The scrap scene in Rochester is an ever-shifting puzzlecopper glitters, steel stacks high, and every yard has its own tune. But with current rates floating around, being informed makes all the difference. Lets dig into the numbers and see how to get the most from your metal.
Local Yard Snapshot & Prices
Ben Weitsman Scrap (via iScrap App)
Recent reported prices per ton:
- Shreddable Steel: $157.60/ton
- Unprepared HMS Steel: $213.00/ton
- Light Iron: $125.00/ton
- #1 HMS Steel: $239.71/ton
Plus aluminum rims: about $0.53/lb.
iScrap App+1
Niagara Metals (Buffalo area, serving Rochester too)
Per pound pricing:
- Bare Bright Copper: $2.76
- #1 Copper: $2.62
- #2 Copper: $2.42
- Insulated Copper Wire: $0.30$1.20 (depending on purity)
- Yellow Brass: $1.55
- Sheet Aluminum: $0.42
- Lead-Acid Batteries: $0.14
- CuAl Radiators: $1.15
- 304 Stainless Steel: $0.30
niagarametals.com
J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers (Rochester area, as of August 2025)
Per pound:
- Bare Bright Copper Wire: $3.55
- #1 Copper Pipe: $3.50
- #2 Copper Pipe: $3.30
- Aluminum:
- Auto Rims: $1.00
- Cast: $0.68
- Extruded: $0.88
- Pop Cans: $0.70
- Brass:
- Red Brass: $3.10
- Yellow Brass (clean): $2.40
- Radiators (clean copper/aluminum): $1.85; dirty: $1.70
J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers
Why Prices Fluctuate Like Particles in a Collider
Metal pricing dances to its own rhythmsand its fun to watch:
- Purity mattersbare bright copper can fetch double the rate of low-grade bundles.
- Global demand & faresexport routes, tariffs, and international demand ripple into Rochester yards.
- Local market quirksyard overhead, competition, and sort standards can giveor takea few cents.
Quick Comparison Table
| Material / Category | Local Yard Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $2.76 (Niagara Metals) to $3.55 (J.R.s) |
| #1 Copper Pipe | ~$3.50 (J.R.s) |
| Yellow Brass | $1.55 to $2.40 |
| Aluminum (sheet/rims) | $0.42 to $1.00 per lb |
| Steel (#1 HMS) per ton | ~$240 (Ben Weitsman) |
| Light Iron per ton | ~$125 |
Why ScrapTrade Gives You the Edge in Rochester
When yards scatter the data and pricing shifts daily, ScrapTrade hands you clarityand cash:
- Competitive Bidding: Skip the contact chase; multiple buyers compete online, raising your bottom line.
- Secure Escrow Payments: Your money is safe until delivery is verified.
- Convenience 24/7: No calling, no yard-hoppinglist your scrap when you want, get offers fast.
- Scale-Friendly: A wire bundle or a load of HMS steelScrapTrade flexes with your volume.
- Transparency & Trust: Verified buyers, open bids, and zero surprises.
Final Thought: Rochester, Let Your Scrap Sparkle
Whether youre sifting through copper spans or prepping piles of HMS steel, knowing your local price is smartbut not enough. With ScrapTrade, you combine that knowledge with wider market access, clearer pricing, and secure transactions.
Recycle responsibly. Earn confidently. Let that scrap work harderfor both wallet and planet.
