316 Stainless Steel Scrap Prices in the US
Track the latest 316 Stainless Steel scrap prices in the US. Local yards are currently paying between $0.70 and $0.90 per pound, heavily dependent on material cleanliness and form.
Average 316 Stainless Steel Price
- Low (up to $0.70): Floor price, typically for small loads.
- Mid ($0.77): A fair deal for standard quantities.
- High ($0.90+): Top-dollar rate. Offered for large commercial loads or by the most competitive buyers.
Pricing verified from 12 live board rates today.
Top Paying Scrap Yards for 316 Stainless Steel US
Don't let a lazy scale operator lump your premium marine-grade alloys in with standard food-grade scrap in the US. Check local yard prices against the national average of $0.77 per pound, and always call ahead to ensure the buyer has an XRF analyzer on-site to properly grade your 316.
Berman Brothers
Astro City Scrap Metal
Orange Recycling - Scrap Yard in Texas
Wichita Material Recovery - WMR - 303-9303
Three Rivers Recycling LLC
Cleveland Recycling Inc.
Your competitors are already here. Is your yard missing from the list?
Hundreds of people search here every day for the best scrap metal prices. Start capturing ready-to-sell leads today.
🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶How 316 Stainless Steel Compares to Other Alloys
The #1 rule at scrap yards: if you mix grades, they’ll weigh everything at the lowest rate. See the price gap below — if you have higher-value metal, always sort and weigh each grade separately to avoid leaving money on the table.
316 Stainless Steel Price Trends & Market History
This chart shows where the market is headed. If the line is climbing, prices are rising — you might get a better deal in a few days. If it’s dropping, don’t wait: sell today before yards lower their buy prices further.
316 Stainless Steel: Scrap Yard Price vs. World Market (LME)
Avg scrap yard price
World market price (LME)
316 Stainless Steel: Spread vs. Exchange — Monthly History
| Period | World price (per lb) | Scrap yard price (per lb) | Spread vs. exchange |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 (current) | $7.841267 | $0.81 | -$7.03 (89.7%) |
| February 2026 | $7.846832 | $2.57 | -$5.28 (67.3%) |
| January 2026 | $8.09 | $4.18 | -$3.91 (48.3%) |
| December 2025 | $6.824471 | $2.69 | -$4.14 (60.7%) |
| November 2025 | $6.698093 | $1.26 | -$5.44 (81.2%) |
| October 2025 | $6.907923 | $2.96 | -$3.95 (57.1%) |
| September 2025 | $6.933847 | $2.92 | -$4.01 (57.8%) |
| August 2025 | $6.901329 | $4.14 | -$2.76 (40%) |
| July 2025 | $6.957161 | $2.94 | -$4.01 (57.7%) |
| June 2025 | $6.90039 | $1.33 | -$5.57 (80.7%) |
| May 2025 | $7.089084 | $1.49 | -$5.60 (79%) |
| April 2025 | $7.016723 | $2.47 | -$4.55 (64.8%) |
| March 2025 | $7.337168 | $2.56 | -$4.77 (65.1%) |
| February 2025 | $6.967771 | $3.12 | -$3.85 (55.2%) |
| January 2025 | $7.050497 | $1.28 | -$5.78 (81.9%) |
| December 2024 | $7.09689 | $3.33 | -$3.77 (53.1%) |
| November 2024 | $7.17788 | $3.29 | -$3.89 (54.2%) |
| October 2024 | $7.710884 | $4.07 | -$3.64 (47.2%) |
