What Price Will I Get for My Scrap? (2026 Pricing Guide)
If you’ve ever asked, “What price will I get for my scrap?”, you’re not alone. Scrap prices fluctuate daily depending on material type, quality, demand, and location. Many sellers also miss out on higher rates because they don’t understand market trends or sell unprocessed scrap.
In this guide, you’ll learn how scrap prices are determined, what affects the price you’ll get, and strategies to maximize your returns in 2026.
1. Key Factors That Determine Scrap Prices
Material Type
Different materials have vastly different per kg values:
- Copper and brass: High-value non-ferrous metals
- Aluminum and steel: Moderate-value metals
- E-waste and batteries: Can contain precious metals
Grade and Purity
- Clean, sorted scrap fetches a higher price
- Contaminated or mixed scrap reduces recovery efficiency
Market Demand
- Prices fluctuate with commodity markets
- Global demand, seasonal trends, and industrial activity impact rates
Location
- Local supply and demand affect scrap yard pricing
- Export opportunities can increase the price, especially for copper, aluminum, and e-waste
Processing Level
- Pre-processed, shredded, or cleaned scrap commands a higher price
- Raw or mixed scrap often sells for less
2. Typical Scrap Prices (USD & AUD)
| Scrap Type | Price Range (USD/kg) | Price Range (AUD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | $7 – $11 | $10 – $17 |
| Aluminum | $2 – $3.5 | $3 – $5 |
| Steel | $0.3 – $0.7 | $0.5 – $1 |
| Brass | $4.5 – $7.5 | $7 – $11 |
| Iron | $0.2 – $0.5 | $0.3 – $0.8 |
| E-Waste | $1 – $8 | $1.5 – $12 |
Tip: Refined or processed scrap usually sells near the top of these ranges.
3. How to Estimate the Price You’ll Get
Step 1: Identify Your Scrap
Separate scrap by type: ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, e-waste, plastics, or machinery scrap.
Step 2: Assess Grade & Condition
- Clean and sorted scrap increases recovery rates
- Remove insulation, dirt, or mixed materials for higher pricing
Step 3: Check Market Rates
- Compare prices with local scrap yards or online platforms like Scrap.Trade and ScrapTrade Australia
- Track commodity prices for copper, aluminum, and steel
Step 4: Calculate Expected Revenue
Price Received=Weight (kg)×Market Price per kg
Example: 100 kg of copper at $9/kg → 100 × 9 = $900 USD
4. Tips to Get the Best Price
- Separate Materials: Better segregation increases the price
- Pre-Process Scrap: Strip wires, clean metals, and shred large items
- Sell Refined Materials: Refined metals are worth more than raw scrap
- Use Verified Platforms: Global marketplaces provide competitive pricing
- Time Your Sale: Monitor price trends to sell during peak demand
FAQs: What Price Will I Get for My Scrap?
How is scrap price calculated?
Price depends on material type, weight, grade, demand, and market fluctuations.
Does pre-processing scrap affect price?
Yes, cleaned and sorted scrap can fetch up to 50% more than mixed, raw scrap.
Can online marketplaces give better rates than local buyers?
Absolutely. Platforms like Scrap.Trade connect sellers with global buyers, increasing competitive offers.
Are e-waste and batteries profitable?
Yes. They often contain precious metals like copper, gold, and lithium, which can significantly increase per kg value.
Conclusion
The price you get for your scrap in 2026 depends on material type, grade, market conditions, and processing level. By identifying scrap correctly, pre-processing, and using verified platforms like Scrap.Trade or ScrapTrade Australia, you can maximize profit and sell at optimal rates.
Start listing your scrap today to access real-time pricing and verified buyers.