Steel Scrap Prices Today (per Ton & per Pound)

Compare today's US scrapyard scale rates for Steel across key industrial grades, quoted in gross tons and pounds from active recycling facilities. Review current mill demand, regional price spreads, and sorting criteria to maximize your scale payout.

Daily national average Updated: Oct 10, 2026 · US Scrapyard Benchmark

Today's Steel Prices by Grade

Current per-pound national average payouts and scale price spreads for all common Steel scrap grades, verified across active US yards.

Grade National Scale Avg Typical Scale Range 7-Day Trend Reporting Yards
#1 Prepared Steel (HMS) $0.098/lb · $196/ton $0.079 – $0.111 ▲ +10.1% 7 yards
#2 Prepared Steel $0.103/lb · $206/ton $0.100 – $0.110 ▲ +3% 3 yards
Plate & Structural Steel (P&S) $0.128/lb · $256/ton $0.120 – $0.134 ▲ +15.7% 5 yards
Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) $0.071/lb · $142/ton $0.050 – $0.090 → 0% 10 yards
Rebar $0.020/lb · $40/ton $0.020 – $0.020 → 0% 1 yards
Wire Fence $0.050/lb · $100/ton $0.050 – $0.050 → 1 yards
Tin (Sheet Metal) $0.070/lb · $140/ton $0.068 – $0.071 ▲ +14% 7 yards
Steel Turnings $0.035/lb · $70/ton $0.020 – $0.050 → 2 yards

Shown per pound with the per-ton equivalent. Truck scales quote per gross ton (2,240 lb) or net ton (2,000 lb); smaller peddler loads pay 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.

Unit
Quick weights:

Steel Price Trend (12 Months)

Historical 12-month scale price trajectory and wholesale exchange correlation (Iron Ore (CME)) for Steel, helping you identify price momentum before you haul to the yard.

