Scrap Metal Prices Within 5 Miles: How to Get the Best Local Rates

When you type “scrap metal prices within 5 mi”, you’re hunting for the quickest, closest, and most profitable way to turn your scrap into cash. But here’s the catch: the nearest scrap yard isn’t always the best-paying one. Prices vary not only by metal type but also by location, demand, and dealer transparency.

Let’s break down how scrap metal pricing works near you, what 2024 trends taught us, and how ScrapTrade helps you find the best price without running in circles from yard to yard.

Why Scrap Prices Differ, Even Within 5 Miles

You’d think two yards in the same city would pay the same, but reality disagrees. Even within a 5-mile radius, prices can swing due to:

• Yard overheads: Smaller operators may offer less.
• Transport distance to mills: Yards closer to ports or smelters often pay more.
• Metal quality: Clean copper wire gets top value; mixed or contaminated loads drop in price.
• Market timing: Prices shift daily, especially for copper and steel, based on global demand.

So the “best scrap prices near me” are not automatically the ones closest to your house.

Average Scrap Metal Prices (2024 Benchmarks)

Here’s what common metals were fetching in 2024, converted into per-kilogram values for smaller sellers:

• Copper (Bright Wire):
  – £6.00–£7.00/kg (UK)
  – $8.00/kg (U.S.)
• Brass:
  – £3.00/kg (UK)
  – $4.80/kg (U.S.)
• Aluminium (Clean):
  – £1.00/kg (UK)
  – $1.70/kg (U.S.)
• Lead:
  – £1.10/kg (UK)
  – $1.30–$1.40/kg (U.S.)
• Steel / Iron (Light):
  – £150–180 per tonne (UK)
  – $0.15/kg (U.S.)

These are averages—what you actually get within 5 miles depends on the buyer.

How to Check Scrap Prices Near You

1. Call Nearby Yards

The old-school way: call a few scrap yards within 5 miles and ask for today’s rate.

2. Check Online Price Boards

Some yards update websites daily, but not all do—and prices aren’t always reliable.

3. Use ScrapTrade to Compare Buyers Instantly

Instead of driving or calling around, ScrapTrade shows you real-time offers from verified buyers near you and beyond, letting you compare before you sell.

Why ScrapTrade Beats “Within 5 Miles”

Focusing only on distance can mean missing out on higher profits. ScrapTrade expands your options without sacrificing convenience:

• Verified Buyers & Sellers – No shady deals, just trusted partners.
• Live Market Analytics – See today’s real scrap value, not yesterday’s.
• Escrow-Protected Payments – You get paid safely, every time.
• Integrated Logistics – We handle collection and delivery, so selling beyond 5 miles is still effortless.

With ScrapTrade, your best price might be 2 miles away—or 200. Either way, you get the deal that works for you.

Final Word

Searching “scrap metal prices within 5 mi” is a smart start, but don’t let geography alone decide your profits. Local yards may be convenient, but ScrapTrade gives you convenience and competition, which means better prices and secure payments.

Instead of asking “where’s the nearest yard?”, the better question is: “who’s offering the best value today?” With ScrapTrade, you’ll always know the answer.