Best Things to Scrap for Money

If you've got some extra time and don't mind getting your hands dirty, scrapping metal can put real cash in your pocket. You probably have more scrap-worthy items lying around than you realize, and scrap yards will actually pay you for them. The money won't make you rich, but it's honest work that requires minimal startup costs. Here's what actually sells and what you can realistically expect to earn.

Copper Wire and Cables

Copper is the gold standard of scrap metal, and you'll make the most money collecting it. Bare copper wire typically sells for $2 to $4 per pound, while insulated copper wire gets you $0.50 to $1.50 per pound depending on how much plastic coating it has. The more you strip the insulation off, the more you'll earn per pound.

Where to find it: old appliances, extension cords, broken electronics, home renovation projects, and construction sites (with permission). One old desktop computer CPU can contain a surprising amount of copper wire. If you're serious about this, ask electricians or contractors if they have scrap wire they're throwing away.

Time investment: Stripping insulation is tedious but worth it if you have the patience. Plan on spending a few hours to accumulate 5-10 pounds of stripped copper.

Aluminum Cans and Sheet Metal

Aluminum is one of the easiest scraps to collect because it's everywhere. Soda and beer cans pay around $0.40 to $0.60 per pound, which means you need roughly 30-40 cans to make $5. It's not glamorous, but it adds up if you collect consistently.

Sheet aluminum from old siding, gutters, or appliances pays better at $0.50 to $0.75 per pound. Aluminum is lighter than other metals, so you'll need more volume to hit meaningful amounts.

Real expectations: Collecting cans casually might earn you $20-30 per week. If you're systematic about it and hit multiple recycling bins, you could double that. Many people combine can collection with other scrap types for a better hourly rate.

Stainless Steel and Mixed Metals

Stainless steel pays less than copper but more than aluminum, typically $0.30 to $0.50 per pound. You'll find it in old kitchen equipment, sinks, fixtures, and appliances. The advantage is that stainless steel doesn't rust, so storage isn't a problem.

Mixed metals from old appliances can be profitable too. Refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioning units contain copper, aluminum, and steel. However, many scrap yards charge you to take large appliances, so factor that in. Some yards pay for the metal but charge $10-20 to haul away an old fridge.

Catalytic Converters (If You're Serious)

Catalytic converters are valuable because they contain precious metals like platinum and palladium. Used ones sell for $50 to $400 depending on the make and model, though most commonly you'll see $100-200 per unit.

The catch: you need to remove them yourself or source them legally. Don't take them off cars you don't own. If you work in auto repair or know mechanics, ask if they have old converters they'd sell you. You can also find them at salvage yards and auto part recyclers.

Be realistic: This only makes sense if you have legitimate access to catalytic converters. It's not a casual side hustle.

Getting Organized and Maximizing Earnings

You'll make better money if you separate your metals by type. Yards pay different rates for copper, aluminum, steel, and mixed metals. Keep your materials dry and organized in buckets or bins. Building up a stockpile over a few weeks usually pays better than making frequent small trips.

Check prices locally before you go. Scrap metal prices fluctuate based on commodity markets, and local yards vary. What pays $3 per pound in one town might pay $2 in another.

Find scrap yards, recycling centers, and metal buyers near you by searching WhoPaysMe Now's scrap metal directory. You can compare what different yards are paying and find the most convenient location to sell your materials.