US Yard Scale Average Iron Ore (CME)
2025-10-15 · avg $0.075 · $0.070–$0.080 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 157.6% of spot2025-10-16 · avg $0.100 · $0.100–$0.100 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 209.6% of spot2025-11-03 · avg $0.140 · $0.140–$0.140 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 292.9% of spot2025-11-08 · avg $0.070 · $0.070–$0.070 · 1 sources · spot $0.047 · 148.3% of spot2025-11-24 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.047 · 168.8% of spot2025-11-26 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.047 · 168.8% of spot2025-12-05 · avg $0.135 · $0.130–$0.140 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 280.1% of spot2025-12-07 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 166.3% of spot2025-12-09 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 165.6% of spot2025-12-10 · avg $0.083 · $0.060–$0.150 · 7 sources · spot $0.048 · 172.2% of spot2025-12-13 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 166.7% of spot2025-12-14 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 166.7% of spot2025-12-17 · avg $0.077 · $0.070–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 160.1% of spot2025-12-19 · avg $0.072 · $0.040–$0.120 · 9 sources · spot $0.048 · 149.7% of spot2025-12-21 · avg $0.080 · $0.030–$0.140 · 5 sources · spot $0.048 · 166.3% of spot2025-12-22 · avg $0.063 · $0.040–$0.120 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 131% of spot2025-12-23 · avg $0.070 · $0.040–$0.080 · 5 sources · spot $0.048 · 145.5% of spot2025-12-24 · avg $0.087 · $0.040–$0.140 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 180.9% of spot2025-12-25 · avg $0.100 · $0.080–$0.120 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 207.9% of spot2025-12-26 · avg $0.038 · $0.030–$0.040 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 79% of spot2025-12-27 · avg $0.060 · $0.040–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 124.7% of spot2025-12-28 · avg $0.075 · $0.070–$0.080 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 155.9% of spot2025-12-29 · avg $0.075 · $0.040–$0.140 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 155.9% of spot2025-12-30 · avg $0.072 · $0.040–$0.120 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 149.7% of spot2025-12-31 · avg $0.053 · $0.040–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 110.2% of spot2026-01-01 · avg $0.073 · $0.030–$0.140 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 151.8% of spot2026-01-02 · avg $0.085 · $0.070–$0.120 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 176.7% of spot2026-01-03 · avg $0.060 · $0.040–$0.080 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 124.7% of spot2026-01-04 · avg $0.077 · $0.030–$0.130 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 160.1% of spot2026-01-05 · avg $0.035 · $0.030–$0.040 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 72.8% of spot2026-01-06 · avg $0.070 · $0.060–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 146.4% of spot2026-01-07 · avg $0.040 · $0.040–$0.040 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 82.6% of spot2026-01-08 · avg $0.055 · $0.040–$0.070 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 113.6% of spot2026-01-09 · avg $0.055 · $0.030–$0.080 · 2 sources · spot $0.049 · 112.7% of spot2026-01-10 · avg $0.050 · $0.030–$0.090 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 103.3% of spot2026-01-11 · avg $0.070 · $0.060–$0.080 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 144.6% of spot2026-01-12 · avg $0.054 · $0.030–$0.080 · 5 sources · spot $0.048 · 111.6% of spot2026-01-13 · avg $0.060 · $0.030–$0.120 · 4 sources · spot $0.049 · 122.2% of spot2026-01-14 · avg $0.065 · $0.040–$0.080 · 4 sources · spot $0.049 · 132.7% of spot2026-01-15 · avg $0.078 · $0.030–$0.120 · 5 sources · spot $0.049 · 160.8% of spot2026-01-16 · avg $0.057 · $0.030–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 117.8% of spot2026-01-17 · avg $0.070 · $0.070–$0.070 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 144.6% of spot2026-01-18 · avg $0.115 · $0.090–$0.140 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 237.6% of spot2026-01-19 · avg $0.066 · $0.040–$0.100 · 5 sources · spot $0.048 · 136.4% of spot2026-01-20 · avg $0.082 · $0.030–$0.120 · 5 sources · spot $0.048 · 169.4% of spot2026-01-21 · avg $0.030 · $0.030–$0.030 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 62.6% of spot2026-01-22 · avg $0.050 · $0.040–$0.060 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 104.4% of spot2026-01-23 · avg $0.053 · $0.030–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 110.6% of spot2026-01-24 · avg $0.063 · $0.040–$0.090 