Scrap Materials Guide
Scrap materials are valuable resources hidden in everyday waste. This guide provides a complete overview of different types of scrap materials - from metals and plastics to electronics and construction waste. You'll learn about their current scrap values in the USA, best places to sell them, and practical recycling methods to turn discarded items into profit while protecting the environment. Whether you're a recycler, small business, or eco-conscious individual, this guide will help you understand how to make the most of scrap materials and contribute to a more sustainable future.
356 Aluminum Wheels (Clean)
356 Aluminum Wheels (Clean) are high-value non-ferrous scrap materials sourced from vehicle wheels. To maximize returns, rims must be free of tires, dirt, and lead wheel weights. Clean aluminum wheels fetch higher prices at scrap yards and are in demand for their quality alloy content.
ISRI Code : NA
6061 Extrusions
Extruded Aluminum Alloy 6061 is a medium to high strength aluminum alloy. It is one of the most widely used alloys in the 6000 series. 6061 Extrusions possess excellent corrosion resistance to atmospheric conditions. It also offers corrosion resistance to seawater.
ISRI Code : NA
6063 Extrusions
6063 Aluminum Extrusions are in high demand for their architectural strength, finishing versatility, and superior corrosion resistance. This guide reveals how to identify, sort, prepare, and sell your 6063 scrap for premium payouts. Learn price trends, business strategies, marketplace access, and more—powered by ScrapMonster.
ISRI Code : NA
Alternator Scrap
Alternator scrap from cars and trucks is a high-value source of copper and steel. Learn how to grade, prepare, and sell alternators for premium prices, discover current market rates, and explore global trading through ScrapMonster.
ISRI Code : NA
Aluminum Litho Sheet Scrap
Aluminum Litho Sheet Scrap—premium-grade metal from the printing and publishing industry. Learn how to identify, batch, and sell litho sheets for optimal pricing, discover price trends, recycling strategies, and turn your scrap into profit on ScrapMonster.
ISRI Code : NA
Aluminum Nodules - Clean Chopped & Shredded Aluminum Scrap
Aluminum Nodules (ISRI Code: TALL) consist of clean, chopped or shredded aluminum scrap containing 99.45% minimum aluminum content. This high-grade non-ferrous material is free from screening, hair-wire, iron, copper, insulation, and other non-metallic contaminants, making it highly valuable in the secondary aluminum market.
ISRI Code : NA
Aluminum Radiators
Radiators basically transfer heat from the coolant to the air. Radiators are usually made from aluminum and copper. The primary difference between copper and aluminum radiators is that aluminum radiators have wider tubes to carry the coolant.
ISRI Code : NA
Aluminum Transformers
Aluminum transformers are vital in electrical infrastructure, containing removable aluminum windings and casings. Scrap aluminum transformer units are recycled for their high aluminum content, finding new life in smelting and alloy manufacturing. Discover grades, best sale practices, pricing, and advanced recycling knowledge below.
ISRI Code : NA
Aluminum Utensil Scrap
Recycled aluminum utensil scrap comes from used household and commercial cookware, pots, pans, and related foodservice items. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and endlessly recyclable—these items are a major source of sustainable aluminum for smelters and manufacturers, with strong pricing and high-volume recovery globally.
ISRI Code : NA
Beryllium Copper Scrap
Beryllium Copper Scrap consists of clean beryllium alloyed copper solids. It may also include punching, clipping, bar, pipe, tubing or elbows.
ISRI Code : NA
Brass Radiator Scrap
Brass radiator scrap comes mainly from obsolete automobile and heating system radiators. Their high copper and zinc content means significant value for recyclers, with “clean” radiators (free of steel, fluid, and plastic) commanding premium pricing. This commodity remains core to the scrap trade even as the automotive industry shifts to aluminum.
