Brass Scrap Prices Today
2 brass grades tracked. National averages updated daily.
About Brass
Brass is one of the staple categories at scrap yards across the country. Downstream demand for plumbing fittings, valves, and decorative hardware is what sets the floor on yard prices. Yards see the material arrive from plumbing remodels and industrial valve replacement. fittings foundries and pump manufacturers are the typical downstream buyers for sorted loads. For sellers, calling a couple of nearby yards before driving over confirms the day's posted rate and which grades are being accepted at the scale that morning.
Brass Grades
| Grade | Current Price | Unit | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brass | $3.65 | /lb | Nov 10, 2026 |
| Red Brass | $4.37 | /lb | Nov 10, 2026 |
What drives the Brass market
What sets Brass prices is the daily commodity benchmark plus a yard-specific margin. End-use demand from plumbing fittings, valves, and decorative hardware is a primary driver of where prices land. On the supply side, the steady flow from plumbing remodels and industrial valve replacement sets the volume that hits the scale each week. Yards split the category into two grades, with Red Brass paying highest and Yellow Brass carrying the discount tied to steel screws, rubber gaskets, and chrome plating. The practical takeaway for sellers is that posted rates for Brass reflect both the commodity benchmark and the local pull from fittings foundries and pump manufacturers.
How Brass grades compare
The price gap between Brass grades comes from cleanliness, attached parts, and the cost of downstream processing. Red Brass pays the highest of the family — it can move directly into fittings foundries and pump manufacturers. On the other end, Yellow Brass pays a smaller per-pound rate, mostly due to steel screws, rubber gaskets, and chrome plating. A good portion of the spread can be closed by removing steel screws, rubber gaskets, and chrome plating before the trip to the yard.
Brass Prices by State
Frequently asked about Brass
- Why does Brass pricing change from week to week?
- Posted yard rates follow the underlying commodity market, which responds to industrial demand and inventory cycles. When the benchmark moves, yard rates usually catch up within a couple of business days.
- How can I get a higher price for my Brass?
- Removing steel screws, rubber gaskets, and chrome plating before bringing the load in is the simplest way to land in a cleaner grade on the scale. Sorting by grade ahead of time also helps the yard process your material faster.
- How are Brass prices set?
- Posted yard prices track the daily commodity benchmark, with each yard adding or subtracting based on volume, sorting cost, and shipping distance to fittings foundries and pump manufacturers.
- Which grade of Brass pays the highest?
- On a per-pound basis, Red Brass pays the highest of the family because downstream buyers can move it straight into fittings foundries and pump manufacturers without further sorting.
- Do all scrap yards buy Brass?
- Brass is one of the staple categories, so the typical yard handles it. Some yards focus on auto salvage, demolition, or industrial accounts and may not post rates for every grade.
- Where can I find Brass to scrap?
- Brass shows up in plumbing remodels and industrial valve replacement. Common sources include parts tied to plumbing fittings, valves, and decorative hardware — old wiring, removed plumbing, salvaged appliances, and trade scraps from contractors and remodelers.
- How much is brass per pound at a scrap yard today?
- As of Nov 10, 2026, the US national average is $4.37/lb for Red Brass and $3.65/lb for Yellow Brass. Yards quote around these figures depending on grade, cleanliness and volume, so call two or three with your weight for a firm price.
- Which brass grade pays the most?
- Red Brass pays the most at $4.37/lb; Yellow Brass is the lowest at $3.65/lb. Sorting by grade before you arrive is the biggest lever on your payout, because a mixed load is paid at the lowest grade in the pile.