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 131.5% of spot2026-01-25 · avg $0.063 · $0.040–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 131.5% of spot2026-01-26 · avg $0.060 · $0.040–$0.080 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 125.3% of spot2026-01-27 · avg $0.130 · $0.130–$0.130 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 272% of spot2026-01-28 · avg $0.035 · $0.030–$0.040 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 73.2% of spot2026-01-29 · avg $0.070 · $0.070–$0.070 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 145.8% of spot2026-01-30 · avg $0.077 · $0.030–$0.120 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 160.4% of spot2026-01-31 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.048 · 167.4% of spot2026-02-01 · avg $0.040 · $0.040–$0.040 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 83.7% of spot2026-02-02 · avg $0.060 · $0.030–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 125.5% of spot2026-02-03 · avg $0.073 · $0.040–$0.130 · 4 sources · spot $0.047 · 154% of spot2026-02-04 · avg $0.060 · $0.030–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.047 · 126.8% of spot2026-02-05 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 172.8% of spot2026-02-06 · avg $0.050 · $0.040–$0.070 · 3 sources · spot $0.046 · 109.2% of spot2026-02-07 · avg $0.075 · $0.070–$0.080 · 2 sources · spot $0.046 · 162.3% of spot2026-02-08 · avg $0.120 · $0.120–$0.120 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 259.7% of spot2026-02-09 · avg $0.073 · $0.040–$0.120 · 3 sources · spot $0.046 · 158% of spot2026-02-10 · avg $0.056 · $0.030–$0.100 · 5 sources · spot $0.046 · 122.8% of spot2026-02-11 · avg $0.070 · $0.070–$0.070 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 153.2% of spot2026-02-12 · avg $0.070 · $0.030–$0.140 · 3 sources · spot $0.046 · 153.2% of spot2026-02-13 · avg $0.086 · $0.060–$0.120 · 5 sources · spot $0.046 · 188.2% of spot2026-02-14 · avg $0.043 · $0.040–$0.050 · 3 sources · spot $0.045 · 95.1% of spot2026-02-15 · avg $0.030 · $0.030–$0.030 · 1 sources · spot $0.045 · 66.4% of spot2026-02-17 · avg $0.096 · $0.060–$0.130 · 31 sources · spot $0.045 · 212.4% of spot2026-02-20 · avg $0.066 · $0.030–$0.150 · 5 sources · spot $0.045 · 146% of spot2026-02-21 · avg $0.070 · $0.060–$0.080 · 3 sources · spot $0.045 · 154.9% of spot2026-02-22 · avg $0.055 · $0.040–$0.070 · 2 sources · spot $0.045 · 121.7% of spot2026-02-23 · avg $0.088 · $0.050–$0.130 · 4 sources · spot $0.045 · 194.7% of spot2026-02-24 · avg $0.090 · $0.040–$0.150 · 4 sources · spot $0.045 · 199.1% of spot2026-02-25 · avg $0.064 · $0.030–$0.130 · 5 sources · spot $0.045 · 141.6% of spot2026-02-26 · avg $0.050 · $0.030–$0.070 · 4 sources · spot $0.045 · 110.9% of spot2026-02-27 · avg $0.045 · $0.040–$0.050 · 2 sources · spot $0.045 · 99.8% of spot2026-02-28 · avg $0.083 · $0.030–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.045 · 184% of spot2026-03-01 · avg $0.095 · $0.070–$0.130 · 6 sources · spot $0.045 · 210.6% of spot2026-03-02 · avg $0.095 · $0.040–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.045 · 210.6% of spot2026-03-03 · avg $0.080 · $0.030–$0.130 · 2 sources · spot $0.045 · 177% of spot2026-03-04 · avg $0.043 · $0.030–$0.060 · 3 sources · spot $0.045 · 95.1% of spot2026-03-05 · avg $0.055 · $0.040–$0.070 · 2 sources · spot $0.045 · 121.7% of spot2026-03-06 · avg $0.063 · $0.050–$0.070 · 3 sources · spot $0.046 · 137.6% of spot2026-03-07 · avg $0.065 · $0.030–$0.100 · 2 sources · spot $0.046 · 140.7% of spot2026-03-08 · avg $0.047 · $0.030–$0.060 · 3 sources · spot $0.046 · 101.7% of spot2026-03-09 · avg $0.085 · $0.070–$0.100 · 2 sources · spot $0.046 · 184% of spot2026-03-10 · avg $0.080 · $0.040–$0.150 · 4 sources · spot $0.047 · 171.3% of spot2026-03-11 · avg $0.053 · $0.030–$0.100 · 4 sources · spot $0.047 · 113.2% of spot2026-03-12 · avg $0.100 · $0.070–$0.130 · 2 sources · spot $0.047 · 212.8% of spot2026-03-13 · avg $0.115 · $0.080–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.048 · 242.1% of spot2026-03-14 · avg $0.060 · $0.040–$0.070 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 126.3% of spot2026-03-15 · avg $0.080 · $0.050–$0.100 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 168.4% of spot2026-03-22 · avg $0.090 · $0.070–$0.120 · 10 sources · spot $0.048 · 189.5% of spot2026-03-23 · avg $0.096 · $0.070–$0.120 · 7 sources · spot $0.048 · 202.1% of spot2026-03-24 · avg $0.095 · $0.070–$0.130 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 200% of spot2026-03-25 · avg $0.110 · $0.070–$0.140 · 9 sources · spot $0.048 · 231.6% of spot2026-03-26 · avg $0.108 · $0.070–$0.140 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 