Stainless Steel Scrap Prices (Latest Reported, (per Pound))
Compare today's US scrapyard scale rates for Stainless Steel scrap per pound, benchmarked across commercial recycling grades from clean solids to mixed alloys. Review current yard averages, state-by-state price spreads, and grade sorting rules before hauling.
Today's Stainless Steel Prices by Grade
Current per-pound national average payouts and scale price spreads for all common Stainless Steel scrap grades, verified across active US yards.
| Grade | National Scale Avg | Typical Scale Range | 7-Day Trend | Reporting Yards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/8 Stainless Steel | $0.500/lb | $0.500 – $0.500 | → | 1 yards | |
| 300 Series Stainless Steel | $0.500/lb | $0.500 – $0.500 | → | 1 yards | |
| 304 Stainless Steel | $0.342/lb | $0.320 – $0.360 | ▲ +7.5% | 5 yards | Grade Scale Rates → |
| 316 Stainless Steel | $0.720/lb | $0.360 – $1.00 | ▲ +122.2% | 3 yards | Grade Scale Rates → |
| Stainless Steel Turnings | $0.167/lb | $0.150 – $0.200 | → | 3 yards |
Non-ferrous metals cross platform scales and pay cash per pound.
Scrap Value Calculator
Estimate your cash payout before you haul. Select your metal grade and enter your load weight to see what your scrap is worth at the scale based on verified yard averages and price spreads.
Stainless Steel Price Trend (12 Months)
Historical 12-month scale price trajectory and wholesale exchange correlation (LME Nickel) for Stainless Steel, helping you identify price momentum before you haul to the yard.
How to get the best price for Stainless Steel
Straightforward sorting, stripping, and prep tips to upgrade your Stainless Steel into top-tier grades and prevent scale downgrades.
Test with a magnet before you mix the pile.
Keep marine or chemical 316 apart from kitchen 304.
Cut off carbon-steel flanges, fasteners, and welds.
Keep turnings out of the solids pile.
Stainless steel scrap grades explained
Stainless is valued mainly for its nickel, and for 316, its molybdenum. 304 is the volume grade, and 316 pays a premium. Magnetic 400-series stainless and turnings pay much less. A magnet is the first test: a strong pull means it is not 304 or 316.
Magnet first, grade second
300-series stainless is generally non-magnetic. 400-series stainless is magnetic and pays as a different, lower grade. A chrome-plated carbon steel part that looks like stainless fails the same test.
304 vs. 316
316 contains molybdenum for marine and chemical use. A mixed 304 and 316 load is usually paid as 304, unless you have enough 316 to separate it or have it tested.
Stainless Steel Prices by State
Regional Stainless Steel scale rates vary with local mill demand and freight distance to shredders or port docks. Compare state averages to find top-paying markets.
| State | Average Price | Min Price | Max Price | Reporting Yards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $0.525 | $0.360 | $1.00 | 3 | State Scale Rates → |
| Tennessee | $0.443 | $0.360 | $0.500 | 2 | State Scale Rates → |
| Arizona | $0.800 | $0.800 | $0.800 | 1 | State Scale Rates → |
| Florida | $0.350 | $0.350 | $0.350 | 1 | State Scale Rates → |
| Georgia | $0.320 | $0.320 | $0.320 | 1 | State Scale Rates → |
| Oklahoma | $0.320 | $0.320 | $0.320 | 1 | State Scale Rates → |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common answers on scrap metal grading standards, scale payout rules, sorting methods, and scale ticket calculations.
What is the current stainless steel scrap price?
The headline figure is $0.500/lb for 18/8 Stainless Steel as of Aug 25, 2026. Other grades pay more or less, so check the table above.
How are stainless steel scrap prices set?
Stainless scrap follows nickel prices (and molybdenum for 316) more than plain steel. The gap to the market price comes from yield, attachments, and whether the load is solids or turnings.
Why does a magnet matter for stainless?
It is the quickest way to separate nickel-bearing 300-series stainless from magnetic 400-series or plain steel. Nickel is where the value is, so the price gap is large.