Montreal Scrap Metal Price Guide 2026: Complete Breakdown by Grade
Metal Recycling News | 2025-12-26 10:37:35
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.
By 
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 Prices (2026 Overview)
Montreal scrap metal prices reflect the city’s diverse industrial base, including aerospace manufacturing, construction, and port activities. The bilingual business environment and proximity to both US and European markets create competitive pricing structures that can benefit sellers who compare yards.
Prices below are indicative ranges for late December 2025 and early 2026 and can change daily based on market conditions, currency, and individual yard strategies. Always confirm the latest buy prices directly with Montreal scrap yards or through ScrapMonster’s live price tools before selling.
Typical Montreal Scrap Pricing Ranges
All non‑ferrous prices are per kg; ferrous prices are per tonne. Ranges reflect what top‑paying or export‑oriented yards in Montreal typically offer for clean material and reasonable volumes.
| Grade | Typical range (CAD) | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper #1 Bare Bright | 8.75 – 9.25 | per kg | Very clean, bright copper wire and bus bar; no paint, solder, or insulation. |
| Copper #2 | 8.25 – 8.75 | per kg | Slightly tarnished tube and wire; small solder/paint acceptable. |
| Insulated Copper Wire (75%+ recovery) | 6.10 – 6.70 | per kg | High‑grade ICW; yards may pay based on actual test weight. |
| Insulated Copper Wire (50–60% recovery) | 4.50 – 5.20 | per kg | Common building wire; pricing depends heavily on copper recovery %. |
| Aluminum Clean Cast | 2.15 – 2.35 | per kg | Clean cast with minimal steel or plastic contamination. |
| Aluminum Wheels (clean, no tires) | 2.40 – 2.80 | per kg | Higher prices for fully de‑valved, de‑weighted rims. |
| Mixed/Light Iron | 300 – 340 | per tonne | Mixed household and light structural steel. |
| Steel HMS #1 | 385 – 415 | per tonne | Heavy melt steel meeting typical HMS #1 specs. |
| Stainless Steel 304 (solid) | 4.25 – 4.65 | per kg | Clean solids; turnings and contaminated material price lower. |
| Lead Clean | 2.85 – 3.15 | per kg | Sorted, contamination‑free lead (e.g., pipe, sheet); battery lead paid separately. |
Visit ScrapMonster’s Montreal pricing section for real‑time updates and detailed grade comparisons.
Key takeaways for sellers
Copper and high‑grade aluminum bring the highest returns per kg in Montreal’s 2026 market.
Steel prices are more volume‑sensitive and follow construction and mill demand closely.
Checking same‑day prices across at least two or three local yards often adds meaningful extra revenue per load.
How to Get Top Scrap Prices in Montreal
Montreal sellers can improve their payout significantly by focusing on preparation, timing, and yard selection.
Sort by metal and grade: Separate Bare Bright, #1, #2, and insulated wire instead of selling mixed copper; do the same for aluminum and steel.
Remove contaminants: Take off steel screws, fittings, plastic, excessive insulation, and other attachments where practical to upgrade the grade.
Check prices the day you haul: Use ScrapMonster’s Montreal page and call yards for same‑day buy prices before loading your truck.
Compare multiple yards: Export‑oriented and high‑volume yards may pay better on copper, aluminum, and stainless than small neighborhood buyers.
Ask about volume and payment terms: Larger loads may qualify for premiums, and some export yards may pay in USD for big, contract‑style shipments.
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
Stay informed on market developments with ScrapMonster’s news updates and subscribe to our YouTube channel for expert market analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are Montreal scrap prices different from Toronto or Vancouver?
Montreal’s unique position as a port city with aerospace industry, hydroelectric power advantages, and bilingual market dynamics set its pricing apart. See ScrapMonster’s regional comparisons for details.
- Do Montreal yards pay in CAD or USD?
Most yards pay in Canadian dollars, but export-focused buyers may offer USD pricing for large lots. Currency preferences appear in yard profiles on ScrapMonster’s directory.
- How do winter conditions affect Montreal scrap pricing?
Winter weather reduces collection efficiency and raises transport costs, lowering prices by 5-8% during peak months. Yards with indoor storage maintain steadier pricing.
- What documentation is needed to sell scrap in Montreal?
Government-issued photo ID is required, with transaction records kept. Large quantities may require additional paperwork. Consult ScrapMonster’s yard listings for specifics.
- Which Montreal yards offer the best pricing for copper wire?
Pricing depends on quantity and quality. Use ScrapMonster’s tools to compare offers and read seller reviews.
- How does Montreal’s aerospace industry affect aluminum pricing?
The sector produces high-grade aluminum alloys commanding premium pricing and maintains above-average demand for all aluminum grades.
