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Sustainability

Scrap Metal Prices in Vancouver: What Metals Are Worth Money (2026)

Liam Patton
8 min read

Scrap Metal Prices: What Metals Are Worth Money


Not all scrap metal is created equal. Some of it a yard will pay you real money for; some of it barely covers the drive over. If you're staring at a pile of old pipe, wire, and appliances wondering what's actually worth something, this guide breaks down which metals pay the most and why.


Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous: The First Thing to Know


Every scrap metal falls into one of two categories, and it's the single biggest factor in what it's worth.


Ferrous Metal


Ferrous metal contains iron - think steel, cast iron, old appliances, and BBQs. It's **magnetic** (a fridge magnet sticks to it) and it's the most common scrap by volume. Because it's so plentiful, ferrous metal is worth the least per pound. You get paid for it, but the value comes from having a lot of it.


Non-Ferrous Metal


Non-ferrous metals contain no iron - copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, lead. They're **not magnetic**, they don't rust the way steel does, and they're worth significantly more per pound. This is the metal worth separating out and holding onto.


**Quick test:** grab a magnet. If it sticks, it's ferrous (lower value). If it doesn't, it's likely non-ferrous (higher value).


Which Metals Are Worth the Most?


From highest to lowest value per pound, in rough order:


  • **Copper** - the king of scrap. Bright, clean copper pipe and wire pay the most. Found in plumbing, electrical wiring, and motors.
  • **Brass** - fittings, valves, taps, old fixtures, keys.
  • **Aluminum** - cans, window frames, siding, wheels. Lower per pound than copper but light and everywhere.
  • **Stainless steel** - sinks, appliances, some cookware.
  • **Lead** - batteries and some old plumbing (handle carefully).
  • **Steel and iron (ferrous)** - lowest per pound, but the bulk of most loads.

    • What Affects Scrap Metal Prices?


    Scrap prices move constantly, so no one can quote you an exact number that stays true. The main drivers are:


  • **Global commodity markets** - scrap tracks the price of raw metal, which changes daily
  • **Cleanliness** - clean copper (no insulation, no fittings) pays far more than dirty or mixed metal
  • **Sorting** - separated metal is worth more than a mixed bin the yard has to sort
  • **Volume** - larger, consistent loads can earn better rates
  • **Location and the specific yard** - different buyers, different prices

    • Because of all this, the smart move isn't chasing a perfect price - it's preparing your metal well and knowing what you have.


    How to Get the Most for Your Scrap


  • **Separate by type** - keep copper, brass, aluminum, and steel in their own piles.
  • **Clean it up** - strip insulation off copper wire and remove non-metal attachments where practical.
  • **Keep copper clean** - bright, bare copper is the top payout; don't let it get contaminated.
  • **Weigh your options** - a small amount of low-value steel may not be worth a special trip.
  • **Call ahead** - confirm what a yard is buying that day.

    • When It's Not Worth the Trip


    Here's the honest part: if you have a modest amount of mostly ferrous metal - an old appliance or two, some steel shelving - the payout often won't justify renting a truck, your time loading and hauling, and the fuel. In that case, a scrap metal pickup service that hauls it away and recycles it responsibly is usually the better deal, even without a payout. Not sure where the nearest drop-off is? See our guide on where to take scrap metal in Vancouver.


    The Bottom Line


    Non-ferrous metals - especially clean copper and brass - are where the money is, while ferrous steel is valuable mainly in volume. Sort it, clean it, and know what you're holding before you go. And if the payout doesn't beat the hassle, let a crew recycle it for you.


    **Call (604) 358-2328** or request a free quote for scrap metal removal in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and the Fraser Valley.


    Tags:scrap metal priceswhat metals are worth moneycoppernon-ferrous metalvancouverrecycling

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