or brass prices takes 30 seconds and could mean $5 to $15 difference on your load.
Strip insulation off copper wire only if the wire is already exposed. If you're taking time to strip old house wiring, you're spending labor for minimal extra gain. Recyclers price this in anyway.
Keep ferrous (magnetic) metals separate from non-ferrous if you can. You'll get paid a bit more and the recycler appreciates it.
Find Scrap Metal Buyers Near You
Ready to turn your junk into cash? Head to whopaysmenow.com/scrap-metal and enter your zip code to find the recyclers closest to you in Spokane with current hours and any user reviews. Get a few options, call for today's prices, and load up.