Price of scrap metal??

speeder · 06-26-2009, 06:25 AM

I have a small amount of copper and aluminum that I want to scrap. The supposed scrap value for today on some internet sites is one thing, the price I'm being quoted on phone by scrap yards is nowhere near it. (~$1.00/lb. less). What gives? I know that the metal salvage places are in business for a profit but I thought that "scrap value" was some set wholesale price as a commodity.

Thanks for any insight...

vash · vash's Garage

i once recycled $4000+ worth of stainless steel. when we did it, the price of the steel fluctuated daily. we scrambled to get it all taken apart and into the debris boxes but it took a few days. we lost some money because the price dropped alittle bit. best thing to do is to call the place you want to use.

i think the local guys factor in drop off prices for boxes and stuff.

VincentVega · 06-26-2009, 06:53 AM

The local guy likely sells it to some one else, he needs a little profit too.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Hold on to it right now. The price of scrap is in the crapper. We have tons of scrap aluminum but are waiting for the price to go back up.

M.D. Holloway · 06-26-2009, 07:10 AM

I have about 300lbs of 52100 stainless in the form of failed bearings - I would love to cash it in. Whats the going rate?

The Gaijin · 06-26-2009, 07:16 AM

Scrap went crazy last year and then collapsed with the world economy.

The smaller the lot - the more the middle-man is going to take. Same as any other biz.

If you have room, sit on it for a year or two.

Also, copper is priced per pound and ferrous metals per ton. Big price difference.

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