How Much Do Recycling Centers Pay? Cans, Bottles, Scrap Metal and More

What you get paid depends on what you bring and where you live. There are only two ways recycling puts cash in your hand: a container deposit refund and scrap value. Everything else — paper, cardboard, glass, most plastic — is normally recycled for free, not for pay.

1. Deposit refunds (bottles and cans)

In the ten bottle-bill states you get a fixed refund per container, usually 5 to 15 cents. See the deposit amount in your state. A pound of cans is about 30 to 35 containers, so at 5¢ that is roughly $1.50 to $1.75 in deposits per pound — typically more than the same aluminum is worth as scrap.

2. Scrap value (metal)

Scrap yards pay by weight, and the price per pound follows commodity markets, so it changes often. As a rule of thumb, from lowest to highest value:

1. Steel and iron (magnetic) — lowest value per pound, often priced per ton.
2. Aluminum — cans, siding, window frames, cookware. Clean, sorted aluminum pays more than mixed loads.
3. Brass — plumbing fittings, keys, faucets.
4. Copper — usually the highest-paying common scrap. Stripped “bare bright” wire and clean pipe pay the most; insulated wire pays less.

We don't print per-pound prices because they go stale within days. Call the yard for today's rate. Our scrap metal guide explains how to sort.

How to get paid more

• Sort by metal. Mixed loads get the lowest price. Use a magnet to separate steel from non-ferrous metals.
• Clean it. Remove plastic, rubber, steel screws and other attachments.
• Call 2–3 yards. Ask for the current price for your specific material and whether they have a minimum or a different price for larger loads.
• Bring ID. Most states require sellers to show a government photo ID, and some limit cash payments or require a waiting period.

What usually pays nothing

Glass, plastic bottles (outside deposit states), paper, cardboard, and most household items are accepted for free recycling. A few items cost you money to dispose of — tires, mattresses, TVs and some appliances often carry a fee.

Frequently asked questions