Steel & Iron Scrap Prices in District of Columbia
National average for every steel & iron grade we track, updated Nov 10, 2026. Yard quotes in District of Columbia vary with volume and prep — use these as your baseline and call ahead.
Steel & Iron Grades — District of Columbia
| Grade | US Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Steel (Heavy Melt) | $285.00 | /ton |
| Light Iron / Sheet | $215.00 | /ton |
| Cast Iron | $0.18 | /lb |
| Stainless Steel (304) | $0.62 | /lb |
Steel & Iron scrap in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia market for steel & iron scrap follows the state's mix of federal government services and professional services. Yards price steel & iron by grade: Steel (Heavy Melt), Light Iron / Sheet, Cast Iron, and Stainless Steel (304). Keep Steel (Heavy Melt) apart from Light Iron / Sheet and mixed loads, because a mixed pile is paid at the lowest grade in it. A handful of yards in District of Columbia list steel & iron among what they buy, and Washington is the main hub. The Northeast corridor of mills, refiners, and ports keeps downstream buyers close, which tends to hold District of Columbia yard rates near the national benchmark. Posted prices on this page are national averages updated daily; District of Columbia yards set their own rates around them based on volume, prep, and freight, so call ahead with your grade and weight for a firm quote.
Scrap Yards Buying Steel & Iron in District of Columbia
- Scrap DC— Washington
Frequently asked about steel & iron in District of Columbia
What is the steel & iron scrap price in District of Columbia today?
This page lists the current US national average for every steel & iron grade, updated daily from commodity markets. District of Columbia yards set their own rates around that figure based on volume, prep, and local freight, so use it as a baseline and confirm by phone.
Which scrap yards in District of Columbia buy steel & iron?
The yards listed on this page accept steel & iron. In District of Columbia the largest number of buyers to compare are around Washington. Call ahead to confirm which grades a yard takes and whether it is open for public drop-off.
How do I get the highest steel & iron price in District of Columbia?
Sort by grade before you arrive, strip attached copper wiring, oil residue, and sealed containers, and keep Steel (Heavy Melt) separate from Light Iron / Sheet. Weigh your load yourself, ask for the price per grade rather than a lump sum, and compare two or three District of Columbia yards on the same day.
What prep gets the highest steel & iron price at a District of Columbia yard?
Separate grades, remove attached copper wiring, oil residue, and sealed containers, and keep loads dry. Yards pay for the grade they can see, so mixed or dirty material is priced at the lowest grade in the pile.
What do District of Columbia yards require from sellers of steel & iron?
Expect to show a photo ID and have the transaction logged; scrap metal purchase records are standard practice and required by law in much of the country. Some District of Columbia yards also photograph the material and pay by check for larger amounts.