Texas, with its booming construction, manufacturing, and oil industries, is one of the largest producers and consumers of scrap metal in the United States. Whether you're a seasoned scrapper, a contractor with leftover material, or someone cleaning out the garage, knowing the current scrap metal prices in Texas can help you turn clutter into cash.
As of April 2025, the scrap metal market in Texas remains active and slightly volatile, driven by global demand, regional supply chains, and economic factors. This article will break down current average prices, what influences them, and tips to get the best value when selling scrap in the Lone Star State.
? Average Scrap Metal Prices in Texas (April 2025)
Prices can vary by city, scrapyard, and grade, but here are general average ranges per pound:
? Non-Ferrous Metals (Higher Value)
Copper (bare bright): $3.80 – $4.20/lb
Copper #1: $3.50 – $3.90/lb
Copper #2: $3.10 – $3.50/lb
Brass (yellow): $2.10 – $2.40/lb
Aluminum Cans: $0.55 – $0.70/lb
Aluminum (clean sheet): $0.70 – $0.85/lb
Stainless Steel: $0.75 – $1.05/lb
? Ferrous Metals (By the Ton)
Heavy Melting Steel (HMS #1): $280 – $330/ton
Shredded Steel: $290 – $350/ton
Cast Iron: $260 – $320/ton
Light Iron / Tin: $100 – $150/ton
? Note: These prices reflect average yard payouts in major Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. Rural or border areas may differ due to transportation and local demand.
? Why Scrap Prices Change Frequently
The scrap metal market, especially in a large and trade-driven state like Texas, is influenced by a mix of local and global factors:
1. Global Metal Demand
Texas scrap often ends up in steel mills or gets exported via ports like Houston or Corpus Christi. So when countries like China, India, or Turkey increase imports, prices spike.
2. Energy & Fuel Costs
Transportation plays a big role in the final payout for scrap. High fuel prices mean scrapyards spend more moving materials, which may reduce what they pay sellers.
3. Supply & Construction Cycles
In Texas, construction booms (especially in cities like Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin) create more scrap—and more demand. Prices often go up in spring and summer when building activity peaks.
4. Economic Conditions
Inflation, interest rates, and industrial activity also affect scrap prices. When factories slow production, demand for recycled metal dips, pulling prices down.
? Top Cities in Texas for Scrap Metal Recycling
Here are some areas where scrap activity is especially strong, along with common materials traded:
Houston: A major export hub, with competitive pricing on copper and aluminum.
Dallas/Fort Worth: Great for both residential and commercial scrapping, especially steel and iron.
San Antonio: A mix of construction scrap, automotive parts, and household metals.
Austin: Smaller yards but good rates for non-ferrous metals, especially aluminum and electronics.
El Paso & Laredo: Border proximity means some yards offer better rates due to cross-border demand.
? Tips to Get the Best Scrap Prices in Texas
Know Your Metal Types: Use a magnet to separate ferrous (magnetic, lower value) from non-ferrous (non-magnetic, higher value) metals.
Clean Your Scrap: Yards pay more for clean, sorted metal. For example, copper wire without insulation fetches a much better rate.
Shop Around: Don’t just go to the nearest yard. Call a few in your area or check online price boards—rates can vary by 10–20%.
Use Scale Apps or Weight Checks: Bring your own scale or keep track to make sure you’re being paid fairly.
Recycle in Bulk: Yards often give better rates for large volumes.
? What Kind of Scrap Is Most Profitable in Texas?
In general, copper remains king. Whether it’s stripped wire from electrical work or plumbing pipes, it consistently offers the highest return. Brass, aluminum wheels, and car batteries (which contain lead) are also popular for reselling.
Ferrous metals, while less valuable per pound, can add up quickly in large volumes—think appliances, water heaters, steel beams, and old farm equipment.
? What’s the Outlook for Scrap Prices in 2025?
Economists expect modest growth in metal demand for the remainder of 2025, driven by:
Infrastructure projects across the U.S.
Continued electric vehicle and battery production
Global steel mill recovery post-pandemic slowdowns
This means scrap prices, especially for copper and aluminum, are expected to remain relatively strong—though some dips could occur based on global events and fuel costs.
✅ Final Thoughts
The scrap metal market in Texas is a dynamic, ever-shifting landscape. With a little knowledge and smart timing, you can make the most out of your scrap—whether you're dropping off a truckload from a demo job or just a bag of cans.
