As the adage goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. But did you know that selling scrap items could be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time business?
Projections indicate that the market will continue to expand, rising from $420.83 billion in 2024 to an impressive $568.76 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% during the forecast period.1
Here are the 15 most profitable scrap items to sell, along with tips on where to find them and how to get the best prices.
1. Copper
Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals you can sell, fetching prices of up to $3 per pound. This reddish-brown metal is commonly found in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and roofing materials.
To get the best price for your copper scrap, separate it from other metals and remove any insulation or coating.
When selling copper, be aware that prices fluctuate based on market demand. Monitor current scrap metal prices and try to sell when the market is high. Copper scrap can be found at construction sites, demolition projects, and even during renovations in one’s own home.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is another highly sought-after scrap metal, thanks to its versatility and recyclability. This lightweight, silvery metal is used in everything from soda cans to car parts and window frames.
While it may not fetch as high a price as copper, aluminum is still a profitable scrap item, ranging from $0.30 to $0.50 per pound. To maximize your profits, sort your aluminum scrap by grade and cleanliness. Clean, pure aluminum will cost more than mixed or contaminated scrap.
Aluminum scrap can be found in old appliances, outdoor furniture, and even foil and pie plates.
3. Brass
Brass is a valuable alloy made from copper and zinc, known for its durability and attractive golden hue. This metal is commonly found in door knobs, light fixtures, and plumbing fittings. Prices can reach up to $1.50 per pound, making it a profitable item to sell.
When collecting brass scrap, separate it from other metals, as mixing can lower its value. Brass items can often be found at estate sales, thrift stores, and salvage yards.
Watch for heavy, solid pieces that will yield the most profit.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a strong, corrosion-resistant metal used in various applications, from kitchen appliances to medical equipment. While it may not be as valuable as copper or brass, stainless steel scrap can still fetch a decent price, typically around $0.50 per pound.
To get the best price for your stainless steel scrap, ensure it’s clean and free of other metals. You can often find stainless steel items in old sinks, cookware, and restaurant equipment.
Remember that some grades of stainless steel are more valuable than others, so it pays to do your research.
5. Lead-Acid Batteries
Like those found in cars and trucks, lead-acid batteries are a highly profitable scrap item to sell. These batteries contain significant lead, a valuable metal that can fetch up to $0.50 per pound. In addition to the lead, the plastic casing and sulfuric acid can also be recycled for profit.
When selling lead-acid batteries, handle them carefully, as the acid can be dangerous if spilled. Many scrap yards and auto parts stores will buy used batteries, but call ahead to confirm their policies and prices.
You can often find old batteries in garages, auto shops, and junkyards.
6. Electric Motors
Electric motors are found in various appliances and machinery, from washing machines to power tools. These motors contain valuable metals like copper and steel, making them a profitable scrap item to sell.
Prices for electric motors can vary based on size and type, but you can typically expect to earn around $0.20 per pound. Remove any attached wires or casings to get the best price for your electric motor scrap, as these can lower the overall value. Old motors can be found in discarded appliances, HVAC units, and industrial equipment.
Look for larger, heavier motors, which will yield the most profit.
7. Computer Parts
Old computers and electronic devices are a goldmine for scrap metal, containing valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper. While the amount of precious metals in each device may be small, the cumulative value can increase quickly. Prices for computer scrap can vary widely, but you can typically expect to earn around $1 per pound for mixed components.
When selling computer scrap, remove any data-storing devices, like hard drives, that contain sensitive information. Old computers and electronics can be found at office cleanouts, e-waste recycling events, and online marketplaces.
Focus on collecting high-value components like motherboards, processors, and memory chips.
8. Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are a highly profitable scrap item, thanks to the precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals convert harmful exhaust gases into less toxic emissions, and their value has skyrocketed in recent years. Depending on the type and size, catalytic converter prices can range from $50 to over $1,000.
When selling catalytic converters, be aware that some states have laws regulating their sale and purchase, so check your local regulations. You can find old converters at auto junkyards, muffler shops, and scrap yards.