227.4% of spot2026-03-27 · avg $0.104 · $0.070–$0.130 · 7 sources · spot $0.048 · 218.9% of spot2026-03-28 · avg $0.104 · $0.070–$0.130 · 8 sources · spot $0.048 · 218.9% of spot2026-03-29 · avg $0.110 · $0.080–$0.140 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 231.6% of spot2026-03-30 · avg $0.099 · $0.070–$0.130 · 8 sources · spot $0.048 · 208.4% of spot2026-03-31 · avg $0.100 · $0.070–$0.130 · 8 sources · spot $0.048 · 210.5% of spot2026-04-01 · avg $0.105 · $0.070–$0.130 · 8 sources · spot $0.048 · 221.1% of spot2026-04-02 · avg $0.104 · $0.070–$0.140 · 8 sources · spot $0.048 · 218.9% of spot2026-04-03 · avg $0.105 · $0.080–$0.130 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 221.1% of spot2026-04-04 · avg $0.093 · $0.070–$0.130 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 195.8% of spot2026-04-05 · avg $0.108 · $0.070–$0.130 · 5 sources · spot $0.048 · 227.4% of spot2026-04-06 · avg $0.103 · $0.070–$0.130 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 216.8% of spot2026-04-07 · avg $0.105 · $0.070–$0.130 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 221.1% of spot2026-04-08 · avg $0.100 · $0.070–$0.130 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 210.5% of spot2026-04-09 · avg $0.102 · $0.070–$0.140 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 214.7% of spot2026-04-10 · avg $0.098 · $0.070–$0.130 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 206.3% of spot2026-04-11 · avg $0.112 · $0.070–$0.160 · 6 sources · spot $0.048 · 235.8% of spot2026-04-12 · avg $0.107 · $0.080–$0.130 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 225.3% of spot2026-04-13 · avg $0.110 · $0.080–$0.150 · 4 sources · spot $0.048 · 231.6% of spot2026-04-14 · avg $0.123 · $0.080–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 253.1% of spot2026-04-15 · avg $0.128 · $0.110–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 265% of spot2026-04-16 · avg $0.130 · $0.110–$0.140 · 3 sources · spot $0.048 · 268.6% of spot2026-04-17 · avg $0.136 · $0.120–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 279.8% of spot2026-04-18 · avg $0.130 · $0.130–$0.130 · 1 sources · spot $0.049 · 268% of spot2026-04-19 · avg $0.140 · $0.130–$0.160 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 288.7% of spot2026-04-21 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 1 sources · spot $0.049 · 226.3% of spot2026-04-22 · avg $0.123 · $0.100–$0.150 · 5 sources · spot $0.049 · 253.1% of spot2026-04-23 · avg $0.126 · $0.110–$0.150 · 4 sources · spot $0.049 · 259.3% of spot2026-04-24 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 1 sources · spot $0.049 · 226.3% of spot2026-04-25 · avg $0.126 · $0.110–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 259.3% of spot2026-04-26 · avg $0.125 · $0.110–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 257.2% of spot2026-04-27 · avg $0.127 · $0.110–$0.150 · 4 sources · spot $0.049 · 261.3% of spot2026-04-28 · avg $0.133 · $0.120–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.049 · 273.7% of spot2026-04-30 · avg $0.120 · $0.100–$0.150 · 4 sources · spot $0.049 · 246.9% of spot2026-05-01 · avg $0.130 · $0.110–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.049 · 267.5% of spot2026-05-02 · avg $0.130 · $0.110–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 265.8% of spot2026-05-03 · avg $0.126 · $0.110–$0.140 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 257.7% of spot2026-05-04 · avg $0.120 · $0.110–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 245.4% of spot2026-05-05 · avg $0.132 · $0.110–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.049 · 268.8% of spot2026-05-06 · avg $0.123 · $0.110–$0.130 · 2 sources · spot $0.049 · 249.5% of spot2026-05-07 · avg $0.113 · $0.100–$0.120 · 3 sources · spot $0.050 · 224.7% of spot2026-05-08 · avg $0.117 · $0.090–$0.130 · 3 sources · spot $0.050 · 232.6% of spot2026-05-09 · avg $0.117 · $0.100–$0.140 · 3 sources · spot $0.050 · 232.6% of spot2026-05-10 · avg $0.137 · $0.130–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 272.4% of spot2026-05-11 · avg $0.123 · $0.110–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 244.5% of spot2026-05-12 · avg $0.145 · $0.130–$0.160 · 1 sources · spot $0.051 · 287.1% of spot2026-05-13 · avg $0.135 · $0.130–$0.140 · 1 sources · spot $0.050 · 267.9% of spot2026-05-14 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 1 sources · spot $0.051 · 217.8% of spot2026-05-15 · avg $0.127 · $0.110–$0.140 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 252% of spot2026-05-16 · avg $0.133 · $0.110–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 264.9% of spot2026-05-17 · avg $0.137 · $0.130–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 