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Recycling Center Near Me

Scrap Metal Recycling Near Me

Scrap yards buy metal by the pound and the price follows the metals market, so it changes often. Steel and iron are worth the least; aluminum, brass and especially copper pay more. Sort your metal with a magnet, bring a government photo ID, and call a few yards for today's price before you drive.

How to prepare scrap metal for recycling

  1. Sort metal into ferrous (a magnet sticks — steel, iron) and non-ferrous (no magnet — aluminum, copper, brass).
  2. Remove plastic, rubber, wood and other attachments; clean metal gets a better price.
  3. Drain fluids from engines and appliances. Appliances with refrigerant must have it removed by a certified technician first.
  4. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — most states require yards to record it.
  5. Call ahead to confirm the yard buys from the public and ask for today's price on your material.

What usually isn't accepted

  • Sealed or pressurized containers such as propane tanks and fire extinguishers
  • Items with unknown or hazardous contents
  • Catalytic converters, utility materials and some copper from sellers who can't show ownership (rules vary by state)

Will I get paid, or is there a fee?

Yes — scrap metal is one of the few recyclables that pays. Prices are per pound (or per ton for steel) and move with the market. See our guide on how recycling center pricing works. Some states limit cash payments or require a holding period before payment.

Common questions about scrap metal recycling

How do I know what my scrap is worth?

Call two or three local yards and ask for today's price on the specific material, such as clean aluminum, #2 copper or mixed steel. Prices vary by yard and change often.

Can I sell scrap metal without ID?

In most states, no. Yards are required to check and record a government photo ID, and some limit payments or require waiting periods for certain metals.

Cities with scrap metal recycling