Hey there, Scrap Master Nation!

Ever look at that old appliance, forgotten car part, or pile of wires and wonder what it's really worth? Here in Philadelphia, that "junk" is a dynamic commodity, and knowing its current value is your first step to turning trash into treasure.

As The Scrap Master, I'm constantly tracking the market. Prices fluctuate daily, but staying informed helps you maximize every haul. Let's dive into what local Philadelphia-area scrap yards are paying right now, as of July 22nd, 2025.

Current Philadelphia Scrap Metal Prices (July 2025)

Remember: Prices are per pound unless otherwise noted, and are subject to change. Always call your specific yard to confirm before you head out!

Copper (Your Top Tier Profit Makers!)

• Bare Bright Copper Wire: $4.00 - $4.10 / Lb.

  • The cleanest, stripped copper. This is your gold standard!

• #1 Copper (Clean Tubing/Pipe): $3.75 - $3.85 / Lb.

  • Clean copper pipe, no fittings or solder.

• #2 Copper (Tarnished, with minor impurities): $3.60 / Lb.

  • Most common copper wires, pipe with solder, etc.

• Insulated Copper Wire (various grades):

  • THHN (82-88%): $2.60 - $3.39 / Lb. (Higher gauge, more copper content)

  • Romex Wire: $2.30 / Lb.

  • Extension Cords: $1.10 / Lb.

  • Low Grade / Christmas Lights: $0.20 - $0.56 / Lb.

Aluminum (Lightweight, Heavy Payouts if Sorted!)

• Aluminum Cans (UBC): $0.50 - $0.65 / Lb.

  • Best to separate these!

• Clean Aluminum Extrusion (6063): $0.81 - $0.85 / Lb.

  • Often from window frames, clean siding.

• Cast Aluminum: $0.42 - $0.58 / Lb.

  • Engine parts, transmission cases.

• Aluminum Siding (Painted): $0.65 / Lb.

• Clean Aluminum Wheels: $0.80 - $0.83 / Lb.

Brass (Yellow Gold, Redder is Better!)

• Yellow Brass: $2.00 - $2.40 / Lb.

  • Faucets, keys, basic plumbing fixtures.

• Red Brass: $2.50 - $2.90 / Lb.

  • Higher copper content, often found in marine fittings, some valves.

• Brass Shells (Clean): $2.10 - $2.60 / Lb.

• Dirty Brass (with steel/die cast): $0.35 - $0.50 / Lb.

Stainless Steel (Often Non-Magnetic, Still Valuable!)

• Stainless Steel (304 Clean): $0.20 - $0.43 / Lb.

• Stainless Steel (316 Clean): $0.67 - $0.80 / Lb.

• Dirty Stainless Steel: $0.10 / Lb.

Iron & Steel (The Bulk Builders!)

• Light Iron (Misc. Steel): $7.00 / 100 Lb.

  • Appliance shells, sheet metal. Often processed as Shred.

• Prepared Steel (Under 5 ft.): $9.50 / 100 Lb.

• Cast Iron (Rotors/Drums): $7.00 - $11.00 / 100 Lb.

• Complete Cars: Around $7.50 / 100 Lb.

Other Notables (Don't Miss These!)

• Electric Motors: $0.18 - $0.32 / Lb.

• Sealed Units (from AC/Refrigerators): $0.20 / Lb.

• Catalytic Converters: Varies greatly (from $8 - $450+ per unit) – get specific quotes!

The Scrap Master's Guide to Maximizing Your Payouts:

Knowing the prices is just the beginning. To truly be a Scrap Master and get top dollar in Philadelphia, follow these golden rules:

1. SORT, SORT, SORT! Never bring a mixed load. Separate your ferrous (magnetic: iron, steel) from your non-ferrous (non-magnetic: copper, aluminum, brass). Then, separate all your non-ferrous metals by type. This is the single biggest factor in increasing your payout.

2. CLEAN IS KING! Remove all non-metal contaminants – plastic, wood, rubber, excessive dirt, even paint – from your metal. "Clean" scrap commands significantly higher prices.

3. CALL AHEAD! Prices fluctuate daily. Before you make that trip to the scrap yard, call them or check their specific website for their exact prices today. Compare a few local Philadelphia yards if you have large volumes.

4. KNOW YOUR GRADES! Especially for copper and insulated wire. That little bit of extra effort to strip insulation from thick copper wire can turn cents into dollars per pound.

5. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS! Be friendly, consistent, and professional with yard staff. Good relationships can lead to better service and sometimes even better rates for loyal customers.

Got Metal to Scrap in Philadelphia?

If you've got a pile of scrap metal in the Philadelphia area that you need gone, or if you're ready to learn exactly how to turn these prices into consistent profit, The Scrap Master is here to help.

Need a pickup? We offer convenient, often free, scrap metal pickup services across Philly.

Want to learn the ropes? Our comprehensive online courses teach you everything from finding hidden gems to scaling your entire operation.

Visit thescrapmasters.com today for pickup requests, course enrollment, and more expert tips!