Look for converters from larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, as these tend to contain more precious metals.
9. Scrap Cars
If you have an old, non-running vehicle occupying your property, consider selling it for scrap. Scrap cars are a valuable metal source, with the average vehicle containing over 2,000 pounds of steel and aluminum.
Prices for scrap cars can vary based on weight and location, but you can typically expect to earn several hundred dollars per vehicle.
When selling a scrap car, have the title and registration paperwork in order, as most scrap yards require proof of ownership. You can find buyers for scrap cars at auto salvage yards, online classifieds, and through local towing companies. Remove any valuable parts, such as batteries and catalytic converters, before selling, as these can fetch higher prices on their own.
10. Appliances
Old appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines are rich sources of scrap metal, containing valuable materials like steel, copper, and aluminum.
While the price for scrap appliances may not be as high as for other items on this list, their sheer size and weight can still yield a decent profit. Prices for scrap appliances typically range from $0.05 to $0.15 per pound.
When selling scrap appliances, remove non-metal components like plastic and glass, as these can lower the overall value. You can find old appliances at property cleanouts, remodeling projects, and through online marketplaces. Focus on collecting larger, heavier appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, as these will provide the most scrap metal.
11. Radiators
Radiators are a valuable scrap item, thanks to the high copper content in their cores. These heat exchangers are commonly found in homes, vehicles, and industrial equipment and can fetch prices of up to $1.50 per pound for clean, uncontaminated copper.
When selling radiator scrap, drain any fluids and remove any attached fins or casings, as these can lower the overall value. Old radiators can be found at HVAC supply stores, auto junkyards, and during home renovations.
Look for larger, heavier radiators, which yield the most copper.
12. Transformers
Transformers are electrical devices that convert high-voltage power into lower voltages suitable for homes and businesses. These devices contain valuable metals like copper and steel, making them a profitable scrap item to sell.
Prices for transformer scrap can vary based on size and type, but you can typically expect to earn around $0.30 per pound.
When selling transformer scrap, be sure to handle it with care, as it can contain hazardous materials like PCBs. Old transformers can be found at electrical supply stores, utility company auctions, and building demolitions. Focus on collecting larger, oil-filled transformers, as these tend to contain the most valuable metals.
13. Insulated Wiring
Insulated wiring, like that found in homes and appliances, is a valuable scrap item due to its high copper content. While the insulation must be removed before selling, the extra effort can pay off, with prices for bare bright copper reaching up to $3 per pound.
To get the best price for your insulated wire scrap, carefully remove the insulation using a wire stripper or utility knife, not damaging the copper inside. Old wiring can be found during home renovations, appliance repairs, and electrical supply stores.
Focus on collecting thicker, heavier gauge wires, as these will yield the most copper.
14. Lawn Mowers
Old lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment are a source of valuable scrap metal containing steel, aluminum, and even small amounts of copper. While the price for scrap lawn mowers may not be as high as for other items on this list, the ease of finding and collecting them makes them a worthwhile pursuit.
Prices for scrap lawn mowers typically range from $0.05 to $0.10 per pound.
When selling scrap lawn mowers, be sure to drain any fluids and remove any non-metal components, such as plastic covers and tires. You can find old mowers at yard sales, thrift stores, and online classifieds. Look for larger, heavier mowers like riding models, which will provide the most scrap metal.
15. Bicycles
Old bicycles are an often-overlooked source of valuable scrap metal. They contain materials like steel, aluminum, and even titanium in high-end models. While the price for scrap bicycles may not be as high as other items on this list, the relative ease of finding and transporting these items makes them a worthwhile pursuit for scrappers.
Prices for scrap bicycles typically range from $0.10 to $0.30 per pound.
When selling scrap bicycles, remove non-metal components like tires, seats, and handgrips, as these can lower the overall value. You can find old bicycles at thrift stores, yard sales, and through online marketplaces.
Focus on collecting older, steel-framed bicycles, as these tend to weigh more and provide more scrap value than newer aluminum models.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.