ISRI Code : NA
Braziery Copper Scrap
Braziery copper scrap refers to copper that’s already tinned, soldered, brazed, or painted—commonly pipes, fittings, and jointing from demolition or plumbing. Valued for its high copper content (≥95%) and limited brass, it’s a staple for mixed copper recycling and the global secondary copper market.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper / Aluminum Radiator Scrap
Copper/Aluminum Radiator Scrap—also called ACR or copper fins—comes from radiators in refrigerators, air conditioners, and automotive cooling systems. Consisting of unalloyed copper tubes with aluminum cooling fins, these scraps are prized for their dual non-ferrous metal content and strong resale value in global recycling markets.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper / Aluminum Radiators/ Fe Scrap
Copper/Aluminum Radiators/ Fe Scrap shall consist of iron attached to the unit of copper fins in air conditioning units.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper / Large Electric Motor Scrap
Copper/Large Electric Motor Scrap consists of large electric motors that are more than 1 horsepower in size. It also includes copper coil windings from such motors.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper Transformer Scrap
Copper Transformer Scraps consists of copper windings surrounding a steel core. The copper windings may also be covered by an outer case.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper Turnings Scrap
Copper Turnings Scrap are the shavings of copper metal, often left after manufacturing of copper goods in machine shops or factories.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper/ Sealed Motors Scrap
Copper/ Sealed Motors Scrap comprises of sealed electric compressor motors, mainly derived from refrigerators and freezers.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper/Aluminum BX Cable Scrap
Copper/Aluminum BX Cable Scrap is made up of plastic insulated copper wire that is coated with aluminum casing.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper/Aluminum Radiator Ends Scrap
Copper/Aluminum Radiator Ends Scrap shall consist of materials that are cut from the end of Copper/Aluminum Radiators. The ends usually consist of iron or steel.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper/Fractional Electric Motor Scrap
Copper/Fractional Electric Motor Scrap consists of small electric motors less than 1 horsepower. It also includes small copper coil windings from such motors.
ISRI Code : NA
Copper/Steel BX Cable Scrap
Copper/Steel BX Cable Scrap is made up of plastic insulated copper wire that is coated with Steel casing.
ISRI Code : NA
Cu Yokes Scrap
Cu Yokes Scrap are a series of weaved copper wire with a plastic cone around. These are found on the back of tube televisions.
ISRI Code : NA
E.C Aluminum Wire
E.C Aluminum Wire shall consist of clean E.C. aluminum, chopped or shredded, free of screening, hair-wire, iron, copper, insulation and other non-metallic items. Further, it must be free of minus 20 mesh material and must contain 99.45% aluminum content.
ISRI Code : NA
Lead Battery Scrap
Lead Acid Battery Scrap is the most commonly found Lead scrap.Lead Battery scrap is available in the form of Lead Battery Plates (Rails), Wet Whole Intact Batteries (Rink) and Drained/Dry Whole Intact Lead Batteries (Rains).
ISRI Code : NA
Lead Shot/Bullet
Lead shots are the small round pellets of lead used as projectiles in shotguns. Lead is the primary material for shots and bullets. Alloying with antimony makes them hard. For instance, premium lead shots normally contain up to 6% antimony, while others contain about 1-2%. In Bullets, lead is almost entirely sheathed in a copper alloy jacket.
ISRI Code : NA
Lead Wheel Weights
Lead Wheel Weights are mainly used in automobiles as correction weight in order to ensure balancing of wheels. It may consist of lead tire balances with or without iron clips. In general, it must not include scrap lead, lugs or plates. Also, it must be free of any foreign material.
ISRI Code : NA
Light Scrap Copper
This category of copper scrap consists of miscellaneous, unalloyed copper solids having a minimum of 88% copper content. It may also include sheet copper, gutters and similar scrap.
ISRI Code : NA
Mixed Aluminum Turnings
Mixed Aluminum Turnings consist of clean, uncorroded aluminum borings, turnings and grindings. Aluminum Turnings are extremely small shavings made of aluminum which are usually remains from various manufacturing processes.
ISRI Code : NA
Mixed Hard/Soft Lead
Mixed Hard/Soft Lead shall consist of clean lead solids and lead shots, that are free of other materials such as drosses, battery plates, lead covered cables, collapsible tubes, type metals, aluminum, zinc, iron and brass fittings, dirty chemical lead and radioactive materials. Examples of Mixed Hard/Soft Scrap Lead include weights, pipes, gutters and pellets.
