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Scrap Steel Price – Still Paying Good?

Steel is an invaluable commodity, reused and recycled over and over again. People love it for its durability, low cost, versatility, and recyclability.

Today’s scrap steel prices depend on the type of steel you’re working with.

For example, a hot rolled coil (HRC) is a popular option among construction companies because it can be easily shaped into beams or other architectural features.

Cold-rolled steel offers a smoother surface than HRC but may require more cutting before use on-site; it may also be used to make machinery parts or automotive frames.

Since steel is recycled, you need to check the scrap steel prices before selling it to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Popular products to be recycled for steel

Steel is a strong and durable metal that is used in a variety of products, including:

  • Appliances: Steel is used to make many household appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, because of its durability and resistance to corrosion.
  • Cars and trucks: Steel is used to make the frame, body, and other parts of cars and trucks because of its strength and ability to withstand impacts.
  • Buildings: Steel is used to make the structural components of many buildings, such as beams, columns, and girders, because of its strength and ability to support heavy loads.
  • Packaging: Steel is used to make some types of packaging, such as cans and barrels, because of its ability to protect the contents from damage and contamination.

To recycle products made of steel, you will need to take them to a recycling center that specializes in metal recycling. These centers have the equipment and expertise to safely and efficiently recycle steel and other metals. It is important to check with your local recycling center to find out what types of steel they accept and how to properly prepare the materials for recycling.

How much is scrap steel worth?

When selling your scrap, a good rule of thumb is to check the current price for that particular grade of steel at the time you’re offering it up for sale.

Scrap steel prices are based on the type of steel you’re working with.

Low-alloy steel is less expensive than high-alloy steel.

Hot-rolled coil (HRC) is cheaper than cold-rolled carbon or stainless steel.

Used in construction, automotive, and other industries, hot rolling steel is cut up into small pieces for use at the Jobsite.

This material’s price depends on its type and how long it has been sitting around before being purchased by someone else to use again.

Cold-rolled steel has undergone extensive rolling to remove imperfections and strengthen it.

As such, it will cost a little more than hot rolled steel.

Furthermore, its chemical composition is not as close to that of high-alloy steel, which may be necessary for certain applications.

Low-alloy steel products include pipes for water transportation, and those used in autos, homes, and industry.

As with the rest of the scrap steel price schedule, the price can be found on a company’s website or in a list of bids at area scrap yards.

Below is an overview of scrap steel prices;

Type of Steel Scrap Price
Stainless Steel $0.22 per lb.
Steel $0.03 – 0.05 per lb.

What materials can be recycled?

There are many different types of steel, so you’ll want to do your research before heading to the scrap yard.

The metals market is a volatile one, so you’ll want to get the most for your money.

Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most popular types:

  • Hot rolled coil (HRC) is made from recycled steel and then rolled into a flat strip. It can be used for structural beams and reinforcement as well as architectural features.
  • Marine steel. This type of steel is formed to fit the needs of boats or ships. Because it’s so durable, this is an ideal material for shipbuilding.
  • Stainless steel. This type of steel contains a high percentage of chromium and is used in industrial applications, particularly those in which it’s exposed to water.
  • Carbon and low-alloy steel. These types of steel can be used for structural beams or components that have to handle a lot of stress such as garage doors, grills, and pipes.
  • Cold-rolled steel. This type of steel is created by rolling hot-rolled steel that has already been treated and processed so that the surface is smoother. The sheets are cut into coils before being sold to manufacturers.

The three most common types of steel are carbon, low-alloy, and stainless.

Each offers a range of applications that can be used in home or business construction, energy production and efficiency, transportation, shipbuilding and other industries.

This means there are a lot of materials made of steel that can be recycled and reused.

How to repurpose scrap Steel

When deciding how to recycle your scrap, consider the end use for the metal.

This is where repurposing steps in. Repurposing scraps refers to turning old pieces of metal into something entirely new and useful.

The ideas below should get your creative juices flowing.

Create a birdhouse

Birdhouses are a great repurposing project.

Most people have at least one birdhouse in their backyard.

If you’re lucky enough to have some bluebirds or other birds that like to nest in your area, you might need more than one.

Use old pieces of metal to create birdhouses so the birds have a place to stay.

Make a garden ornament

Many garden ornaments are made with steel.

If you want to add some color to your garden and make it look a little extra special, consider creating a few flower pots or other items with steel pieces as the base.

Many store-bought decorations that you see in the spring and fall also use steel as their base.

Frame them by cutting off parts of old pieces of wire fencing or using them to give some extra support to your garden’s structure.

Build a clothing rack

Do you want a clothing rack but don’t have the money to buy one?

Make one out of old pieces of steel.

Cut off a few pieces and bolt them together to create your own clothing rack.

It’s simple and easy to do, as well as inexpensive.

Even better, if you think no one will notice your repurposing efforts, you can make it look brand new.

Final Thoughts

Recycled steel is an excellent source for projects and repairs.

The material’s versatility, durability, and strength mean it can be used for a range of applications.

If you’re looking for a practical and budget-friendly way to reuse scrap steel, consider these ideas the next time you have some scrap metal lying around.

Workers from junkyards around the country are always looking for scrap metal to buy to recycle into new materials.

Take advantage, and you may see yourself saving money in the long run as well.

FAQs

What can be made from recycled steel?

Steel is a versatile material that can be used in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and other commercial and household applications.

It’s one of the few metals that can be recycled over and over again without affecting its strength or quality.

Among the items made from recycled steel include train tracks, architectural features, and tools.

How much do you get for a pound of Steel?

The price depends on where you get it from and what condition it’s in.

For example, a steel company may pay anywhere between $0.30 to $0.60 per pound of scrap steel.

Another business, such as an auto salvage yard or mechanical shop may pay between $0.06 to $0.20 per pound for used steel.

Author

  • Jen Wheeler

    Jen Wheeler, co-founder of Recycling-Revolution.com, holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Yale, and Stanford. A renowned environmentalist, she's championed sustainable practices at global events and leads EcoBright Solutions, focusing on recycling education and eco-friendly products.

    View all posts

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