| September 2024 | $7.435537 | $2.10 | -$5.33 (71.7%) |
| August 2024 | $7.453077 | $2.37 | -$5.09 (68.2%) |
| July 2024 | $7.492252 | $1.31 | -$6.18 (82.5%) |
| June 2024 | $8.077503 | $2.56 | -$5.52 (68.4%) |
| May 2024 | $8.950684 | $3.45 | -$5.51 (61.5%) |
| April 2024 | $8.30665 | $3.88 | -$4.42 (53.2%) |
| March 2024 | $7.984839 | $4.40 | -$3.59 (44.9%) |
| February 2024 | $7.453924 | $3.78 | -$3.67 (49.3%) |
| January 2024 | $7.388119 | $4.43 | -$2.96 (40%) |
| December 2023 | $7.580055 | $2.89 | -$4.69 (61.9%) |
| November 2023 | $7.753813 | $3.57 | -$4.18 (53.9%) |
| October 2023 | $8.366145 | $3.72 | -$4.65 (55.5%) |
| September 2023 | $9.03705 | $4.26 | -$4.78 (52.9%) |
| August 2023 | $9.420097 | $5.65 | -$3.77 (40%) |
| July 2023 | $9.725887 | $5.84 | -$3.89 (40%) |
| June 2023 | $9.83506 | $5.90 | -$3.93 (40%) |
| May 2023 | $10.182919 | $6.11 | -$4.07 (40%) |
| April 2023 | $10.81192 | $6.49 | -$4.33 (40%) |
| March 2023 | $10.626477 | $4.95 | -$5.68 (53.4%) |
| February 2023 | $12.121661 | $7.27 | -$4.85 (40%) |
| January 2023 | $12.867948 | $7.72 | -$5.15 (40%) |
| December 2022 | $13.219468 | $6.26 | -$6.96 (52.7%) |
| November 2022 | $11.57742 | $4.50 | -$7.08 (61.1%) |
| October 2022 | $9.99011 | $5.99 | -$4.00 (40%) |
| September 2022 | $10.35239 | $6.21 | -$4.14 (40%) |
| August 2022 | $10.066768 | $4.57 | -$5.50 (54.6%) |
| July 2022 | $9.821994 | $4.86 | -$4.96 (50.5%) |
| June 2022 | $11.784327 | $5.12 | -$6.66 (56.5%) |
| May 2022 | $12.890613 | $2.68 | -$10.21 (79.2%) |
| April 2022 | $15.040157 | $6.91 | -$8.13 (54%) |
| March 2022 | $16.964532 | $7.33 | -$9.63 (56.8%) |
| February 2022 | $10.79895 | $6.48 | -$4.32 (40%) |
| January 2022 | $10.022952 | $4.77 | -$5.26 (52.5%) |
| December 2021 | $9.042761 | $4.05 | -$4.99 (55.2%) |
| November 2021 | $9.019177 | $4.79 | -$4.23 (46.9%) |
| October 2021 | $8.762029 | $5.26 | -$3.50 (40%) |
| September 2021 | $8.825403 | $5.30 | -$3.53 (40%) |
| August 2021 | $8.67921 | $4.07 | -$4.61 (53.1%) |
| July 2021 | $8.555339 | $3.90 | -$4.66 (54.4%) |
| June 2021 | $8.163057 | $4.90 | -$3.26 (40%) |
| May 2021 | $7.995468 | $4.80 | -$3.20 (40%) |
| April 2021 | $7.47665 | $3.40 | -$4.08 (54.6%) |
| March 2021 | $7.439232 | $3.91 | -$3.53 (47.5%) |
| February 2021 | $8.454471 | $4.42 | -$4.04 (47.8%) |
| January 2021 | $8.061352 | $3.70 | -$4.36 (54.1%) |
| December 2020 | $7.674674 | $4.60 | -$3.07 (40%) |
| November 2020 | $7.187513 | $4.31 | -$2.88 (40%) |
| October 2020 | $6.920142 | $2.43 | -$4.49 (64.9%) |
| September 2020 | $6.758627 | $4.06 | -$2.70 (40%) |
| August 2020 | $6.625797 | $2.96 | -$3.67 (55.4%) |
| July 2020 | $6.104119 | $3.33 | -$2.78 (45.5%) |
| June 2020 | $5.82826 | $3.50 | -$2.33 (40%) |
| May 2020 | $5.534106 | $3.32 | -$2.21 (40%) |
| April 2020 | $5.36014 | $3.22 | -$2.14 (40%) |
| March 2020 | $5.406384 | $3.24 | -$2.16 (40%) |
| February 2020 | $5.774821 | $3.46 | -$2.31 (40%) |
| January 2020 | $6.173287 | $3.70 | -$2.47 (40%) |
| December 2019 | $6.329984 | $3.15 | -$3.18 (50.2%) |