272.9% of spot2026-05-18 · avg $0.123 · $0.110–$0.150 · 3 sources · spot $0.050 · 245% of spot2026-05-19 · avg $0.137 · $0.120–$0.160 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 273.5% of spot2026-05-20 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 220% of spot2026-05-21 · avg $0.120 · $0.100–$0.140 · 3 sources · spot $0.050 · 240.5% of spot2026-05-22 · avg $0.140 · $0.130–$0.150 · 1 sources · spot $0.050 · 281.1% of spot2026-05-23 · avg $0.127 · $0.110–$0.160 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 255.5% of spot2026-05-24 · avg $0.138 · $0.130–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 277.7% of spot2026-05-25 · avg $0.140 · $0.130–$0.160 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 281.7% of spot2026-05-26 · avg $0.143 · $0.130–$0.160 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 287.7% of spot2026-05-27 · avg $0.140 · $0.130–$0.150 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 282.3% of spot2026-05-28 · avg $0.128 · $0.110–$0.140 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 258.1% of spot2026-05-29 · avg $0.115 · $0.110–$0.120 · 2 sources · spot $0.050 · 232.3% of spot2026-05-30 · avg $0.135 · $0.130–$0.140 · 2 sources · spot $0.049 · 273.3% of spot2026-05-31 · avg $0.130 · $0.130–$0.130 · 2 sources · spot $0.049 · 263.2% of spot2026-06-01 · avg $0.105 · $0.100–$0.110 · 2 sources · spot $0.049 · 212.6% of spot2026-06-04 · avg $0.115 · $0.100–$0.150 · 4 sources · spot $0.047 · 244.7% of spot2026-06-05 · avg $0.100 · $0.100–$0.100 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 216.5% of spot2026-06-08 · avg $0.120 · $0.110–$0.130 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 259.2% of spot2026-06-09 · avg $0.150 · $0.150–$0.150 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 327.5% of spot2026-06-19 · avg $0.120 · $0.120–$0.120 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 261.4% of spot2026-06-20 · avg $0.100 · $0.100–$0.100 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 217.9% of spot2026-06-22 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 196.9% of spot2026-06-29 · avg $0.150 · $0.150–$0.150 · 1 sources · spot $0.046 · 329.7% of spot2026-07-05 · avg $0.150 · $0.150–$0.150 · 1 sources · spot $0.045 · 336.3% of spot2026-07-12 · avg $0.200 · $0.200–$0.200 · 1 sources · spot $0.045 · 446.4% of spot2026-07-13 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 1 sources · spot $0.045 · 245.5% of spot2026-07-18 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.045 · 200.4% of spot2026-08-02 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.045 · 202.2% of spot2026-08-03 · avg $0.100 · $0.100–$0.100 · 1 sources · spot $0.045 · 224.7% of spot2026-08-04 · avg $0.100 · $0.100–$0.100 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 235.3% of spot2026-08-05 · avg $0.100 · $0.100–$0.100 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 235.3% of spot2026-08-06 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 211.3% of spot2026-08-07 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 208.3% of spot2026-08-10 · avg $0.105 · $0.100–$0.110 · 2 sources · spot $0.043 · 245.3% of spot2026-08-11 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 209.8% of spot2026-08-25 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 208.3% of spot2026-08-27 · avg $0.100 · $0.100–$0.100 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 230.4% of spot2026-08-28 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.043 · 184.3% of spot2026-08-31 · avg $0.060 · $0.060–$0.060 · 1 sources · spot $0.044 · 137.9% of spot2026-09-01 · avg $0.090 · $0.090–$0.090 · 1 sources · spot $0.044 · 206.4% of spot2026-09-15 · avg $0.080 · $0.080–$0.080 · 1 sources · spot $0.044 · 181% of spot2026-09-29 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 1 sources · spot $0.044 · 250% of spot2026-09-30 · avg $0.070 · $0.070–$0.070 · 1 sources · spot $0.044 · 159.5% of spot2026-10-01 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 1 sources · spot $0.044 · 251.1% of spot2026-10-02 · avg $0.075 · $0.060–$0.090 · 2 sources · spot $0.042 · 179.4% of spot2026-10-03 · avg $0.110 · $0.110–$0.110 · 1 sources · spot $0.041 · 265.7% of spot2026-10-04 · avg $0.090 · $0.070–$0.110 · 2 sources · spot $0.041 · 217.4% of spot2026-10-05 · avg $0.090 · $0.080–$0.100 · 3 sources · spot $0.041 · 217.4% of spot2026-10-07 · avg $0.095 · $0.080–$0.110 · 2 sources · spot $0.041 · 229.5% of spot2026-10-08 · avg $0.093 · $0.080–$0.110 · 3 sources · spot $0.041 · 225.2% of spot2026-10-10 · avg $0.120 · $0.120–$0.120 · 1 sources · spot $0.041 · 292% of spot$0.200$0.0302025-10-152026-10-10
Hover or tap the chart for date, average, range, and source count.

