Have you ever wondered whether the random bits of metal in your garage or job site are worth anything? The answer is yes and sometimes, a surprising amount. With the right approach, selling scrap metal for cash can become more than just a clean-up job; it can be a solid side hustle. In this guide, we break down what the most valuable scrap metals are in today’s market, where they’re commonly found, and how you can get the best bang for your bins.
Top High-Value Scrap Metals
Some metals consistently pay more than others. Here are the heavy hitters that top the payout list:
Copper
Copper has long been the king of scrap metals due to its excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ease of recycling without losing quality. It’s found in abundance in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, hot water cylinders, roofing sheets, and even small household appliances. The reddish-orange metal is especially valuable when it’s “bright and shiny” – meaning stripped of insulation and free from corrosion or paint.
Clean, high-grade copper can fetch a significantly higher rate than mixed or contaminated copper, making it worth the effort to separate and clean before selling. These factors make it the most expensive metal per kilogram overall.
Brass
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, stands out for its durability and golden-yellow hue. It’s commonly used in taps, door handles, keys, decorative fittings, plumbing fixtures, and musical instruments. Because it’s dense, a relatively small quantity can weigh a lot, quickly adding value per kilo. Scrap brass is often sorted into categories such as yellow brass (common household fittings) and red brass (more copper content, often found in valves or fire hydrant components), with the latter typically fetching a higher price.+
Aluminium
Aluminium is much lighter than copper or brass, but its widespread use means it can add up quickly in scrap value when collected in bulk. It’s non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, and found in window and door frames, car rims, ladders, pots and pans, drink cans, and construction materials. Clean aluminium without paint, screws, or other attachments commands the best price. Certain types, such as “extruded aluminium” from structural framing, are worth more than mixed or painted varieties.
Stainless Steel
This alloy of steel, chromium, and sometimes nickel is prized for its strength, corrosion resistance, and shiny finish. It’s common in kitchen sinks, commercial cookware, cutlery, medical instruments, and industrial machinery. The grade of stainless steel matters – higher grades with more nickel content (like 316 stainless) are more valuable than standard grades (such as 304), due to the added durability and resistance to harsh environments. Sorting stainless steel by grade can boost returns significantly. If steel makes up a large part of your load, check out our guide on how to get the best scrap steel value.
Lead
Lead is a dense, heavy metal with a bluish-grey colour, valued for its malleability and resistance to corrosion. You’ll often find it in roofing materials, car batteries, old plumbing pipes, and some types of cable sheathing. Its high weight-to-volume ratio means even small amounts can be worth collecting. However, lead is toxic, so safe handling with gloves and proper storage is essential.
Bronze
Bronze, an alloy typically made of copper and tin, is known for its rich reddish-brown colour and exceptional durability. It’s used in sculptures, boat fittings, bushings, bearings, and older industrial components. Marine-grade bronze, designed to withstand seawater corrosion, is especially valuable. Because bronze is less common in everyday household items, it’s often overlooked – but when found, its high copper content means it can fetch a price close to that of brass.
Looking for a place to start? Explore our scrap metal guide for a full breakdown of what we accept and pay for at Endless Metals.
Why these metals are worth more?
The value of scrap metal depends on several factors, including market demand, rarity, and recyclability. Here’s why the above metals top the list:
- Weight and purity: The cleaner and purer the scrap, the higher its price. For example, stripped copper wire is far more valuable than mixed or insulated cables.
- High demand in manufacturing: Copper, aluminium, and stainless steel are essential in building, automotive, tech, and green energy sectors.
- Recyclability: Metals like copper can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, making them more valuable as raw materials.
- Global pricing: Scrap metal is influenced by international commodity prices, which fluctuate based on supply chains, trade policies, and industry booms.
Ready to cash?
Scrap metal isn’t just junk, it’s a resource. The next time you wonder what the most valuable scrap metals are, feel free to contact us. Remember that with a few smart steps, you can turn your recycled metal products into money. Clean, sort, and bring it in. At Endless Metals, we’ll take care of the rest.