Introduction
Brass is a highly sought-after metal in the scrap industry due to its high recyclability and demand in various sectors. Whether you’re a scrap dealer, a business dealing with metal waste, or simply cleaning out old plumbing, knowing the brass scrap price is crucial to getting the best deal. This guide provides up-to-date insights into today’s brass scrap prices in the USA, how they are determined, where to sell, and tips to maximize your profit.
What is Brass?
Brass is a metal alloy composed primarily of copper and zinc, and sometimes with small additions of lead or tin for specific applications. It is non-magnetic and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for plumbing, electrical, and decorative applications.
Common Types of Brass:
- Yellow Brass: Common in plumbing fixtures and cartridges.
- Red Brass: Contains higher copper content and is more valuable.
- Brass Shells: Often from spent ammunition.
- Brass Turnings: Shavings and chips from machining.
Brass Scrap Categories
Knowing your type of brass can directly affect the price. Here are the main categories:
- Yellow Brass: Most common and moderately priced.
- Red Brass (85/15): Contains more copper; higher value.
- Brass Turnings: Lower price due to contamination and smaller size.
- Plated Brass: Less valuable due to additional materials.
Why Brass Scrap is Valuable
Brass is 100% recyclable without loss of quality. Recycled brass is used in:
- Automotive parts
- Electrical components
- Decorative hardware
Since extracting virgin copper and zinc is energy-intensive, industries prefer recycled brass for cost-efficiency and sustainability.
Live Brass Scrap Metal Price Today
Prices for brass scrap fluctuate daily based on commodity markets. Today’s average brass prices scrap in the USA ranges from:
| City | Aluminum ($/lb) | Copper ($/lb) | Brass ($/lb) | Steel ($/lb) | Lead ($/lb) | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 1.19 | 4.27 | 3.29 | 0.09 | 0.92 | Nov 3, 2024 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Chicago, IL | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Houston, TX | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| San Antonio, TX | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| San Diego, CA | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Dallas, TX | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| San Jose, CA | 1.23 | 4.42 | 3.37 | 0.10 | 0.94 | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Atlanta, GA | 0.40 | 3.60 | 2.76 | 0.10 | 0.68 | Nov 3, 2024 |
Brass Scrap Value in USA | US Brass Scrap Value
- Yellow Brass: $1.70 – $2.20/lb
- scrap red brass prices: $2.30 – $2.80/lb
- Brass Turnings: $1.30 – $1.60/lb
Factors Affecting Brass Scrap Prices
1. Global Copper Prices
Brass prices follow copper trends due to its high copper content.
2. Supply and Demand
Higher demand in manufacturing = higher scrap prices.
3. Purity and Cleanliness
Contaminated brass fetches a lower rate.
4. Region
Urban areas with high competition may offer better rate of brass scrap.
Daily vs Monthly Pricing Trends
- Daily Pricing: Affected by market volatility.
- Monthly Averages: Better for bulk or contractual sales.
How Scrap is Weighed & Valued
Common Units:
- Pounds (lbs) – standard in the USA.
- Tons (US Ton = 2,000 lbs) – used for bulk sales.
Value Based On:
- Weight x Category rate
- Deduction for contamination or mixed metals
Where to Sell brass prices scrap in the USA
- Local Scrap Yards: Get immediate cash, check licenses.
- Online Platforms: Metalary, iScrap App for listings.
- Direct to Foundries: For large volumes and clean scrap.
How to Get the Best Price
- Sort Your Brass – Separate yellow, red, turnings.
- Clean the Scrap – Remove plastic, rubber, or solder.
- Sell When Prices Spike – Watch global copper rates.
- Compare Buyers – Don’t settle for the first quote.
State-wise Brass Scrap Price Overview
| State | Yellow Brass ($/lb) | Red Brass ($/lb) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $2.10 | $2.75 |
| Texas | $1.95 | $2.60 |
| New York | $2.00 | $2.65 |
| Florida | $1.90 | $2.50 |
📍 Prices vary due to proximity to processing plants and local regulations.
Global Comparison
| Country | Avg. Yellow Brass Price ($/lb) |
|---|---|
| USA | $1.80 – $2.20 |
| Canada | $1.60 – $2.00 |
| UK | $1.50 – $1.90 |
| India | $1.20 – $1.60 |
Industrial Uses of Recycled Brass
- Electrical Terminals
- Water Meter Bodies
- Decorative Items
- Bullet Casings
Recycled brass maintains integrity and is cheaper than virgin alloy.
Top Companies That Recycle Scrap Brass Shells in the USA
Recycling brass shell casings is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to reduce metal waste while supporting sustainability in shooting ranges, manufacturing, and the defense industry. Here’s a curated list of leading companies in the USA that specialize in brass shell recycling:
1. TGS Brass
Website: tgsbrass.com
Location: Orlando, Florida
Overview: TGS Brass offers specialized bullet brass casing recycling services in Central Florida. They provide recurring pickups, one-time warehouse cleanups, and accept casings from shooting ranges and individuals.
2. Gardner Metal Recycling
Website: gardnermetals.com
Location: 9701 US Hwy 290 East, Austin, TX 78724
Overview: A well-known recycling center in Texas, Gardner Metal Recycling accepts brass shells and pays competitive prices based on current market rates. Their focus is on environmental sustainability and reliable service.
3. WV Cashin Recyclables
Website: wvcashin.com
Location: 1 Pickens Rd, Nitro, WV 25143
Overview: WV Cashin Recyclables handles spent brass shell casings from gun owners, ranges, and ammo manufacturers. They offer efficient brass recycling solutions with customer-friendly services.
4. H&B Recycling
Location: Stockton, California
Overview: A local California-based recycler accepting brass shell casings for scrap. Known for professional service and market-aligned compensation.
5. Interco Trading, Inc.
Website: intercotradingco.com
Location: 10 Fox Industrial Dr #3, Madison, IL 62060
Overview: Interco is a nationwide leader in non-ferrous metal recycling, including brass shell casings. They offer both full truckload and LTL pickup options, ideal for bulk recyclers and manufacturers.
Environmental Impact of Recycling Brass
Recycling brass:
- Reduces landfill waste
- Saves up to 90% energy vs primary metal production
- Supports circular economy practices
🌍 Great for the planet and your wallet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing Brass with Other Metals: Lowers the value.
- Not Cleaning Scrap: Adds penalty deductions.
- Selling in Small Quantities: Less negotiation power.
Expert Insights
John Mitchell, Scrap Yard Manager – “Proper sorting and checking market rates before selling can increase your brass scrap earnings by up to 30%.”
Emily Roberts, Metal Market Analyst – “With copper demand rising globally, brass scrap will stay in demand over the next decade.”
Future of Brass Scrap Market
Trends to Watch:
- AI & automation in sorting
- Stricter recycling laws
- Electrification and copper-heavy tech driving demand
Opportunities:
- Green contracts for bulk scrap supply
- Industrial partnerships with manufacturers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best time to sell brass scrap?
A: When copper prices are high and demand from manufacturing surges.
Q2: Can I sell brass from spent ammunition?
A: Yes, but ensure it’s clean and legal to sell in your state.
Q3: Is brass scrap taxed in the USA?
A: Some states require reporting, but typically no direct taxes unless part of a business.
Q4: Is red brass always worth more?
A: Generally yes, due to its higher copper content.
Conclusion
Brass scrap holds both financial and environmental value. By staying updated on live prices, properly sorting your scrap, and choosing the right buyer, you can turn what seems like waste into worthwhile profit. Always keep an eye on copper trends and industry shifts for the best returns.