If you’re searching for scrap metal recycling in Portland, you’re tapping into a community with a rich recycling culture, competitive yard pricing, and environmentally conscious infrastructure. Whether you’re decluttering your garage or managing industrial offcuts, knowing the current rates and best practices in Portland will make sure you’re getting paid what your scrap is worth.
Current Scrap Metal Prices in Portland (Per Pound)
Heres what the numbers say, drawn from recent data:
MetalRecap (Portland Average Prices)
- 304 Stainless Steel: Avg. $0.28 /lb
- 316 Stainless Steel: Avg. $0.57 /lb
- Brass: Avg. $2.10 /lb
- Radiator Brass: $1.80 /lb
- Red Brass: Avg. $2.33 /lb
- Yellow Brass: Avg. $2.09 /lb
- Clean Aluminum Radiators: Avg. $0.46 /lb
- Aluminum/Cu Radiator (Clean): Avg. $1.50 /lb
metalrecap.com
PriceOfScrapMetals (Broad Portland Rates)
- Copper: $4.86 /lb
- Brass: $3.68 /lb
- Aluminum: $1.30 /lb
- Lead: $0.99 /lb
- Nickel: $7.45 /lb
- Tin: $16.77 /lb
- Zinc: $1.39 /lb
- Steel Scrap: $0.18 /lb
- Steel Rebar: $0.27 /lb
Scrap Metal Prices – USAScrap Metal Prices – USA
iScrap App Metro Metals-NW Specific Quotes
- Bare Bright Copper: $3.45 /lb
- #2 Copper Tubing: $3.09 /lb
- Tin-Coated Copper: $3.02 /lb
- Sheet Aluminum: $0.53 /lb
- Aluminum/Cu Radiators (clean): $1.60 /lb
- Aluminum Cans: $0.57 /lb
- Stainless Steel: $0.33 /lb
- Lead: $0.41 /lb
iscrapapp.com
Prices vary by material type and qualitybut copper consistently leads the pack.
What This Tells Sellers in Portland
- Copper (especially clean, bright wire) yields between $3.00$4.50 per pound.
- Brass (notably red and yellow alloys) earns solid rates of $2.00$3.70.
- Aluminium pays around $0.50$1.30, depending on cleanliness and type (e.g., cans vs. extrusions).
- Stainless steel and lead bring modest returns but still add value when collected in bulk.
Bottom line: sorting and cleaning your scrap dramatically improves your take-home value.
How to Get the Best Value from Your Scrap
- Sort Materials by Metal Type
Separate copper, brass, aluminium, and stainlessyards pay per grade, not by lump. - Check Prices Before You Go
Rates fluctuate daily, so platforms like Metro Metals-NW update in real time.
Reddit - Choose the Right Yard
Options like Far West Recycling offer free pickup and faster cash for clean scrap.
farwestrecycling.comReddit - Clean Your Metals
Removing contaminants like paint or attachments can significantly increase the rate.
portlandrecycling.com - Verify Your Yards Reputation
Local Redditors recommend places like Calbag Metals for fair service and clean handling.
Reddit
Final Take
Portlands scrap scene is alive with opportunitiesfrom vibrant copper rates to accessible yard services that respect both your time and the planet. Get learnt in todays prices, sort your materials smartly, and choose trusted recyclers to maximize your return.