Scrap Metal Prices Per Pound in California

The prices for scrap metals in California as of January 29, 2024, vary based on the type of metal. For instance, scrap copper is priced at $3.26 per pound on average (depending on the type of copper scrap), while scrap aluminum is at $1.21 per pound (average). Other scrap metals like brass, lead, and nickel are average priced at $3.38, $1.03, and $9.14 per pound respectively.

Now, these prices vary across Scrap Yards, and prices fluctuate very fast, also scrap yards will consider other factors like proximity and volume of scrap you want to sell. So as it is, there aren’t definite scrap metal prices that can be enforced for a trade.

The prices we share are used as a guide to help you negotiate. Please take note of this.

Guidelines or Laws to Follow When Selling Scrap Metals to Scrap Yards in California?

When selling scrap metals to scrap yards in California, here are the key guidelines and laws to adhere to:

  1. Record-Keeping: Scrap yards must record transactions for 2 years, open for inspection by law officials.
  2. Payment: Payments must be made via non-transferrable checks, available for pickup after 3 days or mailed.
  3. Fingerprinting: Sellers must be fingerprinted.
  4. Visual Documentation: Yards must take a video or photo of the seller and the materials.
  5. Vehicle Information: Details and license plate numbers of the seller’s vehicle are required.
  6. ID Verification: Sellers must provide and have a copy of their driver’s license taken.
  7. Tag & Hold Policy: A 90-day hold is placed on items if law officials contact the yard, except for transactions under $20

Comparing California’s Scrap Metal Prices with Other States

When it comes to scrap metal, prices can vary widely across the United States. Let’s see how California stacks up:

Texas: The Lone Star State, known for its massive oil and gas industry, often has lower scrap metal prices due to its abundant supply of metal waste from these industries. Compared to California, Texas generally offers lower prices for scrap metal, reflecting its different industrial landscape.

New York: The Empire State, with its extensive urban infrastructure, sees scrap metal prices somewhat similar to California’s, especially in urban centers like New York City. However, California’s stricter environmental regulations can sometimes push its prices higher.

Ohio: Ohio, with its rich history in manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector, usually has a steady supply of scrap metal. Prices here can be lower than in California, as the demand in Ohio is more locally contained, and the state has fewer export-oriented scrap metal policies.

These comparisons reveal how regional industries, policies, and market demands significantly influence scrap metal prices. California, with its unique mix of environmental consciousness and technological advancement, often sees a different pricing structure than these other states.

10 Companies That Recycle Scrap Copper in California

1. SA Recycling

  • Location: Multiple locations across California, including Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego.
  • Description: SA Recycling is a recognized leader in the metal recycling industry, with numerous facilities across the state.
  • Website: SA Recycling
  • Average Copper Price: $2.50 – $4.00 per pound, depending on the type and condition.

2. Santa Monica Recycling Center

  • Location: Santa Monica, California.
  • Description: This center has been serving the community for years, offering competitive prices for various metals.
  • Website: Santa Monica Recycling Center
  • Average Copper Price: $2.55 – $4.05 per pound.

3. Ming’s Recycling

  • Location: Sacramento and Hayward, California.
  • Description: A prominent recycling center that offers competitive prices for a variety of metals.
  • Website: Ming’s Recycling
  • Average Copper Price: $2.60 – $4.10 per pound.

4. Modesto Junk Co. Inc.

  • Location: Modesto, California.
  • Description: Established in 1920, this family-owned business has been offering top prices for scrap metals for generations.
  • Website: Modesto Junk Co.
  • Average Copper Price: $2.50 – $4.00 per pound.

5. Sims Metal Management

  • Location: Redwood City, San Jose, and Richmond, California.
  • Description: A global leader in metal recycling, with several locations in California.
  • Website: Sims Metal Management
  • Average Copper Price: $2.55 – $4.05 per pound.

6. Ecology Recycling Services

  • Location: Multiple locations, including Perris, Fontana, and Hesperia.
  • Description: They offer a variety of recycling services, including competitive prices for scrap metals.
  • Website: Ecology Recycling Services
  • Average Copper Price: $2.60 – $4.10 per pound.

7. Bob’s Metals, Inc.

  • Location: Los Angeles, California.
  • Description: A well-established metal recycling company known for its competitive rates.
  • Contact: (323) 589-4077
  • Average Copper Price: $2.50 – $4.00 per pound.

8. Sunwest Metals Inc.

  • Location: Anaheim, California.
  • Description: Serving the community for over 30 years, they offer competitive prices for various metals.
  • Website: Sunwest Metals
  • Average Copper Price: $2.55 – $4.05 per pound.

9. Fresno Recycling

  • Location: Fresno, California.
  • Description: A leading recycling center in the area, offering top prices for scrap metals.
  • Website: Fresno Recycling
  • Average Copper Price: $2.50 – $4.00 per pound.

10. Alco Iron & Metal Company

  • Location: San Leandro, California.
  • Description: With over 60 years of experience, they offer competitive prices for scrap metals.
  • Website: Alco Iron & Metal
  • Average Copper Price: $2.55 – $4.05 per pound.

Please remember that these prices are approximate. The actual prices can vary, and it’s always best to contact the scrap yard directly for the most recent and accurate pricing.