ISRI Code : NA
New Zinc Die Cast Scrap
New Zinc Die Cast Scrap consists of new or unused, clean, zinc base die castings. They must not be plated or painted and must be free from corrosion.
ISRI Code : NA
No. 1 Copper Wire Nodules Scrap
No.1 Copper Wire Nodules consist of No.1 bare, uncoated and unalloyed copper wire nodules that are by-products of a shredding or chopping operation.
ISRI Code : NA
No. 1 Insulated Copper Wire Scrap
No. 1 Insulated Copper Wire Scrap consists of wires that are plastic insulated. It must be uncoated and unalloyed. These scrap copper wires must be larger than 16 gauge.
ISRI Code : NA
No. 2 Copper Wire Nodules Scrap
No.2 Copper Wire Nodules Scrap consist of No.2 unalloyed copper wire nodules from a shredding operation. It provides 97% content re-melt recovery rate.
ISRI Code : NA
No. 2 Insulated Copper Wire Scrap
No. 2 Insulated Copper Wire Scrap consists of different plastic insulated unalloyed copper wire. The wires must be free of heavy or double insulation.
ISRI Code : NA
No. 3 Insulated Copper Wire Scrap
No. 3 Insulated Copper Wire Scrap consists of assorted plastic insulated unalloyed copper wire. It can contain heavy or double insulation wires and plastic insulated telephone cables.
ISRI Code : NA
No.1 Bare Bright Copper Wire Scrap
No.1 Bare Bright Copper Wire Scrap shall consist of bare, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire that is larger than 16 gauge.
ISRI Code : NA
No.1 Copper Wire Scrap
No.1 Copper Wire Scrap shall consist of clean, untinned, uncoated and unalloyed copper wire, not smaller than 16 gauge.
ISRI Code : NA
No.1 Heavy Scrap Copper
No.1 Heavy Scrap Copper shall consist of clean, unalloyed and uncoated copper solids. It may also include punchings, clippings, bus bars, clean pipe or tubing.
ISRI Code : NA
No.2 Copper Wire Scrap
No.2 Copper Wire Scrap shall consist of miscellaneous, clean, unalloyed copper wire having a nominal 96% copper content.
ISRI Code : NA
No.2 Scrap Copper
No.2 Scrap Copper consists of clean, unalloyed copper solids. It may include clean, oxidized or coated (plated) copper clippings, punchings, bus bars, commutator segments.
ISRI Code : NA
Old Mixed Aluminum Scrap
Old Mixed Aluminum Scrap shall consist of assorted, clean aluminum scrap. It must be free of foil, hair wire, plastic, dirt and other non-metallic items.
ISRI Code : NA
Old Sheet Aluminum
Old Sheet Aluminum consists of thin aluminum materials that are clean and free from iron, plastic, glass or other attachments. It may include construction aluminum sheeting, pots, pans, jacketing from BX wire, old antennas and old aluminum chairs.
ISRI Code : NA
Old Zinc Die Cast Scrap
Old Zinc Die Cast Scrap consists of miscellaneous old zinc base die castings, with or without iron and other foreign attachments. Ideally, the material should not contain iron in excess of 30%. Old Zinc Die Cast Scrap must be free of borings, turnings, dross pieces, chunks, melted pieces and skimmings.
ISRI Code : NA
Painted Sidings
Painted Sidings consist of clean, low copper aluminum siding painted on one or two sides. They must be free of plastic coating, iron, dirt, corrosion, fiber, foam, fiberglass backing or other non-metallic items. Moreover, they must be free of insulation materials.
ISRI Code : NA
Red Brass
Red Brass is an alloy comprised of more than 80% copper, 8-10% of tin, 2-4% of zinc and a very small quantity of lead. The huge quantity of copper content gives the metal a reddish color. It may occasionally contain grey-black or black spots that are developed due to its exposure to silver nitrate.
ISRI Code : NA
Romex Wires Scrap
Romex Wires Scrap are non-metallic wires that are commonly used for electrical wiring in homes. Romex consists of copper wires, a neutral conductor and a ground wire.
ISRI Code : NA
ScrapMonster's Battery Safety Guide
Essential safety protocols for handling, storing, and transporting lead-acid batteries. Covers PPE, chemical hazards, regulatory requirements, emergency procedures, and best practices to protect people, facilities, and the environment.