Hover or tap any date to see the exact yard scale average, exchange spot price, and scrap recovery ratio. Yards pay ~75–85% of spot on clean grades to cover freight, processing, and mill deductions. Compare all exchange benchmarks →

How to get the best price for Steel

Straightforward sorting, stripping, and prep tips to upgrade your Steel into top-tier grades and prevent scale downgrades.

✓

Cut long structural pieces to the length your yard asks for if you want the prepared price.

✓

Keep light iron, appliances (white goods), and sheet tin out of your heavy melting steel (#1 HMS) to avoid having the whole truckload bought at shredder rate.

✓

Keep turnings dry and separate. They pay less.

✓

Separate clean auto rotors and brake drums from mixed scrap steel—clean rotors often carry a $20–$40/ton premium as foundry grade.

✓

Remove concrete, dirt, and sealed tanks. They are deducted or rejected.

How steel scrap is graded

Steel scrap is sold by weight to mills, mostly by the ton. Clean, thick steel cut to size (heavy melting steel, plate and structural) pays more than thin sheet, tin, or turnings. Shredded steel, mostly from cars and appliances, is priced by region. The average above blends these, so your price depends heavily on what you bring.

Per pound or per ton

Mills and large buyers quote steel per ton. We show prices per pound along with the per-ton equivalent. In US scrap pricing a ton is 2,000 lb. Do not confuse it with the metric tonne (2,204.62 lb) used on global exchanges.

Steel, cast iron, and galvanized

Cast iron, such as brake rotors, soil pipe, and old radiators, is brittle and has its own price (see iron scrap prices). Galvanized steel is paid as steel. The zinc coating is not paid as zinc.

Steel Prices by State

Regional 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
Georgia $0.058 $0.050 $0.100 2 State Scale Rates →
Kansas $0.078 $0.070 $0.100 2 State Scale Rates →
Michigan $0.130 $0.120 $0.140 2 State Scale Rates →
North Carolina $0.072 $0.050 $0.080 2 State Scale Rates →
West Virginia $0.110 $0.100 $0.120 2 State Scale Rates →
Wisconsin $0.024 $0.020 $0.050 2 State Scale Rates →
Alabama $0.076 $0.070 $0.080 1 State Scale Rates →
Florida $0.100 $0.090 $0.110 1 State Scale Rates →
Kentucky $0.103 $0.090 $0.120 1 State Scale Rates →
Maryland $0.070 $0.070 $0.070 1 State Scale Rates →
Missouri $0.080 $0.080 $0.080 1 State Scale Rates →
Oklahoma $0.070 $0.070 $0.070 1 State Scale Rates →
Pennsylvania $0.110 $0.110 $0.110 1 State Scale Rates →
Texas $0.067 $0.060 $0.070 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 steel scrap price?

The headline figure is $0.098/lb for #1 Prepared Steel (HMS) as of Oct 10, 2026. Other grades pay more or less, so check the table above.

How are steel scrap prices set?

Steel scrap follows regional mill demand and furnace melt rates, not the copper price. We show raw iron ore (CME) as context for basic steelmaking raw materials, but it is not a price you can sell scrap at.

What is HMS?

Heavy melting steel: carbon steel plate and structural pieces, usually about 1/4 inch thick or more, cut to a size the mill can charge into a furnace. Many ferrous prices are compared against it.

Is galvanized steel zinc scrap?

No. Galvanized steel is steel with a thin zinc coating. It is paid as steel, not as zinc.

Does steel scrap follow the LME?

No. US steel scrap follows regional mill demand and furnace melt rates. The iron ore benchmark shown on this site is context for the primary steelmaking feed, not a scrap price you can sell at.