Scrap metal can be a surprising source of income, especially if you know where to look around your home. Whether you’re tackling a renovation or simply decluttering your space, you’re likely to come across a variety of metals that could be worth more than you realize. From old appliances to plumbing and even cookware, many household items contain valuable metals that can be sold for cash at a scrap yard.
Here’s a list of six metals with high scrap yard values and tips on where to find them around your home. For all you scrap metal needs compact NRI Metal Recycling serving the Minneapolis Minnesota area.
1. Copper
Copper is the top choice for seasoned scrappers, and for good reason. It’s one of the most commonly used metals in homes and commands the highest scrap yard prices. With global demand for copper expected to reach 30 million tons by 2027, its value is only set to increase.
Copper is easy to spot and can be found in older electrical appliances, wiring, plumbing systems, and even in some cookware. While the price for copper can fluctuate due to market trends, the condition and purity of the copper you collect will significantly impact the amount of money you get for it.
2. Brass
Although brass isn’t quite as valuable as copper, it’s still a profitable metal to scrap. Known for its golden sheen and resistance to rust, brass can be found in a variety of household items. Look for brass in door fixtures, lighting fixtures, and other metal objects around your house.
If you’re cleaning out a garage or attic, you may also come across vintage brass items, such as bed frames or ornamental pieces, which can be worth a decent amount. The weight and quality of the brass will determine its price at the scrap yard.
3. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another valuable metal thanks to its composition, which contains around 10% chromium. This chromium content makes stainless steel more resistant to rust and corrosion, increasing its worth compared to iron-based metals.
You’ll find stainless steel in kitchen appliances, sinks, cookware, and lighting fixtures. Just remember, clean stainless steel fetches a higher price than greasy or dirty pieces, so it’s worth taking the time to clean your scrap before selling.
4. Tin
While not as common as other metals, tin still holds value. Tin is often used as a protective layer over metals like steel or copper to prevent rust. You might find tin in old tin cans, tin-coated copper wiring, and even some cookware like pie dishes or baking pans.
Since tin can withstand high temperatures, it’s often used in the kitchen, though it’s less abundant than other metals. Even so, if you’ve got a collection of tin items, it’s worth separating them for recycling.
5. Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals around, and while most people immediately think of soda cans, there’s much more to aluminum than that. Aluminum is malleable, rust-resistant, and lightweight, which contributes to its value.
In addition to soft drink cans, you can find aluminum in old electronics, broken bicycle frames, cookware, and even fencing materials. Collecting aluminum is one of the easiest ways to earn quick cash, given its widespread presence in everyday items.
6. Cast Iron
Cast iron might not bring in the highest prices, but it makes up for it in weight. Though it’s heavy and bulky, cast iron items can still be valuable due to their sheer mass.
You can find cast iron in cookware, such as skillets and griddles, as well as in old bathtubs, radiators, and boilers. Hauling heavy cast iron to a scrap yard might take some effort, but the payout can be worthwhile, especially if you have large pieces.
Maximizing the Value of Your Scrap Metal
When preparing to take your scrap metal to a yard, it’s important to separate different types of metals. Many scrap yards will give you a valuation based on the lowest-priced metal if everything is mixed together, which means you could lose out on potential earnings. By organizing and categorizing your metals beforehand, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible price for each type.
Additionally, check with local scrap yards to stay updated on current market prices, as scrap metal values can fluctuate based on demand, global market trends, and other factors.
Turning Scrap into Cash
Do you have any of these metals lying around your home? Whether it’s copper wiring from an old renovation, brass fixtures from antique items, or stainless steel from old appliances, there’s a good chance that you can turn your junk metal into a source of extra income. So before you toss out that old appliance or broken furniture, take a closer look at the metal components inside—you may be sitting on a small fortune.
If you’re ready to cash in on your scrap metal, gather it up, separate it, and head to NRI Metals Recycling serving the Minneapolis Minnesota region. We’d love to help you turn that metal into money!