| November 2019 | $6.922517 | $2.90 | -$4.02 (58.1%) |
| October 2019 | $7.720345 | $3.62 | -$4.10 (53.2%) |
| September 2019 | $7.974567 | $3.62 | -$4.35 (54.6%) |
| August 2019 | $7.140342 | $4.28 | -$2.86 (40%) |
| July 2019 | $6.1845 | $3.71 | -$2.47 (40%) |
| June 2019 | $5.454873 | $3.27 | -$2.18 (40%) |
| May 2019 | $5.471665 | $3.28 | -$2.19 (40%) |
| April 2019 | $5.818767 | $3.49 | -$2.33 (40%) |
| March 2019 | $5.939965 | $3.57 | -$2.37 (40%) |
| February 2019 | $5.769471 | $3.46 | -$2.31 (40%) |
| January 2019 | $5.232358 | $3.14 | -$2.09 (40%) |
| December 2018 | $4.957397 | $2.97 | -$1.98 (40%) |
| November 2018 | $5.156403 | $3.09 | -$2.06 (40%) |
| October 2018 | $5.613542 | $3.37 | -$2.25 (40%) |
| September 2018 | $5.731987 | $3.44 | -$2.29 (40%) |
| August 2018 | $6.102935 | $2.22 | -$3.88 (63.6%) |
| July 2018 | $6.294803 | $3.56 | -$2.73 (43.4%) |
| June 2018 | $6.89635 | $4.14 | -$2.76 (40%) |
| May 2018 | $6.534216 | $3.92 | -$2.61 (40%) |
| April 2018 | $6.314603 | $3.79 | -$2.53 (40%) |
| March 2018 | $6.112642 | $3.67 | -$2.45 (40%) |
| February 2018 | $6.164425 | $3.70 | -$2.46 (40%) |
| January 2018 | $5.843613 | $3.51 | -$2.34 (40%) |
| December 2017 | $5.276348 | $3.17 | -$2.11 (40%) |
| November 2017 | $5.45602 | $3.27 | -$2.18 (40%) |
| October 2017 | $5.159342 | $3.10 | -$2.06 (40%) |
| September 2017 | $5.12015 | $3.07 | -$2.05 (40%) |
| August 2017 | $4.977139 | $2.99 | -$1.99 (40%) |
| July 2017 | $4.335861 | $2.60 | -$1.73 (40%) |
| June 2017 | $4.075997 | $2.45 | -$1.63 (40%) |
| May 2017 | $4.181016 | $2.51 | -$1.67 (40%) |
| April 2017 | $4.395227 | $2.64 | -$1.76 (40%) |
| March 2017 | $4.649729 | $2.79 | -$1.86 (40%) |
| February 2017 | $4.847871 | $2.91 | -$1.94 (40%) |
| January 2017 | $4.535881 | $2.72 | -$1.81 (40%) |
| December 2016 | $4.977861 | $2.99 | -$1.99 (40%) |
| November 2016 | $5.04659 | $3.03 | -$2.02 (40%) |
| October 2016 | $4.679419 | $2.81 | -$1.87 (40%) |
| September 2016 | $4.642093 | $2.78 | -$1.86 (40%) |
| August 2016 | $4.698558 | $2.82 | -$1.88 (40%) |
| July 2016 | $4.677684 | $2.81 | -$1.87 (40%) |
| June 2016 | $4.07745 | $2.38 | -$1.70 (41.6%) |
| May 2016 | $3.98321 | $1.95 | -$2.03 (51%) |
| April 2016 | $4.02603 | $2.41 | -$1.61 (40%) |
| March 2016 | $3.978529 | $2.39 | -$1.59 (40%) |
| February 2016 | $3.769531 | $2.26 | -$1.51 (40%) |
| January 2016 | $3.890065 | $2.33 | -$1.56 (40%) |
| December 2015 | $3.964639 | $2.38 | -$1.59 (40%) |
| November 2015 | $4.2008 | $2.52 | -$1.68 (40%) |
| October 2015 | $4.694226 | $2.82 | -$1.88 (40%) |
| September 2015 | $4.523593 | $2.71 | -$1.81 (40%) |
| August 2015 | $4.736884 | $2.84 | -$1.89 (40%) |
| July 2015 | $5.199806 | $3.12 | -$2.08 (40%) |
| June 2015 | $5.831317 | $3.50 | -$2.33 (40%) |
| May 2015 | $6.121981 | $3.67 | -$2.45 (40%) |
| April 2015 | $5.83834 | $3.32 | -$2.52 (43.2%) |
| March 2015 | $6.286135 | $3.22 | -$3.07 (48.8%) |
| February 2015 | $6.628486 | $3.98 | -$2.65 (40%) |
| January 2015 | $6.755571 | $4.05 | -$2.70 (40%) |
