Scrap metal prices in Canada vary daily based on global metal markets, regional demand, and how clean or well-sorted your material is. Current scrap metal prices are typically quoted per pound and vary by metal type, grade, and location.
This guide provides current scrap metal price ranges per pound in Canada, along with practical notes on grading and preparation so you can understand what affects payouts and how to avoid being downgraded.
Important: Prices below are estimates. Always call local yards for exact rates.
What Affects Scrap Metal Prices in Canada?
Before looking at numbers, it’s important to understand why prices change.
Key factors include:
- Global commodity markets (copper, aluminum, steel)
- Local yard demand
- Metal grade and cleanliness
- Quantity sold
- Transportation and processing costs
Two people selling “copper” can be paid very different amounts depending on preparation.
Current Scrap Metal Prices per Pound in Canada
Below are typical price ranges per pound you may see at Canadian scrap yards. Prices are shown as low-high ranges to reflect real-world variation.
Last reviewed: March 2025
🟠 Copper Scrap Prices per Pound
| Copper Type | Typical Price Range (CAD/lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Copper (Bare Bright) | $4.80 – $5.40 | Clean, shiny, uncoated |
| #2 Copper | $4.20 – $4.75 | Light oxidation or solder |
| Insulated Copper Wire | $1.80 – $3.50 | Depends on copper recovery |
| Copper Pipe (Clean) | $4.40 – $5.10 | No fittings or solder |
| Copper Pipe (Dirty) | $3.50 – $4.30 | Solder, paint, fittings |
👉 Tip: Stripping wire or removing fittings can increase payout significantly.
⚪ Aluminum Scrap Prices per Pound
| Aluminum Type | Typical Price Range (CAD/lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Aluminum | $0.80 – $1.10 | No steel or plastic |
| Dirty Aluminum | $0.40 – $0.70 | Mixed materials |
| Aluminum Cans | $0.55 – $0.75 | Clean & bagged |
| Extruded Aluminum | $1.00 – $1.40 | Window frames, rails |
🟡 Brass Scrap Prices per Pound
| Brass Type | Typical Price Range (CAD/lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Yellow Brass | $3.20 – $3.80 | No steel inserts |
| Dirty Brass | $2.50 – $3.10 | Valves, mixed metals |
🔩 Steel / Ferrous Scrap Prices
| Metal Type | Typical Price Range (CAD/lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shred Steel | $0.08 – $0.15 | Most common ferrous |
| Cast Iron | $0.10 – $0.18 | Engines, tubs |
| Heavy Steel | $0.12 – $0.22 | Thick, clean steel |
Ferrous metals pay less but are often accepted in large quantities.
⚙️ Stainless Steel & Specialty Metal Prices
| Metal Type | Typical Price Range (CAD/lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | $0.80 – $1.50 | Grade matters |
| Lead | $0.60 – $1.00 | Batteries, roofing |
| Electric Motors | $0.20 – $0.60 | Copper content varies |
Why Scrap Prices Vary by City
Many people search for scrap metal prices in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and other Canadian cities, but prices can vary even within the same region based on yard demand and volume.
Prices can differ between:
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Brampton
- Hamilton
- Vancouver
- Calgary
Reasons include:
- Transportation costs
- Competition between yards
- Industrial demand
- Export access
Clean vs Dirty Scrap Metal (Why Grades Affect Price)
One of the biggest reasons sellers lose money is downgrading.
Common downgrade reasons:
- Steel mixed with non-ferrous
- Plastic insulation not removed
- Solder or fittings attached
- Mixed grades in one bin
Separating metals properly often pays 20–50% more.
Scrap yards pay significantly more for clean, well-sorted scrap metal because it reduces processing and contamination costs.
👉 See our full [Metal Sorting Guide] for details.
How Often Do Scrap Metal Prices Change?
- Copper & aluminum: daily to weekly
- Steel: weekly to monthly
- Specialty metals: variable
Most yards update prices at least weekly, sometimes daily for high-value metals.
How to Get the Best Scrap Metal Price
Before going to the yard:
- Sort metals by type and grade
- Remove steel attachments
- Strip wire if economical
- Bring larger loads if possible
- Call multiple yards
Small prep steps can add hundreds of dollars over time.
Disclaimer
Scrap metal prices listed on this page are estimates only. Actual payouts depend on yard policies, grading practices, quantity, and market conditions. Always confirm prices directly with local scrap yards.