What’s the difference between “clean” and “dirty” brass radiator scrap?

Clean is free of any steel, fluid, or non-brass attachments; dirty includes these and requires further processing.

How do I maximize my payout for brass radiators?

Drain coolant, remove all side plates (steel), caps/plastic, and separate from other radiator types before selling.

Can brass radiators be exported?

Yes, subject to export controls. Required documentation: bill of lading, proof of composition, and sometimes ISRI code.

Why do some yards pay less for “auto” radiators?

If they contain mixed metal, solder, or plastics, more downstream processing is needed; they’re downgraded from “clean.”

Where are brass radiators used today?

Heritage vehicles, some high-end motorcycles, and industrial heating—recycling is especially valuable for restoration markets.

Brass Radiator Scrap

ISRI Code : NA | Last updatedOctober 28, 2025 09:57:08 PM

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.

What is Brass Radiator Scrap?

Brass radiator scrap consists of radiators historically used in cars, trucks, trucks, and building heating systems—primarily before the widespread adoption of aluminum. These radiators are built from copper-brass cores (for their high thermal conductivity), with potential traces of solder, steel side plates, rubber, or plastic.

Clean Brass Radiator:
Free of steel, plastic, and fluids. “Clean” status means higher premiums at the yard.
Dirty Brass Radiator:
Contains attached steel tanks, plastic, or residual fluid. Requires further processing—usually paid at a discount.

Brass radiators are becoming less common in new vehicles, but the legacy volume in auto and HVAC recycling remains massive worldwide.

Brass Radiator Scrap: Market and Business Dynamics

Why Profitable?

High Metal Content:
Contains a favorable ratio of copper (~60-70%), zinc (~20-30%), and trace elements, making it valuable per pound.
Bulk Availability:
Sourced in large quantities from auto-recycling, demolition sites, scrap drives, and service stations.

Typical Pricing (as of recent data):

US (Clean, by region): $1.27–$1.29/lb
China: CNY 29,850/MT
Europe: US$2,450/Tonne
Check live prices here or via Scrap Yard Prices.

Advanced Recycling & Preparation Guidance

Dismantle for Purity:
Remove all steel, iron, or plastic tanks/caps. Extract coolant/fluid—yards require NO LIQUID.
Sort by Alloy:
Keep brass radiators separate from aluminum or copper-aluminum types for best pricing.
Condition Matters:
“Clean” radiators are graded higher—effort to clean before sale returns a significant premium.

Where to Sell Brass Radiator Scrap

Local Yards:
Find top US yards with the Scrap Yard Finder, US Scrap Yard Directory, or Canadian Yards.
Bulk Buyers:
Auto and truck recyclers, fleet maintenance yards, and major HVAC contractors often have standing contracts with local processors for regular pickup.
Marketplace Solutions:
Use the ScrapMonster Marketplace to post sell offers for brass/bronze scrap:
- Sell Offers for Brass/Bronze
- Buy Offers for Brass/Bronze

Global Trade & Sustainability Trends

Shifting Supply:
With the rise of aluminum radiators in new vehicles, the proportion of brass radiators in trade is falling—which may increase their value for legacy and restoration projects.
Circular Economy Dividend:
Every ton of recycled brass saves >4 tons of CO₂ versus mining new copper/zinc—a huge win for ESG and sustainability managers.
Remanufacturing:
Recycled brass finds new life in plumbing, marine hardware, art, and high-end restoration parts.

ScrapMonster Internal Links & Value-Add Services

Fun Facts: Brass Radiator Edition

Endless Recycling: Brass, mostly copper and zinc, can be recycled indefinitely—no quality loss!
Historic Innovation: The first radiators in the Model T and luxury cars were all brass, prized for heat dissipation.
Higher Scrap Value: Despite declining mainstream use, brass radiators still beat most steel or aluminum scrap for price per pound.
Restoration Gold: Car restorers and classic auto clubs will pay top dollar for original brass units—sometimes more than the melt value!
Global Citizen: Major exporters of brass radiator scrap include the US, India, Turkey, and Italy.

Related Materials & Further Reading

For more on brass and non-ferrous scrap, market analytics, and the best prices—visit ScrapMonster.com, the #1 global platform for the metal recycling trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between “clean” and “dirty” brass radiator scrap?
Clean is free of any steel, fluid, or non-brass attachments; dirty includes these and requires further processing.
How do I maximize my payout for brass radiators?
Drain coolant, remove all side plates (steel), caps/plastic, and separate from other radiator types before selling.
Can brass radiators be exported?
Yes, subject to export controls. Required documentation: bill of lading, proof of composition, and sometimes ISRI code.
Why do some yards pay less for “auto” radiators?
If they contain mixed metal, solder, or plastics, more downstream processing is needed; they’re downgraded from “clean.”
Where are brass radiators used today?
Heritage vehicles, some high-end motorcycles, and industrial heating—recycling is especially valuable for restoration markets.