| December 2014 | $7.255461 | $4.35 | -$2.90 (40%) |
| November 2014 | $7.205293 | $4.32 | -$2.88 (40%) |
| October 2014 | $7.201774 | $4.32 | -$2.88 (40%) |
| September 2014 | $8.222607 | $4.93 | -$3.29 (40%) |
| August 2014 | $8.467261 | $5.08 | -$3.39 (40%) |
| July 2014 | $8.697706 | $5.22 | -$3.48 (40%) |
| June 2014 | $8.47145 | $5.08 | -$3.39 (40%) |
| May 2014 | $8.766539 | $5.26 | -$3.51 (40%) |
| April 2014 | $7.931957 | $4.76 | -$3.17 (40%) |
| March 2014 | $7.10061 | $4.26 | -$2.84 (40%) |
| February 2014 | $6.462254 | $3.88 | -$2.59 (40%) |
| January 2014 | $6.447526 | $3.87 | -$2.58 (40%) |
| December 2013 | $6.393219 | $3.83 | -$2.56 (40%) |
| November 2013 | $6.30524 | $3.78 | -$2.52 (40%) |
| October 2013 | $6.465426 | $3.88 | -$2.59 (40%) |
| September 2013 | $6.304923 | $3.78 | -$2.52 (40%) |
| August 2013 | $6.530213 | $3.92 | -$2.61 (40%) |
| July 2013 | $6.261145 | $3.76 | -$2.50 (40%) |
| June 2013 | $6.512607 | $3.91 | -$2.61 (40%) |
| May 2013 | $6.810858 | $4.09 | -$2.72 (40%) |
| April 2013 | $7.11314 | $4.27 | -$2.84 (40%) |
| March 2013 | $7.613665 | $4.57 | -$3.05 (40%) |
| February 2013 | $8.086407 | $4.85 | -$3.23 (40%) |
| January 2013 | $7.942277 | $4.77 | -$3.18 (40%) |
| December 2012 | $7.926148 | $4.76 | -$3.17 (40%) |
| November 2012 | $7.395307 | $4.44 | -$2.96 (40%) |
| October 2012 | $7.79529 | $4.68 | -$3.12 (40%) |
| September 2012 | $7.86129 | $3.74 | -$4.12 (52.4%) |
| August 2012 | $7.140639 | $4.28 | -$2.86 (40%) |
| July 2012 | $7.310816 | $4.39 | -$2.92 (40%) |
| June 2012 | $7.511677 | $4.51 | -$3.00 (40%) |
| May 2012 | $7.734268 | $4.64 | -$3.09 (40%) |
| April 2012 | $8.16951 | $4.90 | -$3.27 (40%) |
| March 2012 | $8.518994 | $5.11 | -$3.41 (40%) |
| February 2012 | $9.265072 | $5.56 | -$3.71 (40%) |
| January 2012 | $9.010006 | $5.41 | -$3.60 (40%) |
| December 2011 | $8.243519 | $4.94 | -$3.30 (40%) |
| November 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| October 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| September 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| August 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| July 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| June 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| May 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| April 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| March 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| February 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| January 2011 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| December 2010 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| November 2010 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| October 2010 | $8.1225 | $4.87 | -$3.25 (40%) |
| September 2010 | $8.1225 | $4.55 | -$3.57 (44%) |
316 Stainless Steel Scrap Price History — Daily Data
A day-by-day market snapshot in exact numbers. Every day we aggregate buy prices from local scrap yards, recording the average, low, and high. Use this table to track real price movement over recent days.
