What Is the Current Scrap Price of Brass?

Brass, an alloy primarily composed of copper and zinc, is a valuable and versatile metal in the recycling market. Widely used in applications from plumbing fixtures to musical instruments, it’s a common material in scrap streams. Recycling brass efficiently, often with less energy than new production, contributes to its appeal and demand. Understanding factors influencing its scrap value is important for sellers.

Common Types of Brass Scrap

Brass exists in various forms, each with a distinct composition that influences its scrap value. Identifying the specific type of brass is crucial for determining its potential worth.

Yellow Brass

Yellow brass is the most common type encountered in scrap, typically containing 60-70% copper and 30-40% zinc. Its bright golden color is characteristic, and it is frequently found in plumbing fixtures, keys, decorative items, doorknobs, car parts, and radiators.

Red Brass

Red brass has a higher copper content, generally around 85% copper, with the remainder being zinc, tin, and lead. This increased copper percentage gives it a reddish hue and contributes to its higher value in the scrap market. Common sources include valves, pipe fittings, and certain marine hardware components.

Naval Brass

Naval brass is specifically formulated for marine environments, offering enhanced corrosion resistance. This alloy typically contains approximately 59-62% copper, 39-40% zinc, and about 0.5-1% tin. The addition of tin helps to prevent dezincification, a form of corrosion that can occur in saltwater. It is commonly found in ship propellers, fasteners, and other marine equipment.

Shell Casing Brass

Shell casing brass is a specialized alloy, typically composed of about 70% copper and 30% zinc. This specific blend provides the necessary strength and ductility for ammunition casings. Spent shell casings represent a consistent source of this particular brass alloy for recycling.

Mixed Brass

Mixed brass refers to unsorted or contaminated brass scrap. While still recyclable, it generally commands a lower price per pound due to the additional sorting and processing required by scrap yards.

Key Factors Affecting Scrap Prices

The price of brass scrap is not static; it fluctuates in response to economic and market forces. Understanding these influences can help in anticipating potential shifts in scrap value.

Global Copper Prices

Global copper prices are the primary determinant of brass scrap value, as copper is brass’s main component. Prices on international commodity exchanges, such as the London Metal Exchange (LME), directly impact brass prices. For instance, as of August 6, 2025, copper prices were around $4.40 USD per pound, serving as a benchmark for related alloys.

Supply and Demand Dynamics

Supply and demand dynamics shape prices. When demand from industries like automotive, construction, and electronics is high and scrap supply is limited, prices tend to rise. Conversely, an oversupply of scrap or reduced industrial demand can lead to lower prices.

Broader Economic Conditions

Broader economic conditions influence metal prices. Economic growth typically increases industrial output and construction, boosting demand for new and recycled metals. Inflation can affect prices by increasing production costs, while interest rates impact financing for metal production and investment decisions.

Currency Exchange Rates

Currency exchange rates, particularly the strength of the U.S. dollar, affect the global trading of commodities like brass. Since many international metal transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars, a stronger dollar can make metals more expensive for buyers using other currencies, potentially dampening demand and prices. Fluctuations can directly impact the cost of imported metals and the competitiveness of domestic producers.

Transportation and Processing Costs

Transportation and processing costs indirectly influence the price offered for brass scrap. Higher fuel prices increase the cost of moving scrap to recycling facilities. If scrap contains significant contaminants, cleaning and preparing the material for melting will reduce the net price a buyer can offer.

Finding Current Scrap Prices

Determining the current scrap price for brass involves utilizing various resources to obtain up-to-date information. Prices can vary considerably based on location, market conditions, and the specific scrap yard. Proactive research helps in securing the best possible return for your material.

Contacting Local Scrap Metal Recycling Centers

Contacting local scrap metal recycling centers directly is a primary method for obtaining current prices. Many yards provide price quotes over the phone or through their websites. It is advisable to call several different facilities in your area, as prices can differ significantly from one buyer to another.

Online Scrap Price Aggregators and Mobile Applications

Online scrap price aggregators and mobile applications compile average scrap metal prices from various sources. While these platforms offer a general estimate, they may not always reflect the precise local rates or account for all specific market nuances. These tools serve as a useful starting point for understanding overall trends.

Industry Publications and Metal Commodity Websites

Industry publications and metal commodity websites serve as valuable references for daily or weekly price updates. The London Metal Exchange (LME), for example, provides live and historical data for base metals like copper, which strongly correlates with brass prices. Staying informed through such resources offers insights into broader market movements.

Providing Specific Details

When seeking a quote, it is important to provide specific details about the type and estimated quantity of brass. Clearly distinguishing between yellow brass, red brass, or other specific alloys can lead to a more accurate and potentially higher quote. Knowing the approximate weight of your material also helps in receiving a precise offer.

Maximizing Value from Brass Scrap

Preparing brass scrap effectively can significantly increase the value you receive when selling it. Focusing on purity and organization before heading to a recycling facility can lead to better prices per pound. Taking these actionable steps ensures a higher return on your efforts.

Sorting Brass by Type

Sorting brass by type maximizes value, as different brass alloys command different prices. Separating yellow brass from red brass, for instance, ensures higher-copper-content materials receive their appropriate premium. Many scrap yards offer tiered pricing based on brass purity and composition.

Removing Contaminants

Removing contaminants is important, as non-brass materials reduce scrap purity and value. Common contaminants include steel screws, plastic components, rubber seals, excessive dirt, or paint. Scrap yards often pay less for “dirty” brass due to the additional processing required to separate impurities.

Basic Cleaning

Basic cleaning of brass can improve its grading and price. While extensive cleaning may not always be economically viable, removing heavy grime, oil, or loose paint can make a difference. Clean, pure material is more desirable to buyers as it streamlines their processing operations.

Selling Larger Quantities

Selling larger quantities of sorted and cleaned brass results in better prices per pound. Scrap yards often offer higher rates for bulk amounts because it is more efficient for them to process. Accumulating a substantial volume before selling can lead to increased earnings.