Scrap Metal Prices in North Carolina Today

Review current scrap metal scale averages across active recycling facilities in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina yard averages vs National Index

North Carolina Scrap Prices vs National Average

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

Metal NC Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
#1 Prepared Steel (HMS) $0.080/lb · $160/ton $0.098/lb · $196/ton -18.4% 1 yards
Yellow Brass Solids $2.35/lb $3.03/lb -22.5% 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 North Carolina

This benchmark tracks verified North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina

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

2025-11-26 · avg $3.40 · spot $3.982025-11-28 · avg $3.50 · spot $3.502025-12-14 · avg $2.60 · spot $3.342026-01-13 · avg $3.38 · spot $4.392026-01-31 · avg $4.05 · spot $4.642026-02-17 · avg $4.20 · spot $4.212026-03-04 · avg $3.08 · spot $4.202026-03-22 · avg $4.00 · spot $4.222026-05-05 · avg $4.70 · spot $4.592026-06-08 · avg $5.15 · spot $4.76$5.15$2.602025-11-262026-06-08
Hover or tap the chart for date, average, range, and source count.

Solid blue line: North Carolina average. Dashed line: US national average.

All Metal Grades in North Carolina

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

Aluminum Scrap Prices in North Carolina
Grade NC Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Aluminum Siding & Gutters $0.550/lb $0.730/lb -24.7% 1

See national Aluminum Scrap Prices prices →

Steel Scrap Prices in North Carolina
Grade NC Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
#1 Prepared Steel (HMS) $0.080/lb · $160/ton $0.098/lb · $196/ton -18.4% 1
Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) $0.067/lb · $134/ton $0.071/lb · $142/ton -5.6% 2

See national Steel Scrap Prices prices →

Radiator Scrap Prices in North Carolina
Grade NC Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR) $2.20/lb $2.22/lb -0.7% 1
Coolers & Condensers $0.550/lb $0.630/lb -12.7% 1

See national Radiator Scrap Prices prices →

Brass Scrap Prices in North Carolina
Grade NC Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Yellow Brass Solids $2.35/lb $3.03/lb -22.5% 1

See national Brass Scrap Prices prices →

Iron Scrap Prices in North Carolina
Grade NC Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Light Iron & Shredder $0.100/lb · $200/ton $0.087/lb · $174/ton +14.9% 1

See national Iron Scrap Prices prices →

Selling scrap metal in North Carolina

Scrap prices in North Carolina 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 North Carolina than in other states?

The table above compares each metal in North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

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.