Scrap Yards in New York
We list 279 scrap yards in 164 New York cities; the most are in Buffalo (16), Brooklyn (11) and Albany (7).
Listings carried over from this site's earlier directory (imported May 9, 2026); yards Google lists as permanently closed are left out. How we check listings.
Showing the 100 yards closest to the New York center. View all yards by city below.
Scrapyards.io lists 279 scrap yards in New York spread over 164 cities, and Buffalo, Brooklyn, and Albany account for the largest share of them. What New York yards see day to day reflects the local mix of finance, healthcare, technology, and ports and shipping: building and plumbing copper, aluminum from vehicles and cans, and steel from construction and equipment. 20 of these listings name lead, auto parts, electronics, or precious metals among accepted materials; many listings do not name materials at all, so call ahead if you have something other than common metals. The prices on Scrapyards.io are daily US average estimates, not yard quotes; a New York yard will quote its own price once it knows your grade, weight, and how clean the load is. Use the city list below to find a yard near you, check the hours before you drive, and carry a photo ID, since yards record every sale and state law often requires it.
Scrap metal laws in New York
New York's statewide scrap processor law is short: General Business Law Article 6-C (sections 69-e through 69-h). Many localities, including New York City, add their own rules. A scrap processor must record two kinds of purchases: any pigs of metal, bronze or brass castings, sprues or gates, utility wire, brass car journals or metal beer kegs, regardless of price, and any iron, steel or nonferrous scrap bought for $50 or more. For those purchases you'll need to give your name and residence address and show a driver's license or other government photo ID; the processor records the ID information and the type and quantity of material, and has you sign the entry. The processor keeps a copy of your photo ID two years and the purchase record three years, available to state or local police.
Article 6-C sets no cash limits, payment holds or list of banned items. Catalytic converters are handled through Vehicle and Traffic Law section 415-a, which classifies a catalytic converter as a "major component part." Scrap processors must keep a record of vehicles and major component parts they take in, produce it to police or DMV agents on request, and may buy recognizable vehicle parts only from registered dealers, insurers, government agencies, titled owners or registered dismantlers. Vehicle dismantlers must report their catalytic converter intake every 60 days.
A seller's violation of Article 6-C is a misdemeanor; a processor's violation is a fine of up to $200, or a misdemeanor if wilful. Consult a lawyer for advice about your specific situation.
Sources: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law §§ 69-e, 69-g, 69-h; N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 415-a — www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/69-G ; www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/69-H ; www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/415-A
Informational summary of state statute, not legal advice. Laws change; check the cited sources or a lawyer before relying on this.
Scrap prices in New York
National averages updated Nov 10, 2026; each page lists New York yards that buy it.
Scrap yards in New York: common questions
How many scrap yards are in New York?
We list 279 scrap yards in 164 New York cities. The cities with the most are Buffalo (16), Brooklyn (11) and Albany (7).
How much is scrap copper worth in New York today?
Our US average estimate for Bare Bright Copper is $5.54/lb (updated Nov 10, 2026). We do not track New York-specific prices: each yard sets its own rate, so call ahead before you load up.
Are there scrap metal laws in New York?
Yes. New York has rules for scrap metal sales; this page summarizes them with links to the statute in the "Scrap metal laws in New York" section. It is not legal advice.