ISRI Code : NA
Soft Lead
Soft Lead shall consist of clean soft scrap lead, free of other materials such as drosses, battery plates, lead-covered cable, hard lead, collapsible tubes, foil, type metals, aluminum, zinc, iron and brass fittings, dirty chemical lead and radioactive materials. In short, Soft Lead is lead containing virtually no impurities other than the precious metals.
ISRI Code : NA
Soldered Copper Pipe Scrap
Soldered Copper Pipe Scrap is a category of scrap copper that consists of assorted copper pipe with soldered joints or ends.
ISRI Code : NA
Starters Scrap
Starters Scrap are found in cars, trucks and other vehicles. They are filled with copper wire inside. The copper wire content offers scrap metal value to them.
ISRI Code : NA
Used Beverage Can (UBC)
Aluminum Used Beverage Can (UBC) is a packaging container made primarily of aluminum. It is widely used for packaging carbonated soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juice, tea, sports drinks and beer. UBC Scrap must be free from excessive dirt, liquid, other scrap metals, lids, foil, plastic, paper, glass and other non-metallic items.
ISRI Code : NA
Wire Harness
Wire Harness is an assembly of electrical wires that are commonly found in electrical parts of automobiles. Normally, it contains a lot of wires sheathed in a plastic outer covering.
ISRI Code : NA
Xmas Lights Scrap
Xmas Lights or Christmas Lights are those strands of electric lights that are used to decorate trees, houses or commercial buildings during Christmas season.
ISRI Code : NA
Yellow Brass
Yellow Brass is a copper alloy that comprises of about 60-70% copper, 30-40% of zinc, tin and lead in traces. It must be free of iron, paint, plastic, washers, glass, etc. The presence of more zinc makes it look more yellowish in color. It is brighter in color and more reflective than Red Brass. Due to its lower copper content, it is priced lesser than Red Brass.
ISRI Code : NA
Zorba 90% NF
Zorba 90% NF comprises of Shredded Non Ferrous scrap that are predominantly aluminum. It can contain a combination of various non ferrous metals including aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, stainless steel, nickel, tin or zinc in elemental or alloyed form.
ISRI Code : NA
#1 Bundle Scrap
#1 Bundle consists of new black steel sheet scrap, clippings or skeleton scrap that are compressed into a bundle of not less than 75 pounds per cubic foot, so that the material can be handled with a magnet.
ISRI Code : NA
#1 Busheling Scrap
#1 Busheling Scrap may consist of clean steel scrap, not exceeding 2 feet by 5 feet. It may include new factory busheling such as sheet clippings, stampings etc. It must not contain old auto body and fender stock and must be free of metal coated, limed, vitreous enameled, and electric sheet containing over 0.5% silicon.
ISRI Code : NA
#1 Heavy Melting Scrap
#1 Heavy Melting Scrap (#1 HMS) is one of the two major categories of HMS which comprises of recyclable steel and wrought iron. It must be free of galvanized and blackened steel.
ISRI Code : NA
#2 Bundle Scrap
#2 Bundle consists of old black and galvanized steel sheet scrap, hydraulically compressed to charging box size and weighing not less than 75 pounds per cubic foot, so that the material can be handled with a magnet. #2 Bundle scrap may not include tin or lead-coated material or vitreous enameled material.
ISRI Code : NA
#2 Heavy Melting Scrap
#2 Heavy Melting Scrap (#2 HMS) is one of the two major categories of HMS which comprises of recyclable steel and wrought iron. The primary difference of #2 HMS with #1 HMS is that the former contains galvanized and blackened steel.
ISRI Code : NA
201 SS
Stainless Steel Scrap Grade 201 is characterized by its low nickel content. Grade 201 can be used as a substitute for type 301 in many applications, but is less corrosion resistant than 301. The greater nitrogen content in 201 offers higher yield strength and toughness when compared with 301.
ISRI Code : NA
301 SS
Grade 301 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel. It is non-magnetic when in the annealed condition, but becomes magnetic when cold worked. It contains lower chromium and nickel contents when matched with Type 304. Stainless steel grade 301 is generally supplied in the form of strips and wires. They are available in several conditions or tempers.
