Scrap Metal Prices in South Carolina Today

Access US national scrap metal benchmark prices and regional market trends for recycling facilities serving South Carolina. 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 South Carolina yard averages vs National Index

South Carolina Scrap Prices vs National Average

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

Expanding Reporting Yard Coverage in South Carolina

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 Rather than displaying unverified or outdated quotes, we benchmark against live US National averages.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

View US National Price Benchmark → Browse Active Reporting States →

Legal requirements & scrapper rules for selling scrap in South Carolina

This benchmark tracks verified South 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 South 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 South 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 South Carolina

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

Hover or tap the chart for date, average, range, and source count.

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

All Metal Grades in South Carolina

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

Radiator Scrap Prices in South Carolina

Grade	SC Average	US National Avg	Difference	Reporting Yards
Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR)	$2.32/lb	$2.22/lb	+4.7%	1
Irony Aluminum Copper Radiators (Dirty ACR)	$2.07/lb	$2.40/lb	-13.6%	1

See national Radiator Scrap Prices prices →

Selling scrap metal in South Carolina

Scrap prices in South 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 South Carolina than in other states?

The table above compares each metal in South 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 South 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.