MAY 06, 2025
If you’ve ever tried to sell scrap metal, you’ve likely noticed that prices can fluctuate sometimes quite a bit from one week to the next. But what exactly drives those price changes? Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out your garage or a contractor regularly dealing in metal waste, understanding the factors that influence scrap metal prices can help you get the most value for your materials. Today, RCM Recycling breaks down the major elements that dictate the price of scrap metal. If you’re looking for reliable scrap metal buyers in Peachtree City, we are the company you can trust.
Like any commodity, scrap metal prices are largely influenced by supply and demand. On a global scale, countries with strong manufacturing sectors—such as China, India, and the United States—drive the demand for raw and recycled metals. When these economies are growing, factories need more steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals to produce everything from cars to appliances. That increased demand pushes prices up. Conversely, when there’s an economic slowdown, demand drops and prices tend to fall.
Not all scrap metal is created equal. Some metals are simply more valuable than others. For example: Copper consistently ranks as one of the highest-priced metals due to its use in electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics. Aluminum is also widely used and fetches a decent price, though not as much as copper. Steel and iron are more common and generally priced lower per pound. Quality matters too. Clean, uncontaminated metal, also known as “clean scrap,” is worth more than dirty or mixed scrap that requires extra processing. For instance, a clean copper wire without insulation will yield a better rate than one still covered in plastic.
If you want top dollar for your scrap, separating your metals and cleaning off any non-metal attachments can go a long way. Scrap yards often pay more for metal that doesn’t require extensive sorting or cleaning. For example, stripping copper wire or separating aluminum from plastic fixtures before turning it in can lead to higher payouts. The more effort you put into preparation, the more valuable your load may become.
Scrap metal prices also depend on local conditions, including:
Because scrap metal is traded internationally, the value of currencies plays a role in determining prices. If the U.S. dollar is strong, American scrap becomes more expensive for foreign buyers, potentially lowering export demand and domestic prices. Conversely, a weaker dollar may boost exports, increasing demand and driving prices higher within the U.S.
Believe it or not, even the weather can impact scrap metal pricing. Winter conditions often slow down demolition, construction, and scrap collection, tightening supply and sometimes increasing prices. In contrast, the spring and summer months see more activity in construction and renovation, increasing the flow of scrap metal into yards, which can lead to lower prices due to surplus.
We are a reliable scrap metal recycling company that accepts a wide range of ferrous and nonferrous metals. We offer fair prices for various scrap metals based on current market rates and ensure quick, efficient service. Whether you're recycling copper wire, aluminum cans, steel appliances, or brass fixtures, our team is here to help you get the best return for your materials.
