Scrap Yards in Ohio
We list 421 scrap yards in 156 Ohio cities; the most are in Cleveland (37), Columbus (32) and Cincinnati (24).
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 Ohio center. View all yards by city below.
There are 421 scrap yards on record in Ohio, in 156 different cities; sellers near Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati have the largest number of buyers to choose from. The state's economy of automotive manufacturing, steel, plastics, and healthcare shapes what comes through the gate, from construction and demolition metal to industrial offcuts and end-of-life vehicles. 9 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. Price pages on this site show a daily US average estimate per grade. Ohio yards set their own rates around that figure based on volume, prep, and freight, so treat it as a baseline and confirm by phone. Pick a city below to see the yards, hours, and directions, and bring a photo ID: scrap purchases are logged, and state law often requires identification for metal sales.
Scrap metal laws in Ohio
Ohio's scrap metal dealer law is in Revised Code sections 4737.04 through 4737.99. You'll need to show a personal identification card (a current driver's license, state ID or military ID with your photo) and let the dealer photograph you; a dealer cannot buy from anyone who refuses either. The dealer records your name and address, a copy of your ID, the date, time and scale weight, a description of the metal, and your vehicle's license plate, and cannot buy from anyone on a law-enforcement "do not buy" list.
"Special purchase articles" carry extra rules: beer kegs, utility and cable wire and equipment, grave markers, guard rails, highway signs, utility access covers, historical markers, grocery carts, railroad material, and "burnt wire" (coated wire burned or melted to remove identifying marks). For these the dealer photographs the article, must obtain proof you own it, may pay only by check, and withholds payment for two days. Minors cannot sell them. A dealer may buy no more than one catalytic converter per day from the same person unless you are a motor vehicle dealer or similar business.
Dealers file a daily electronic report to the statewide registry by noon the next day and keep records for 60 days once the registry is operating. Selling a special purchase article outside these rules is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, a fifth-degree felony for a second, and a fourth-degree felony after that; vehicles used in metal theft can be impounded 30 to 60 days. Consult a lawyer for advice about your specific situation.
Sources: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4737.01, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.045, 4737.99 — codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4737.04 ; codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4737.041 ; codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4737.99
Informational summary of state statute, not legal advice. Laws change; check the cited sources or a lawyer before relying on this.
Scrap prices in Ohio
National averages updated Nov 10, 2026; each page lists Ohio yards that buy it.
Scrap yards in Ohio: common questions
How many scrap yards are in Ohio?
We list 421 scrap yards in 156 Ohio cities. The cities with the most are Cleveland (37), Columbus (32) and Cincinnati (24).
How much is scrap copper worth in Ohio today?
Our US average estimate for Bare Bright Copper is $5.54/lb (updated Nov 10, 2026). We do not track Ohio-specific prices: each yard sets its own rate, so call ahead before you load up.
Are there scrap metal laws in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio has rules for scrap metal sales; this page summarizes them with links to the statute in the "Scrap metal laws in Ohio" section. It is not legal advice.