| Date | Avg price (per lb) | Change | Range (Low/High) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/17/2026 | $0.75 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.75 - $0.75 |
| 3/12/2026 | $0.90 / lb | +$0.17 | $0.90 - $0.90 |
| 3/4/2026 | $0.73 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.73 - $0.73 |
| 2/17/2026 | $0.76 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.70 - $0.85 |
| 2/3/2026 | $0.75 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.75 - $0.75 |
| 12/19/2025 | $0.60 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 12/5/2025 | $0.55 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 12/2/2025 | $0.70 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 11/21/2025 | $0.72 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.72 - $0.72 |
| 11/11/2025 | $0.67 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.67 - $0.67 |
| 11/7/2025 | $0.74 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.74 - $0.74 |
| 10/10/2025 | $0.70 / lb | -$0.30 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 10/5/2025 | $1.00 / lb | +$0.28 | $1.00 - $1.00 |
| 9/17/2025 | $0.72 / lb | — no change | $0.72 - $0.72 |
| 7/19/2025 | $0.72 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.72 - $0.72 |
| 7/17/2025 | $0.70 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 7/1/2025 | $0.65 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.65 - $0.65 |
| 6/24/2025 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 6/21/2025 | $0.55 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 6/17/2025 | $0.65 / lb | — no change | $0.65 - $0.65 |
| 6/3/2025 | $0.65 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.65 - $0.65 |
| 5/28/2025 | $0.67 / lb | +$0.12 | $0.67 - $0.67 |
| 5/20/2025 | $0.55 / lb | -$0.25 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 5/15/2025 | $0.80 / lb | +$0.08 | $0.80 - $0.80 |
| 4/21/2025 | $0.72 / lb | +$0.10 | $0.72 - $0.72 |
| 4/20/2025 | $0.62 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.62 - $0.62 |
| 4/14/2025 | $0.72 / lb | -$0.13 | $0.72 - $0.72 |
| 3/25/2025 | $0.85 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.85 - $0.85 |
| 3/23/2025 | $0.70 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 3/18/2025 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 2/13/2025 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 1/29/2025 | $0.60 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 1/19/2025 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.50 - $0.60 |
| 1/18/2025 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 1/9/2025 | $0.60 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 12/13/2024 | $0.75 / lb | +$0.22 | $0.75 - $0.75 |
| 11/14/2024 | $0.53 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.53 - $0.53 |
| 10/4/2024 | $0.55 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 9/25/2024 | $0.65 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.65 - $0.65 |
| 9/19/2024 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 8/29/2024 | $0.60 / lb | -$0.09 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 8/15/2024 | $0.69 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.65 - $0.73 |
| 8/1/2024 | $0.65 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.65 - $0.65 |
| 7/24/2024 | $0.60 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 7/23/2024 | $0.63 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.63 - $0.63 |
| 7/21/2024 | $0.60 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 7/13/2024 | $0.75 / lb | +$0.18 | $0.75 - $0.75 |
| 6/18/2024 | $0.57 / lb | -$0.13 | $0.52 - $0.67 |
| 6/9/2024 | $0.70 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 5/29/2024 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 5/28/2024 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.20 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 5/26/2024 | $0.70 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 5/25/2024 | $0.65 / lb | -$0.25 | $0.63 - $0.67 |
