Scrap Metal Prices in Alabama Today

Access US national scrap metal benchmark prices and regional market trends for recycling facilities serving Alabama. Compare baseline commodity rates and explore verified yard pricing in neighboring active states as local reporting coverage expands.

State average Updated: Oct 12, 2026 · Aggregated Alabama yard averages vs National Index

Alabama Scrap Prices vs National Average

Compare localized scrapyard scale rates across Alabama against national averages to determine whether local buyers are offering a premium or discount.

Expanding Reporting Yard Coverage in Alabama

We are actively expanding verified direct scale reporting across Alabama. Rather than displaying unverified or outdated quotes, we benchmark against live US National averages. If you operate a licensed yard in Alabama, submit scale sheets to be included.

View US National Price Benchmark → Browse Active Reporting States →

Legal requirements & scrapper rules for selling scrap in Alabama

This benchmark tracks verified Alabama scrap yard transactions. Before you haul to the scale, make sure your load complies with state statutes and yard intake rules:

  • Mandatory Photo ID & Vehicle Logging: Under Alabama Secondary Metal Recycler Acts, yards must scan a valid government photo ID (driver's license or state ID), photograph your vehicle tag, and sometimes take a thumbprint for all non-ferrous sales.
  • Regulated Items & Ownership Proof: Commercial copper tubing, burnt wire, complete HVAC evaporator/condenser coils (ACR), catalytic converters, city water meters, and cemetery vases require licensed trade documentation (HVAC, electrical, or plumbing contractor license) or a verifiable bill of sale before the yard can cut a ticket.
  • Cash vs. Check Payment Limits: State statutes impose cash payout caps (often $25–$100 for non-ferrous) or mandate payment by check or non-transferable electronic voucher with a waiting period for walk-in peddlers.
  • Call 2–3 Local Yards for Scale Rates: Scale payouts in Alabama fluctuate with distance to regional auto shredders, railheads, and deep-water export docks. Call 2–3 yards to confirm today's board rate on your sorted grades before hauling.

12-Month Price Trend in Alabama

Historical 12-month scrap price trajectory in Alabama compared against the US national benchmark.

Not enough history to draw a chart.

Solid blue line: Alabama average. Dashed line: US national average.

All Metal Grades in Alabama

Detailed breakdown of current Alabama scrap prices across non-ferrous and ferrous categories, organized by commercial grade.

Steel Scrap Prices in Alabama
Grade AL Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) $0.080/lb · $160/ton $0.071/lb · $142/ton +12.7% 1
Tin (Sheet Metal) $0.070/lb $0.070/lb — 1

See national Steel Scrap Prices prices →

Selling scrap metal in Alabama

Scrap prices in Alabama generally move with national prices but can sit a little above or below them, depending on nearby mills and ports, freight costs, and which grades yards there report. The figures on this page are state averages from reporting yards, so use them as a benchmark when you call around.

ID and local rules

Most yards ask for a government-issued photo ID. Many states also have extra rules for items that are often stolen, such as catalytic converters, copper wire, and utility or railroad materials. Rules differ by state and sometimes by city, so check with the yard or your state's rules before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers on scrap metal grading standards, scale payout rules, sorting methods, and scale ticket calculations.

Is scrap metal worth more in Alabama than in other states?

The table above compares each metal in Alabama with the national average. Differences are usually modest and come from nearby mills and ports, freight costs, and which grades yards report. Use the state figure as a benchmark when you call local yards.

What do I need to sell scrap metal in Alabama?

Most yards ask for a government-issued photo ID. Many states also have extra rules for items that are often stolen, such as catalytic converters, copper wire, and utility materials. Rules differ by state and sometimes by city, so check with the yard before you go.

Does this page list scrap yards near me?

No. It shows average prices, not individual yards. Use these figures to judge whether a local yard's quote is fair, and ask each yard what grade it would pay for your material.