Stainless Steel (304) Scrap Price Today

National average and per-state rates. Last updated Sep 6, 2026.

US National Average

$0.62/lb

Source: fixed

What is Stainless Steel (304)?

Common scrap sources: beer keg (1/2 bbl stainless, empty), dishwasher, bbq grill (gas, 3-4 burner), and washing machine.

Prep guidance for items that contain Stainless Steel (304):

Beer Keg (1/2 BBL Stainless, Empty): Return the keg to the distributor or retailer for the deposit refund — this is almost always better economically than scrap and is the legally correct channel. Yards typically require brewery release paperwork to accept kegs; without it they are required to refuse and report the attempt.
Dishwasher: Check whether the inner tub is stainless by magnet test (stainless 304 is non-magnetic; painted steel is magnetic). If stainless, cut it out and sell separately. Remove the pump motor for copper windings.
BBQ Grill (Gas, 3-4 burner): Remove and exchange or sell the propane tank separately (most yards refuse grills with tanks attached). Pull stainless burners and grates and sell at the higher stainless rate. Remove cast-aluminum control panels and side tables if present. Strip any plastic side handles before weighing.
Washing Machine: Removing the stainless inner drum and selling it separately roughly doubles the per-pound rate for that portion. Cut motor leads and pull the motor for #2 copper windings. Drain residual water; many yards refuse wet units.