Scrap Metal Prices in West Virginia Today

Review current scrap metal scale averages across 4 active recycling facilities in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia yard averages vs National Index

West Virginia Scrap Prices vs National Average

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

Metal WV Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
#1 Copper $4.69/lb $4.98/lb -5.8% 4 yards
Clean Aluminum Sheet $0.450/lb $0.613/lb -26.6% 1 yards
Yellow Brass Solids $2.83/lb $3.03/lb -6.6% 3 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 West Virginia

This benchmark tracks verified West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia

Historical 12-month scrap price trajectory in West Virginia compared against the US national benchmark.

2025-10-15 · avg $3.30 · spot $3.682025-11-13 · avg $4.00 · spot $3.172025-11-20 · avg $3.50 · spot $3.842025-12-05 · avg $3.75 · spot $4.122025-12-07 · avg $3.50 · spot $3.502025-12-19 · avg $3.75 · spot $3.902026-01-10 · avg $4.00 · spot $4.292026-01-19 · avg $4.00 · spot $4.242026-02-17 · avg $4.32 · spot $4.212026-03-22 · avg $4.15 · spot $4.222026-03-23 · avg $4.00 · spot $4.102026-03-27 · avg $4.45 · spot $4.512026-04-10 · avg $4.55 · spot $4.692026-05-12 · avg $5.10 · spot $5.132026-05-15 · avg $4.90 · spot $4.922026-06-26 · avg $4.70 · spot $4.532026-08-10 · avg $4.36 · spot $4.652026-08-25 · avg $4.85 · spot $4.912026-09-25 · avg $4.50 · spot $4.602026-10-05 · avg $4.50 · spot $5.072026-10-12 · avg $5.25 · spot $4.59$5.25$3.172025-10-152026-10-12
Hover or tap the chart for date, average, range, and source count.

Solid blue line: West Virginia average. Dashed line: US national average.

All Metal Grades in West Virginia

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

Copper Scrap Prices in West Virginia
Grade WV Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Bare Bright Copper $4.83/lb $5.14/lb -6% 3
#1 Copper $4.69/lb $4.98/lb -5.8% 4
#2 Copper $4.46/lb $4.79/lb -6.8% 4
Light Copper / Sheet Copper $3.88/lb $4.53/lb -14.5% 2

See national Copper Scrap Prices prices →

Aluminum Scrap Prices in West Virginia
Grade WV Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Clean Aluminum Sheet $0.450/lb $0.613/lb -26.6% 1
Painted & Old Sheet Aluminum $0.550/lb $0.650/lb -15.4% 1
Aluminum Siding & Gutters $0.750/lb $0.730/lb +2.7% 1
Aluminum Wire (EC / Clean) $1.00/lb $1.23/lb -18.9% 1
Cast Aluminum $0.600/lb $0.618/lb -2.9% 1
Irony & Breakage Aluminum $0.300/lb $0.258/lb +16.3% 1

See national Aluminum Scrap Prices prices →

Steel Scrap Prices in West Virginia
Grade WV Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
#2 Prepared Steel $0.110/lb · $220/ton $0.103/lb · $206/ton +6.8% 1
Plate & Structural Steel (P&S) $0.120/lb · $240/ton $0.128/lb · $256/ton -6.3% 1
Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) $0.100/lb · $200/ton $0.071/lb · $142/ton +40.8% 1

See national Steel Scrap Prices prices →

Radiator Scrap Prices in West Virginia
Grade WV Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR) $1.88/lb $2.22/lb -15.3% 2

See national Radiator Scrap Prices prices →

Brass Scrap Prices in West Virginia
Grade WV Average US National Avg Difference Reporting Yards
Yellow Brass Solids $2.83/lb $3.03/lb -6.6% 3
Red Brass $4.00/lb $3.75/lb +6.7% 1

See national Brass Scrap Prices prices →

Selling scrap metal in West Virginia

Scrap prices in West Virginia 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 West Virginia than in other states?

The table above compares each metal in West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

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.