Scrap Metal Price Reference
Scrap Metal Prices Today
Current 2026 ranges for the ferrous and non-ferrous metals scrap yards buy — and how they relate to what your car is worth.
Quick answer: scrap metal prices
- ✓Shredded auto steel runs about $150–$260 a ton in 2026 — the grade most of a car is priced against.
- ✓Non-ferrous pays far more per pound: copper $2.50–$4.00, aluminum $0.30–$0.70, brass $1.20–$2.20.
- ✓These are reference ranges, not live quotes — scrap prices move weekly and vary by region and yard.
Scrap prices change with global metal markets, so think of this table as a frame of reference rather than a live ticker. Ferrous metals (steel and iron) are priced per ton and make up most of a car's weight. Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass) pay much more per pound but show up in smaller amounts. Here's where 2026 prices generally sit.
Scrap metal prices by type (2026)
| Metal / grade | Typical price | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded steel (auto) | $150–$260 / ton | Ferrous |
| #1 HMS | $180–$300 / ton | Ferrous |
| #2 HMS | $130–$220 / ton | Ferrous |
| Cast iron | $120–$220 / ton | Ferrous |
| Cast aluminum | $0.30–$0.55 / lb | Non-ferrous |
| Sheet / wheel aluminum | $0.45–$0.70 / lb | Non-ferrous |
| #1 bare bright copper | $3.40–$4.20 / lb | Non-ferrous |
| #2 copper / insulated wire | $1.50–$3.00 / lb | Non-ferrous |
| Yellow brass | $1.20–$2.20 / lb | Non-ferrous |
| Alternators / starters | $0.20–$0.45 / lb | Electric motors |
| Lead-acid car battery | $0.15–$0.30 / lb | Lead / core |
Reference ranges only, not live quotes. Scrap prices change daily with global markets and vary by region, volume, and yard. Always confirm a current price before selling.
Why these prices matter for your car
Most of a car's scrap value is steel, priced per ton, which is why a heavier vehicle is worth more even though copper and aluminum pay far more per pound. The high-value non-ferrous metals — copper in the wiring, aluminum in the wheels and some engine parts — exist in small quantities, so they add to but don't dominate the total. The big exception is the catalytic converter, which is priced on precious metals entirely separately and is often worth more than all the loose metal in the car combined. That's why selling the car whole almost always beats stripping it for scrap.
Scrap Metal Prices — FAQ
Q: What is scrap steel worth per ton right now?
Shredded auto steel is generally $150–$260 a ton in 2026, with cleaner heavy grades like #1 HMS a bit higher. Prices move weekly with the steel market, so confirm a current quote with a local yard.
Q: Why is copper worth so much more than steel?
Copper is a high-demand, lower-supply metal used in electronics and construction, so it trades at $2.50–$4.00 a pound versus steel's pennies per pound. A car only has a few pounds of it, mostly in the wiring, so it adds value without changing the picture much.
Q: Do scrap prices change a lot?
Yes — they track global commodity markets and can shift week to week. A car worth $300 in scrap this month might be $250 or $360 a few months later. That's why getting a current quote matters.
Q: How does this affect what I get for my car?
Steel sets the baseline, the catalytic converter and reusable parts add the premium, and region adjusts the final number. Use our scrap car prices guide and junk car value calculator to turn these metal prices into an estimate for your vehicle.