Red Brass
ISRI Code : NA | Last updatedAugust 10, 2026 09:44:01 PM
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.
Red Brass Scrap: What It Is, Why It Costs More, and Where to Sell It
Red brass, also known as gunmetal, is a high-copper alloy prized in the scrap trade for its plumbing, musical instrument, and jewelry applications. Because of its heavy copper content, it consistently commands a higher price than yellow brass. Here is what sellers need to know about identifying it, pricing it, and finding a buyer.
What Readers Should Know
- Red brass contains more than 80% copper, 8–10% tin, 2–4% zinc, and a small amount of lead.
- Its high copper content gives it a reddish color and a higher scrap value than yellow brass.
- It is used in plumbing fixtures, musical instruments, jewelry, and heat-resistant components.
- As of mid-August 2020, US export prices ranged from $1.73 to $1.75 per lb, while China's price stood at CNY 35,050 per MT.
- Pricing depends on contamination levels — clean, sorted red brass free of lead and steel fetches the best rates.
What Is Red Brass?
Red brass is an alloy made up of more than 80% copper, 8–10% tin, 2–4% zinc, and a very small amount of lead. Because it is widely used to manufacture guns, it is commonly known as gunmetal.
The large proportion of copper gives the metal its reddish color. It can occasionally develop grey-black or black spots from exposure to silver nitrate. Red brass carries a higher price than yellow brass because of its greater copper content.
Red brass is used in plumbing applications such as sprinkler heads, faucet valves, water pumps, water tubes, meters, and fittings. It is also used to make musical instruments and jewelry. Because it withstands very high temperatures, recycled red brass scrap is in strong demand for plumbing system remodels.
Why Red Brass Costs More Than Yellow Brass
The high copper content in red brass makes it pricier than yellow scrap. Pricing depends on the amount of lead or steel contamination — red brass that is free of heavy lead and steel contamination fetches the best price.
Sellers should also make sure red brass is sorted and separated from other red metal alloys. This sorting isn't always straightforward for a non-expert, and it may require professional assistance.
Red Brass Export Prices by Region
The table below shows red brass export prices as of mid-August 2020.
| Region | Price |
|---|---|
| North America, US Midwest | $1.74 per lb |
| US East Coast | $1.73 per lb |
| US West Coast | $1.75 per lb |
| China | CNY 35,050 per MT |
Source: ScrapMonster
Visit the Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices section for detailed brass export prices, or check Scrap Yard Prices for the latest red brass rates paid at scrap yards.
Also Read
- Yellow Brass Scrap Prices — see how yellow brass pricing compares to red brass
- ScrapMonster Scrap Materials Guide — browse specs and pricing for other scrap metal categories
Where Can You Sell Red Brass Scrap?
Red brass can be recycled as-is and does not need to be purified. It is one of the brass scrap items in high demand at scrap yards. Take red brass scrap to any local scrap yard to earn good money.
The following are some US scrap yards that accept red brass:
- SPT Materials, Johnston, Rhode Island
- CNY Metal Recovery, Auburn, New York
- Packs Recycling, Smithville, Tennessee
- Boge Iron & Metal Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas
Use the Scrap Yard Finder to search for more scrap yards near your location. The US Scrap Yard Directory lists scrap yards across the United States, and a similar list for Canada is available under Scrap Yards in Canada.
Selling Bulk Quantities of Red Brass
Plumbing projects often generate large loads of red brass scrap. Building demolition yards and industrial sites often partner with major local scrap yards, which in turn arrange for on-site storage and free pickup of red brass scrap.
The ScrapMonster Scrap Marketplace is an advanced trading platform where members trade materials daily, including brass and bronze buy and sell offers. Only registered members can post new buy and sell listings — you can log in or register to get started.
What Readers Are Asking
What is another name for red brass?
Red brass is commonly known as gunmetal because it is widely used to make guns.
What causes red brass to develop grey-black or black spots?
Exposure to silver nitrate can cause grey-black or black spots to form on red brass.
Does red brass need to be purified before recycling?
No. Red brass can be recycled as-is and does not need to be purified.
What increases the price a scrap yard pays for red brass?
Red brass free of high lead and steel contamination, and properly sorted from other red metal alloys, fetches the best price.
What was red brass priced at in China as of mid-August 2020?
Red brass was priced at CNY 35,050 per metric ton in China as of mid-August 2020.
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