Best Scrap Metal Recyclers in Winston-Salem

If you've got old appliances, copper wiring, aluminum cans, or car parts taking up space in your garage, you're sitting on real money. Scrap metal recycling in Winston-Salem is straightforward and can put $20 to $200+ in your pocket depending on what you're bringing in. The key is knowing where to go, what metals are worth the most right now, and how to prepare your load so you get paid fairly.

I've been scrapping metal in the area for a while now, and I want to walk you through what actually works. You won't get rich doing this, but if you're collecting scrap regularly or clearing out old stuff, recyclers here will actually pay you same-day cash.

What Metals Pay the Most

Before you load up your truck, know what's worth your time. Right now in Winston-Salem, here's what you can realistically expect:

Copper is your money-maker. Bare copper wire or pipe typically runs $2.50 to $3.50 per pound. If you're stripping old wiring from appliances or renovation projects, this is worth the effort.
Aluminum pays less per pound (usually 30 cents to 60 cents), but it's lightweight and easier to collect. Cans, siding, window frames all count.
Brass falls between copper and aluminum, around $1.50 to $2.00 per pound.
Steel and iron are the heaviest metals but pay the least, typically 5 to 15 cents per pound. You need volume to make this worthwhile.
Stainless steel pays better than regular steel, usually 30 to 50 cents per pound.

Prices fluctuate based on commodity markets, so call ahead if you've got a big load. The recyclers update their rates regularly.

Finding Recyclers Near You

Winston-Salem has several scrap metal yards actively buying from individuals. Most are located in the industrial areas near Business 40 or in the southern part of the city. Here's what you need to know before you go:

Bring proof of identity. Recyclers are required to log who brings in scrap metal. You'll need a driver's license or ID. This is non-negotiable.

Separate your metals if possible. Mixing copper with steel or aluminum with brass means you'll get paid at the lower price. If you've already separated them into different piles or bags, you'll get the best price for each type.

Check hours before you go. Most yards open early (7 or 8 a.m.) and close by mid-afternoon or early evening. Weekends often have limited hours or are closed entirely. Call or check their website first.

Expect the weighing process to take 15 to 30 minutes. They'll run your load across a scale, sometimes unload it to separate materials, and then pay you. They can pay you in cash same-day at most locations, though a few prefer checks.

How Much You'll Actually Make

Let's be realistic. If you're scrapping casually, you're looking at $30 to $100 per trip if you've collected stuff around your house. People who do this seriously might bring in $200 to $400 per week, but they're actively collecting from job sites, renovations, or buying broken appliances cheaply to part out.

One load of mixed aluminum and steel from an old patio set or filing cabinets might net you $15 to $30. A car engine block or transmission can bring $40 to $80 depending on the metal mix and current prices.

The time investment matters. If you're spending two hours collecting and driving to the recycler, you need to be realistic about whether it's worth minimum wage. But if this is stuff you're clearing out anyway, that's free money.

Prepare Your Load

Clean, separated metal always gets you better prices than dirty or mixed loads. Remove plastic handles from metal tools. Take off rubber from cords. The recyclers will dock you for non-metal material, so spend 15 minutes prepping if you can.

Load safely. Don't overstuff your vehicle and drive unsafely. Some yards won't take in extremely large or dangerous loads from individuals, so bring reasonable amounts you can safely handle.

Get Started Today

You've got metal to move and money to make. Head over to whopaysmenow.com/scrap-metal to find recyclers closest to you in Winston-Salem with current rates, hours, and exact locations. Search your address and start earning.