Review current scrap metal scale averages across 2 active recycling facilities in Kentucky, benchmarking local payouts directly against the US national index. Compare localized non-ferrous and ferrous rates, track regional freight spreads, and verify state scale compliance requirements.
State averageUpdated: Oct 12, 2026 · Aggregated Kentucky yard averages vs National Index
Kentucky Scrap Prices vs National Average
Compare localized scrapyard scale rates across Kentucky against national averages to determine whether local buyers are offering a premium or discount.
Metal
KY Average
US National Avg
Difference
Reporting Yards
#1 Prepared Steel (HMS)
$0.101/lb · $202/ton
$0.098/lb · $196/ton
+3.1%
1 yards
#1 Copper
$4.10/lb
$4.98/lb
-17.6%
1 yards
Aluminum Cans (UBC)
$0.550/lb
$0.713/lb
-22.9%
1 yards
Clean Aluminum Sheet
$0.515/lb
$0.613/lb
-16%
2 yards
Yellow Brass Solids
$2.15/lb
$3.03/lb
-29.3%
1 yards
Ferrous materials (steel, iron) also show price per US short ton (2,000 lb). Non-ferrous is quoted per pound.
Legal requirements & scrapper rules for selling scrap in Kentucky
This benchmark tracks verified Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Historical 12-month scrap price trajectory in Kentucky compared against the US national benchmark.
Hover or tap the chart for date, average, range, and source count.
Solid blue line: Kentucky average. Dashed line: US national average.
All Metal Grades in Kentucky
Detailed breakdown of current Kentucky scrap prices across non-ferrous and ferrous categories, organized by commercial grade.
Scrap prices in Kentucky 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 Kentucky than in other states?
The table above compares each metal in Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
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.
Related Metal Grades & Pricing
Explore related scrap metal categories, complementary sorting grades, and regional market indices to benchmark your scrap load before you haul.