Scrap Metal Prices in New York Today

Review current scrap metal scale averages across 9 active recycling facilities in New York, 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 average Updated: Oct 12, 2026 · Aggregated New York yard averages vs National Index

New York Scrap Prices vs National Average

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

Metal NY Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
#1 Copper $4.66/lb $4.98/lb -6.3% 9 yards
Yellow Brass Solids $3.00/lb $3.03/lb -1.1% 8 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 New York

This benchmark tracks verified New York 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 New York 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 New York 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 New York

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

2025-11-08 · avg $2.85 · spot $3.152025-11-10 · avg $3.25 · spot $3.832025-12-14 · avg $2.85 · spot $3.342025-12-31 · avg $4.50 · spot $4.492026-01-06 · avg $3.30 · spot $4.472026-01-07 · avg $4.80 · spot $4.662026-02-02 · avg $3.85 · spot $3.802026-02-17 · avg $3.13 · spot $4.212026-03-04 · avg $3.75 · spot $4.202026-03-22 · avg $3.75 · spot $4.222026-05-06 · avg $3.10 · spot $4.422026-05-09 · avg $3.85 · spot $4.532026-05-11 · avg $4.05 · spot $4.462026-08-25 · avg $4.34 · spot $4.912026-08-28 · avg $2.80 · spot $4.132026-08-29 · avg $3.94 · spot $4.622026-10-05 · avg $5.80 · spot $5.072026-10-12 · avg $4.52 · spot $4.59$5.80$2.802025-11-082026-10-12
Hover or tap the chart for date, average, range, and source count.

Solid blue line: New York average. Dashed line: US national average.

All Metal Grades in New York

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

Copper Scrap Prices in New York
Grade NY Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Bare Bright Copper $5.11/lb $5.14/lb -0.6% 9
#1 Copper $4.66/lb $4.98/lb -6.3% 9
#2 Copper $4.49/lb $4.79/lb -6.2% 9
Light Copper / Sheet Copper $5.30/lb $4.53/lb +16.9% 1

See national Copper Scrap Prices prices →

Radiator Scrap Prices in New York
Grade NY Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR) $2.00/lb $2.22/lb -9.7% 6

See national Radiator Scrap Prices prices →

Brass Scrap Prices in New York
Grade NY Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Yellow Brass Solids $3.00/lb $3.03/lb -1.1% 8

See national Brass Scrap Prices prices →

Scrap Battery Prices in New York
Grade NY Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Steel Case Forklift Batteries $0.280/lb · $560/ton $0.280/lb · $560/ton — 1

See national Scrap Battery Prices prices →

Selling scrap metal in New York

Scrap prices in New York 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 New York than in other states?

The table above compares each metal in New York 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 New York?

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.