Lead (Soft) Scrap Price Today
National average and per-state rates. Last updated Nov 10, 2026.
Lead (Soft) — 90-day price history
What drives the Lead (Soft) market
Demand for Lead (Soft) comes mostly from battery plates, sheet roofing, and radiation shielding. Yard inflow comes mainly from old roofing tear-off and battery breaking, which sets the pace of what hits the scale each week. That ties the price closely to activity in battery manufacturing and roofing. lead flashing and battery posts is one of the regular streams sellers bring in. On the consumer side, recovered Lead (Soft) feeds battery plates, sheet roofing, and ammunition. For sellers, the practical takeaway is that posted yard rates for Lead (Soft) reflect both the broader commodity benchmark and the local downstream demand from battery manufacturing and roofing, so calling two or three nearby yards on the same morning gives a useful read on what rates are doing that week.
How Lead (Soft) grades differ on the price board
Pricing across Lead grades depends on how clean the material is. Lead (Soft) sits at the top of the scale; it is sold as remelting into new battery plates and sheet. Lead Wheel Weights pays a lower rate, which reflects attached steel clips and zinc alloy substitutes. Trimming off steel clips, zinc alloy substitutes, and dirt at home is the simplest way to land in a cleaner grade.
Frequently asked about Lead (Soft)
- What lowers the price a yard pays for Lead (Soft)?
- The main deductions come from attached steel clips and zinc alloy substitutes. If the material has visible steel clips, zinc alloy substitutes, and dirt, the yard either downgrades the ticket or applies a flat deduction.
- How is Lead (Soft) weighed and paid?
- Yards weigh material on a public scale and pay by the pound. The posted rate on the day you bring it in is what applies — calling ahead is the safest way to confirm.
- Will I get a higher price if I sort or clean my Lead (Soft)?
- Yes — removing steel clips, zinc alloy substitutes, and dirt before bringing material in usually lands you in a cleaner grade on the price board. Even an hour of prep work at home can move the ticket up.
- Do all yards buy Lead (Soft)?
- Not always. Some yards focus on auto salvage, others on industrial scrap. The yard search filters by accepted material, so you can quickly see who in your area takes Lead (Soft).
- What does Lead (Soft) go into after the yard?
- Sorted Lead (Soft) is shipped to mills or refiners that produce battery plates, sheet roofing, and ammunition. The recovered material reduces the need to mine new ore and keeps the recycling loop tight.
- Why does Lead (Soft) pricing change from week to week?
- Posted yard rates for Lead (Soft) follow underlying commodity benchmarks plus a yard-specific margin. When the benchmark moves, posted prices catch up within a couple business days at the typical yard.
Find yards near you that buy Lead (Soft)
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Compare other Lead grades
Lead (Soft) Prices by State
Local market context and yards buying lead (soft) in each state.