If you’ve recently come into possession of scrap metal through inheritance or happenstance, take it to a metal recycling center. It’s a convenient solution that will put extra cash in your pocket. The item doesn’t have to be silver and gold to have value. Nonferrous and nonmagnetic metals are easily repurposed by scrap yards, so they tend to fetch high prices. Below are four of the best types of scrap metal to sell.

Which Pieces of Scrap Metal Sell for the Most Money?

1. Aluminum

Aluminum can be found in multiple places, from old car parts to cans to the metal frames of lawn chairs. While it won’t sell for as much as copper, it can be found in a variety of objects. There are varying types of aluminum; new cast and sheets in pristine condition will tend to be worth more than old. 

2. Lead

Pure lead is a rare find, so it has one of the highest scrap metal prices at scrap yards. Lead poses health and safety hazards due to its toxicity, so taking it to the scrap yard gets you the added benefit of removing a hazard from your possession. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective gear before handling it, and contact your scrap yard if you’re not sure how to safely transport it.

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel – not plain steel – is common, but it’s still considered valuable because of the constituent alloys that create its stainless effect. These substances, like chrome, make the material more valuable than steel alone, and the different qualities of stainless steel will have different price points depending upon their composition. Kitchen appliances, heavy machinery, and auto parts are all reliable sources of stainless steel, with higher qualities typically translating to higher prices.

4. Copper

Copper is one of the most valuable metals to sell to your local scrap yard. High-quality copper will beat out the prices of all other metals short or precious varieties. It’s known for being found in wiring, but it can be found other places, too, such as outdated electrical and plumbing supplies, copper appliances, and copper roofing systems.

For some of the best scrap metal prices around, visit Metalico Rochester in Rochester, NY. Between their two locations in Rochester and one in Bergen, these scrap metal recycling experts offer professional, friendly services that include metal recycling, purchasing, and pickup services. They also offer a broad inventory of both niche and common car parts. Learn how their scrap purchasing process works online, and call (585) 436-0713 to start learning how to put more cash in your pocket.