Cast Iron Scrap Explained: ISRI Codes, Pricing and Where to Sell It

Cast iron scrap is a high-carbon iron alloy that corrodes easily and typically commands lower prices than cleaner ferrous grades. Here is how it is graded under ISRI, what it is worth on export markets, and where recyclers can sell it.

What Is Cast Iron Scrap?

Cast iron scrap is an alloy of iron with a high carbon content. That carbon content is what makes it prone to corrosion, so cast iron scrap is commonly found rusted and worn.

It is typically recovered from heating systems and vehicle components, and it is used to manufacture automobile parts and structural components. Most cast iron scrap appears in the form of castings and pipings, though it turns up in several other forms as well.

How ISRI Grades Cast Iron Scrap

Under the latest Scrap Specifications Circular 2017 released by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), cast iron scrap is referenced by codes 252 through 266:

• 252 — Cupola cast
• 253 — Charging box cast
• 254 — Heavy breakable cast
• 255 — Hammer block or bases
• 256 — Burnt iron
• 257 — Mixed cast
• 258 — Stove plate, clean cast iron stove
• 259 — Clean auto cast
• 260 — Unstripped motor blocks
• 261 — Drop broken machinery cast
• 262 — Clean auto cast, broken, not degreased
• 263 — Clean auto cast, degreased
• 264 — Malleable
• 265 — Broken ingot molds and stools
• 266 — Unbroken ingot molds and stools

The full ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular lists specifications for all other scrap materials as well.

Why Cast Iron Scrap Prices Stay Low

Scrap yards generally offer very low prices for cast iron scrap. Pricing depends on the quality of the metal and where it came from. Cast iron in relatively good condition fetches a better price than material that is old, rusted and worn out.

Cast Iron Scrap Export Prices

The table below shows cast iron scrap export prices as of mid-August 2020.

Source: ScrapMonster

For live steel scrap export prices, visit the Steel Scrap Prices section. For the latest cast iron scrap prices at individual scrap yards, visit Scrap Yard Prices.

Where to Sell Cast Iron Scrap

Cast iron is one of the most commonly used metals in the United States and one of the most traded scrap materials at U.S. scrap yards. Before delivering it, sellers need to bring it into a usable form and remove any insulation. Keeping cast iron scrap separate from other scrap materials is essential for getting the best pricing.

Some U.S. scrap yards that accept cast iron and steel scrap include:

• Alton Trading International, Ellicott City, Maryland
• Business Development International, Whitefish, Montana
• Jeffco Metals, Canton, Ohio
• M&M Recycle, Ferndale, Washington

The Scrap Yard Finder is the best way to locate additional scrap yards in your region. ScrapMonster also maintains a directory of scrap yards across the United States and Canada.

Selling Bulk Cast Iron Scrap

Large quantities of cast iron scrap can be recovered from scrapping vehicles, kitchenware, household equipment, farming equipment and similar sources. Metals should be completely separated so scrap yards don't value the load under one general mixed category. Rusted or worn cast iron should also be kept separate from higher-quality material.

The ScrapMonster Scrap Marketplace is an advanced B2B trading platform where members trade materials daily. Registered members can post and search the latest Sell Offers and Buy Offers for steel scrap. Only registered members can post new buy and sell listings — you can log in or register to get started.

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