Montreal Scrap Metal Price Guide 2026: Complete Breakdown by Grade

Montreal’s strategic location as a major port city and industrial hub creates unique scrap metal pricing dynamics that differ significantly from other Canadian markets. Understanding these regional variations is crucial for maximizing returns in Quebec’s largest metropolitan area.

Montreal’s strategic location as a major port city and industrial hub creates unique scrap metal pricing dynamics that differ significantly from other Canadian markets. Understanding these regional variations is crucial for maximizing returns in Quebec’s largest metropolitan area.

Current Montreal Scrap Metal Pricing Overview

Montreal scrap metal prices reflect the city’s diverse industrial base, including aerospace manufacturing, construction, and port activities. The city’s bilingual business environment and proximity to both US and European markets create competitive pricing structures that benefit sellers.

Current Montreal Pricing Ranges

  • Copper #1 Bare Bright: $8.75–$9.25 CAD per kg

  • Copper #2: $8.25–$8.75 CAD per kg

  • Aluminum Clean Cast: $2.15–$2.35 CAD per kg

  • Steel HMS #1: $385–$415 CAD per tonne

  • Stainless Steel 304: $4.25–$4.65 CAD per kg

  • Lead Clean: $2.85–$3.15 CAD per kg

Visit ScrapMonster’s Montreal pricing section for real-time updates and detailed grade comparisons.

Montreal Market Characteristics

Port Advantage

Montreal’s port facilities enable efficient export to European and Asian markets, supporting premium pricing for export-quality grades. The St. Lawrence Seaway provides cost-effective shipping routes benefiting local scrap dealers.

Aerospace Industry Impact

The presence of Bombardier, CAE, and other aerospace manufacturers generates high-quality aluminum and titanium scrap, creating specialized demand that supports premium pricing.

Construction Boom

Ongoing infrastructure projects and residential development boost demand for ferrous scrap, stabilizing steel pricing despite seasonal fluctuations.

Currency Considerations

Montreal pricing reflects CAD-USD exchange rate fluctuations, with export-oriented yards adjusting prices daily based on currency movements. Track currency impacts through ScrapMonster’s news section.

Grade-Specific Montreal Pricing Analysis

Copper Markets

Montreal’s electrical manufacturing and construction sectors create strong local demand for copper scrap. Older buildings provide steady supplies of copper plumbing and electrical wire; new construction yields clean copper offcuts commanding premium prices.

Aluminum Processing

Quebec’s abundant hydroelectric power supports aluminum smelting, creating dedicated demand for recycled aluminum. This energy advantage enables competitive pricing for all aluminum grades offered by Montreal yards.

Steel Infrastructure

Several major processing facilities serve domestic mills and exports, supporting stable pricing and efficient processing of all ferrous grades.

Stainless Steel Specialization

Montreal’s food processing and pharmaceutical industries generate consistent stainless steel scrap flows. Local processors specialize in grade segregation and quality control to meet market demand.

Transportation and Logistics Factors

Montreal’s extensive rail and highway networks ensure cost-effective transportation to processing facilities and export terminals. However, winter weather impacts collection and transport costs, reducing margins by 8-12% between January and March.

Seasonal Price Variations

Construction seasonality impacts ferrous pricing more than non-ferrous metals. Copper and aluminum maintain relatively stable prices year-round due to steady industrial demand, while steel prices correlate closely with construction activity.

Use ScrapMonster’s scrap yard directory to find yards with covered storage and winter processing capabilities for consistent pricing all year.

Competitive Landscape

Montreal’s scrap metal market features both large integrated processors and smaller specialty yards, creating a competitive environment for sellers. The city’s multilingual business setting fosters effective communication with English and French-speaking stakeholders.

Top Buyer Categories

  • Export-focused processors serving European and Asian markets

  • Regional mills requiring consistent feedstock

  • Specialty processors handling aerospace and industrial scrap

  • Construction-focused buyers managing demolition and infrastructure scrap

Regulatory Environment

Quebec’s environmental regulations impose strict controls on emissions and waste management, influencing scrap processing costs and pricing. Compliant yards typically offer more stable, long-term pricing relationships.

Documentation Requirements

Quebec mandates detailed transaction records and seller identification for all scrap sales. Ensure proper photo ID and understand reporting requirements with help from ScrapMonster’s glossary.

Future Outlook

Montreal’s scrap metal market outlook remains positive, driven by infrastructure investment, aerospace sector growth, and expanding port facilities. Transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy will create new scrap streams while sustaining demand for traditional grades.

Growth Drivers

  • Quebec’s Plan Nord infrastructure development

  • Aerospace sector expansion

  • Green energy initiatives increasing demand for copper and rare metals

  • Port modernization supporting export capacity

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