AUG 16, 2025
Scrap metal recycling is a great way to earn extra cash and give a second life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. But did you know that certain types of metals command premium prices at scrap yards? If you’re new to the world of scrap collecting, you probably aren’t sure which metals fetch higher prices and why.
At RCM Recycling, we pride ourselves on being one of the top paying scrap metal buyers. We accept a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including aluminum, copper, iron, brass, steel, and many more. Here’s a quick guide to the 10 most valuable scrap metals to recycle.
Copper is often sought after because of its high market value and demand in industries like construction, electronics, and plumbing. It’s found in electrical wiring, pipes, roofing materials, and motors. Bright, clean copper wire sells for the highest price, while mixed or coated copper fetches a bit less.
Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc, known for its durability and golden appearance. It’s commonly found in plumbing fixtures, door handles, and decorative hardware. Because it contains copper, brass usually has a higher payout than many other alloys. The cleaner and more sorted your brass, the better your price.
While aluminum may not sell for as much per pound as copper or brass, it’s lightweight and easy to collect in bulk, making it profitable. It’s used in beverage cans, window frames, gutters, siding, and car parts. Clean, separated aluminum will bring in more money than mixed materials.
Stainless steel contains iron, chromium, and sometimes nickel, making it corrosion-resistant and valuable. You’ll find it in kitchen appliances, sinks, cutlery, and industrial equipment. While stainless steel isn’t as valuable as copper, certain grades with higher nickel content can bring in a strong return.
Lead is a dense, heavy metal that’s highly recyclable. It’s used in car batteries, weights, and older plumbing materials. Because lead is toxic, it must be handled carefully, but scrap metal buyers in Peachtree City still pay a good price for it, especially in large quantities.
Nickel is valuable both on its own and as an alloy ingredient. It’s used in stainless steel production, rechargeable batteries, and specialty alloys for aerospace and industrial use. Pure nickel scrap is rare but pays well if you can find it.
Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, has a rich brown color and is commonly used in musical instruments, bearings, and sculptures. Because of its copper content, bronze is often worth more than brass and is sought after by scrap yards.
While not something you’ll find every day, gold scrap is incredibly valuable. It’s most often recovered from old electronics, jewelry, and certain industrial components. Even small amounts can fetch high prices because of gold’s rarity and demand.
Silver is another precious metal that turns up in jewelry, antique tableware, coins, and electronics. Although it’s less valuable than gold, it’s still worth collecting, especially in bulk or from higher-purity sources.
Titanium is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, making it popular in aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance sports equipment. Scrap titanium is less common than steel or aluminum, but when you find it, it commands a strong price.
Looking for trusted and top paying scrap metal buyers? Get in touch with the specialists at RCM Recycling. Not only do we make it easy for individuals and businesses to turn their scrap metal into cash, but we also focus on sustainable scrap metal recycling practices. If you wish to recycle some of your unused metal and make some quick cash, contact RCM Recycling.
