Scrap Metal Prices in Tennessee Today
Review current scrap metal scale averages across 4 active recycling facilities in Tennessee, 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.
Tennessee Scrap Prices vs National Average
Compare localized scrapyard scale rates across Tennessee against national averages to determine whether local buyers are offering a premium or discount.
| Metal | TN Average | US National Avg | Difference | Reporting Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Copper | $5.23/lb | $4.98/lb | +5.1% | 4 yards |
| Aluminum Cans (UBC) | $0.600/lb | $0.713/lb | -15.8% | 4 yards |
| Clean Aluminum Sheet | $0.740/lb | $0.613/lb | +20.7% | 1 yards |
| Yellow Brass Solids | $3.20/lb | $3.03/lb | +5.5% | 4 yards |
| 304 Stainless Steel | $0.360/lb | $0.342/lb | +5.3% | 1 yards |
Ferrous materials (steel, iron) also show price per US short ton (2,000 lb). Non-ferrous is quoted per pound.
12-Month Price Trend in Tennessee
Historical 12-month scrap price trajectory in Tennessee compared against the US national benchmark.
Solid blue line: Tennessee average. Dashed line: US national average.
All Metal Grades in Tennessee
Detailed breakdown of current Tennessee scrap prices across non-ferrous and ferrous categories, organized by commercial grade.
Copper Scrap Prices in Tennessee
| Grade | TN Average | US National Avg | Difference | Reporting Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $4.30/lb | $5.14/lb | -16.4% | 1 |
| #1 Copper | $5.23/lb | $4.98/lb | +5.1% | 4 |
| #2 Copper | $5.08/lb | $4.79/lb | +6.1% | 4 |
Aluminum Scrap Prices in Tennessee
| Grade | TN Average | US National Avg | Difference | Reporting Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Cans (UBC) | $0.600/lb | $0.713/lb | -15.8% | 4 |
| Clean Aluminum Sheet | $0.740/lb | $0.613/lb | +20.7% | 1 |
| Aluminum Siding & Gutters | $0.440/lb | $0.730/lb | -39.7% | 1 |
| Cast Aluminum | $0.670/lb | $0.618/lb | +8.4% | 1 |
Radiator Scrap Prices in Tennessee
| Grade | TN Average | US National Avg | Difference | Reporting Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR) | $1.92/lb | $2.22/lb | -13.3% | 1 |
Brass Scrap Prices in Tennessee
| Grade | TN Average | US National Avg | Difference | Reporting Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brass Solids | $3.20/lb | $3.03/lb | +5.5% | 4 |
Iron Scrap Prices in Tennessee
| Grade | TN Average | US National Avg | Difference | Reporting Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Cast Iron (Rotors/Drums) | $0.080/lb · $160/ton | $0.116/lb · $232/ton | -31% | 1 |
| Light Iron & Shredder | $0.070/lb · $140/ton | $0.087/lb · $174/ton | -19.5% | 2 |
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices in Tennessee
| Grade | TN Average | US National Avg | Difference | Reporting Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Series Stainless Steel | $0.460/lb | $0.500/lb | -8% | 1 |
| 304 Stainless Steel | $0.360/lb | $0.342/lb | +5.3% | 1 |
Selling scrap metal in Tennessee
Scrap prices in Tennessee 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 Tennessee than in other states?
The table above compares each metal in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
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.