Find Scrap Yards Near me in California – Scrap Yard Locator

If you are looking for more “Scrap Yards near me in California”, California has over 577 scrap yards where you can sell or recycle your scrap metal.

The map below shows options in your area. The map is a dynamic display, so interact with it to hone in on your locale.

FAQs on selling scrap metals in California

  1. What types of metals can I sell?
    • You can sell a variety of metals including copper, aluminum, steel, brass, lead, and gold.
  2. How are scrap metal prices determined?
    • Prices are determined by market demand, purity, and the type of metal.
  3. What are the laws governing scrap metal selling in California?
    • Laws require record-keeping, identification, fingerprinting, and payment via non-transferrable checks among others.
  4. Do I need to provide identification when selling scrap metal?
    • Yes, you need to provide a valid ID and have your fingerprint taken.
  5. How do I find a reputable scrap yard near me?
    • The above Google Map listings can help find reputable scrap yards.
  6. Are there any restrictions on the volume of scrap metal I can sell?
    • There isn’t a specified volume limit but transactions are regulated and recorded.
 

Scrap Copper Prices in California

Metal
Price per Pound
Bare Bright Copper >99%
$2.98 – $3.3
Copper 1 96-98%
$2.55 – $2.82
Copper 2 94-96%
$2.24 – $2.48
Copper 3 88-90%
$2.51 – $2.78
Copper Radiators
$1.14 – $1.26
Copper Yokes
$0.38 – $0.42
Copper Transformers
$0.22 – $0.25

Metal
Price per Pound
Insulated Cable 1 (250-750MCM)
$2.04 – $2.25
Insulated Cable 2
$1.37 – $1.52
Insulated Wire 1 (Romex)
$1.32 – $1.46
Household Insulated Wire 2
$0.53 – $0.58
Computer Wire
$0.37 – $0.41
Christmas Lights
$0.17 – $0.19

Scrap Aluminium Prices in California

Metal
Price per Pound
Aluminium Wire Clean
$0.6 – $0.66
Aluminium Rims
$0.53 – $0.59
Aluminium Siding
$0.4 – $0.44
Cast Aluminium
$0.33 – $0.36
Sheet Aluminium
$0.33 – $0.37
Aluminium Turnings
$0.25 – $0.27
Dirty Aluminium (Irony)
$0.11 – $0.12
Aluminium Transformers
$0.05 – $0.05

Scrap Brass Prices in California

Metal
Price per Pound
Red Brass
$1.69 – $1.87
Yellow Brass
$1.68 – $1.85
Brass Radiators
$1.54 – $1.7
Dirty Brass Faucets
$0.49 – $0.54

Scrap Battery Prices in California

Metal
Price per Pound
PB Battery
$0.19 – $0.21

Scrap Catalytic Converter Prices in California

Metal
Price per Item
XL Foreign Cat
$382.35 – $422.6
Large Foreign Cat
$212.55 – $234.93
Medium Foreign Cat
$160.06 – $176.9
Small Foreign Cat
$103.56 – $114.46
Foreign Pre-Cat
$52.57 – $58.1
High Grade Domestic Cat
$160.07 – $176.93
Regular Domestic Cat
$83.33 – $92.11
Small Domestic Cat
$57.43 – $63.47
Pre-Domestic Cat
$38.47 – $42.52
Large GM Cat
$186.82 – $206.48
Small GM Cat
$114.47 – $126.53

Scrap Iron Prices in California

Metal
Price per Pound
Cast Iron
$0.1 – $0.11
Light Iron
$0.05 – $0.05

Scrap Lead Prices in California

Metal
Price per Pound
Lead
$0.51 – $0.56
Lead Wheel Weights
$0.09 – $0.09

Scrap Steel Prices in California

Metal
Price per Pound
316 Stainless Steel
$0.51 – $0.57
304 Stainless Steel
$0.42 – $0.46

Cities We Cover


Anaheim

Burbank

Concord

Downey

Escondido

Fresno

Hayward

Jurupa

Modesto

Oakland

Oxnard

Rancho Cucamonga

Roseville

San Diego

Santa Ana

Santa Rosa

Temecula

Vallejo

Vista

Antioch

Carlbad

Corona

El Cajon

Fairfield

Fullerton

Huntington

Lancaster

Moreno Valley

Oceanside

Palmdale

Rialto

Sacramento

San Francisco

Santa Clara

Simi Valley

Thousand Oaks

Ventura

West Covina

Bakersfield

Chula

Costa

El Monte

Fontana

Garden Grove

Inglewood

Long Beach

Murrieta

Ontario

Pasadena

Richmond

Salinas

San Jose

Santa Clarita

Stockton

Torrance

Victorville

Berkeley

Clovis

Daly

Elk Grove

Fremont

Glendale

Irvine

Los Angeles

Norwalk

Orange

Pomona

Riverside

San Mateo

Santa Maria

Sunnyvale

Vacaville

Visalia

San Bernadino

Trade Scrap Metals in Our Comment Section!

We’re excited to introduce a new feature for our community! You can now use the comment section below to trade scrap metals.

Posting Format:

  • Name: John Doe
  • Metal: Scrap Copper
  • Quantity: 100 kg
  • Price: AUD 800
  • Contact: john@example.com

Disclaimer: We are merely providing a platform for users to connect and trade. We are not involved in the transactions and are not liable for any activities. Ensure to exercise caution and adhere to local trading laws.

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