ISRI Code : NA
309 SS
Stainless Steel Scrap Grade 309 is austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel that is most commonly used for high temperature applications. They are highly corrosion resistant and possess excellent resistance to heat and oxidation. They are characterized by their strength at room and elevated temperatures.
ISRI Code : NA
310 SS
Grade 310 Stainless Steel is a medium carbon austenitic alloy. It comprises of 19-22% Nickel, 24-26% Chromium, under 3% each of Manganese, Tin, Phosphorus and Carbon. The balance is Iron. Like other austenitic stainless steel grades, 310 SS cannot be hardened by heat treatment. However, they can be hardened by cold work.
ISRI Code : NA
316 SS
Type 316 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel that contains molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum increases its corrosion resistance and provides increased strength at high temperatures. It has outstanding forming and welding characteristics. It is the second most popular grade of stainless steel.
ISRI Code : NA
330 SS
Type 330 is a high strength austenitic chromium-nickel-iron-silicon alloy that offers high resistance to oxidation and carburization. The silicon content enhances the excellent resistance provided by the high nickel and chromium content of the alloy. It also has high ductility and strength. 330 Stainless Steel Scrap shall consist of sorted AISI type 330 stainless steel solids.
ISRI Code : NA
Auto Parts Recycling
Smart auto parts recycling generates $1,000–$8,000+ per vehicle. This comprehensive guide ranks components by value with current November 2025 pricing, explains market dynamics affecting returns, and provides proven selling strategies for dismantlers, mechanics, fleet managers, and automotive recyclers maximizing end-of-life vehicle profits.
ISRI Code : NA
Cast Iron Scrap
Cast Iron Scrap is an alloy of iron that contains high amounts of carbon. The carbon content makes it susceptible to corrosion. As a result, Cast Iron scrap is often rusted and worn. It is mainly found in the form of castings and pipings, even though it is used in several other forms.
ISRI Code : NA
Sheet Metal
Sheet Metal may consist of thin, flat steel pieces generated by an industrial process. It can be bent and cut into a variety of shapes using different tools such as Snips, Hacksaw, Nibbler, Jigsaw, Band Saw etc. Steel sheets are often fabricated to form large number of useful new products in fabrication shops.
ISRI Code : NA
Cellular Phone Scrap
Cellular phone scrap comes from obsolete mobile phones—containing modest but critical quantities of precious metals, plastics, and battery components. Recycling phones responsibly returns gold, silver, copper, and other metals into the supply chain, driving profit and environmental benefit for the e-scrap industry.
ISRI Code : NA
CPU Processors
CPU processors are among the highest-value electronic scrap due to their rich gold, silver, platinum, and copper content. Vintage ceramic chips and modern fiber CPUs offer profitable recycling opportunities for refiners, scrap yards, and electronics recyclers. Find out current prices, best recycling practices, and where to trade your CPU processors now.
ISRI Code : NA
Hard Drives
Hard drive scrap is the byproduct of obsolete computers and servers—containing valuable metals (aluminum, copper, rare earths, precious metals), complex PCBs, and high-recyclability content. It’s a critical e-waste stream where data security and responsible recycling matter as much as resale value.
ISRI Code : NA
Memory Chips
Memory chip scrap—encompassing RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, and ICs—comes from outdated computers, servers, printers, and electronics. While light in weight, these modules are rich in gold, copper, palladium, and other high-value metals—making them a headline material for recycling profitability and tech circularity.
ISRI Code : NA
Power Supplies
Power supplies—especially those from computers and servers—are a crucial e-waste stream. Containing circuit boards, wires, metal heatsinks, transformers, and aluminum/steel enclosures, they deliver moderate scrap value and help ensure the responsible recovery of valuable and toxic materials.
ISRI Code : NA
Scrap Motherboard
Scrap motherboards are high-value e-waste from computers, servers, and network equipment, containing significant precious metals—gold-plated connectors, pins, and a mix of copper, silver, and base metals. Sorting, grading, and safe recycling unlock value and help drive the circular tech economy.
ISRI Code : NA
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