Best Scrap Metal to Sell for the Most Cash

If you're sitting on old appliances, copper wiring, or broken-down machinery, you're literally sitting on money. The scrap metal market fluctuates, but certain materials consistently fetch the highest payouts. Let's walk through which metals are worth your time and effort to collect and sell.

Copper is Your Top Money-Maker

Copper is the heavyweight champion of scrap metal. You'll find it in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, old motors, and air conditioning units. As of 2024, copper typically sells for $3 to $4 per pound, making it one of the most profitable materials you can collect.

Here's where most people find copper: inside walls of older homes during renovations, in HVAC systems, and in commercial construction waste. Even better, copper is lightweight relative to its value, so you don't need a truck full to make decent money. A single copper motor can net you $15 to $50 depending on its size and condition.

The key is to strip it properly. Bare copper wire pays more than insulated wire. If you're pulling wire from an old appliance or construction site, take the time to remove the plastic coating. Buyers will pay 30 to 50 percent more for clean, bare copper than they will for the insulated version.

Aluminum and Brass Round Out Your Best Bets

Aluminum is abundant and worth collecting in volume. You'll get around $0.35 to $0.50 per pound for aluminum cans and scrap. That doesn't sound like much, but aluminum is light. You can gather 100 pounds fairly easily from home renovation projects, old window frames, or siding materials.

Brass is trickier to find but worth seeking out. Door handles, faucets, ammunition casings, and old plumbing fixtures contain brass. Prices hover around $1.50 to $2 per pound. Brass is heavier than aluminum, so even smaller quantities add up quickly in terms of cash.

The combination of collecting copper, aluminum, and brass gives you a solid strategy. You're not betting everything on one material, and you can gather these three types simultaneously as you scrap larger items.

Steel and Stainless Steel: Volume Over Value

Don't ignore steel and stainless steel just because they pay less per pound. Steel typically brings $0.08 to $0.12 per pound, while stainless steel runs $0.30 to $0.50 per pound. What makes these worth collecting is volume and ease of access.

Old appliances are your best source. A washing machine, refrigerator, or oven contains dozens of pounds of steel and stainless steel mixed with other metals. Dismantling these items and separating materials takes time but pays off when you have a full load to sell.

What to Watch Out For

Before you start collecting, know your local regulations. Some areas restrict where you can source scrap metal, especially from construction sites or commercial properties. Always get permission before removing anything from someone else's property.

Also, watch out for hazardous materials. Old refrigerators and air conditioners contain refrigerants that require certified handling. Don't try to strip these yourself. Some scrap yards handle these units, but you won't profit from DIY disassembly.

Copper theft is federally illegal and carries serious penalties. Only collect metal you own or have explicit permission to take. The few extra dollars aren't worth legal trouble.

Find Options Near You

Ready to turn that scrap metal into cash? WhoPaysMeNow.com connects you with local scrap yards and buyers in your area. Compare prices, check current market rates, and find the best payout for your materials. Head to WhoPaysMeNow.com today to see who's buying in your neighborhood and get quotes before you load up your truck.