Scrap metal prices fluctuate with global demand, but common ranges are: copper $2.50–$3.50 per lb, aluminum $0.30–$0.70 per lb, steel $0.05–$0.20 per lb, and brass $1.50–$2.50 per lb. Prices vary by grade (clean vs. dirty) and regional yard policies.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Copper (Clean #1) | $2.50 – $3.50 per lb |
| Aluminum (Cans) | $0.25 – $0.50 per lb |
| Steel (Heavy Melt) | $0.10 – $0.20 per lb |
| Brass (Clean) | $1.50 – $2.50 per lb |
Copper and Brass Grades
Clean #1 copper (bare, uncoated) brings $2.75–$3.50 per lb, while #2 copper (insulated or soldered) earns $2.00–$2.80 per lb. Brass, common in plumbing fittings, fetches $1.50–$2.50 per lb. Mixed scrap copper wire (with insulation) is about $0.80–$1.50 per lb.
Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Aluminum cans pay $0.25–$0.50 per lb; clean cast aluminum $0.40–$0.70 per lb. Stainless steel (non-magnetic 304) ranges from $0.30–$0.70 per lb. Magnetic stainless or lower grades may be half that.
Steel and Iron Prices
Light iron and sheet steel run $0.05–$0.10 per lb. Heavy melt steel (cast iron or thicker) reaches $0.10–$0.20 per lb. Prices are often quoted per gross ton (2,240 lb), so $200–$300 per ton is common for mixed ferrous.
What moves the price in Lafayette, Louisiana
Global commodity prices and metal type dominate the value. Local quotes reflect the items below, so two providers can quote different totals for the same described job without either being wrong.
- Local labour rates and licensing requirements for the trade or professional involved
- Permits, inspections and disposal fees set by the local authority
- Travel and call-out charges for the distance from the nearest provider
- Season and demand peaks, which move both the price and the wait
- Materials, parts or inputs, and how their grade or availability changes the total
- Whether the work is a repair, a partial job or a full replacement
How to compare scrap metal prices quotes in Lafayette, Louisiana
Write the scope down first, then send the same description to at least three local providers. Compare the quotes line by line against that scope rather than by the headline total.
- Agree the scope: exactly what is being repaired, replaced or supplied, and how far the work extends.
- List the inclusions: labour, materials, permits, inspection fees, disposal and clean-up, each stated separately.
- Ask what is excluded, and what would trigger an extra charge once the work starts.
- Check timing: how soon work can start, how long it takes, and whether out-of-hours rates apply.
- Confirm terms: deposit, payment schedule, warranty on parts and labour, and how changes are priced.
A lower total that leaves out permits, disposal or a necessary second stage is not cheaper once those items are added back. Ask each provider in writing what would change the price.
This page does not quote work and is not a contractor. The range above is an estimate, not an offer.
Common questions
What moves the price of scrap metal prices in Lafayette, Louisiana?
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