| 4/21/2024 | $0.90 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.90 - $0.90 |
| 3/3/2024 | $0.75 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.75 - $0.75 |
| 12/16/2023 | $0.72 / lb | +$0.22 | $0.72 - $0.72 |
| 12/11/2023 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.11 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 11/17/2023 | $0.61 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.55 - $0.67 |
| 10/10/2023 | $0.55 / lb | -$0.30 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 10/1/2023 | $0.85 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.85 - $0.85 |
| 9/30/2023 | $0.81 / lb | +$0.11 | $0.60 - $0.92 |
| 3/16/2023 | $0.70 / lb | +$0.25 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 12/7/2022 | $0.45 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 12/4/2022 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.20 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 11/27/2022 | $0.30 / lb | -$0.09 | $0.25 - $0.35 |
| 8/12/2022 | $0.39 / lb | -$0.31 | $0.23 - $0.54 |
| 7/6/2022 | $0.70 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 6/25/2022 | $0.80 / lb | -$0.20 | $0.80 - $0.80 |
| 5/30/2022 | $1.00 / lb | +$0.15 | $1.00 - $1.00 |
| 5/27/2022 | $0.85 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.85 - $0.85 |
| 5/24/2022 | $0.90 / lb | +$0.20 | $0.90 - $0.90 |
| 5/23/2022 | $0.70 / lb | — no change | $0.60 - $0.80 |
| 5/14/2022 | $0.70 / lb | -$0.40 | $0.60 - $0.80 |
| 4/16/2022 | $1.10 / lb | +$0.10 | $1.10 - $1.10 |
| 3/19/2022 | $1.00 / lb | +$0.12 | $1.00 - $1.00 |
| 1/12/2022 | $0.88 / lb | +$0.18 | $0.88 - $0.88 |
| 12/9/2021 | $0.70 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 12/4/2021 | $0.80 / lb | +$0.10 | $0.75 - $0.85 |
| 8/23/2021 | $0.70 / lb | +$0.20 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 7/29/2021 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.10 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 4/10/2021 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 3/4/2021 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 1/26/2021 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 10/29/2020 | $0.48 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.48 - $0.48 |
| 10/23/2020 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 8/9/2020 | $0.42 / lb | +$0.12 | $0.42 - $0.42 |
| 8/5/2020 | $0.30 / lb | — no change | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 12/6/2019 | $0.30 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 11/17/2019 | $0.35 / lb | -$0.18 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 10/22/2019 | $0.53 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.53 - $0.53 |
| 9/16/2019 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 8/23/2018 | $0.48 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.48 - $0.48 |
| 8/6/2018 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.09 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 6/1/2016 | $0.36 / lb | -$0.34 | $0.36 - $0.36 |
| 4/2/2015 | $0.70 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.70 - $0.70 |
| 9/11/2012 | $0.80 / lb | -$0.21 | $0.80 - $0.80 |
Commanding Premium Prices for 316 Stainless Steel
If you are pulling pipe from a chemical plant, dismantling marine exhaust systems, or upgrading commercial pharmaceutical equipment, you are likely sitting on a pile of 316 Stainless Steel. Because of the added molybdenum, 316 is a premium corrosion-resistant alloy that commands a noticeably higher price than standard kitchen-grade stainless. Across the country, our data shows yards are paying anywhere from $0.70 for contaminated or bulky loads up to $0.90 for exceptionally clean, prepared solids. The national average sits near $0.77 per pound. Make sure you know exactly what you are hauling before you hit the scale in the US.
Yard Pro Tip: You cannot tell the difference between 304 and 316 with a standard yard magnet—both are completely non-magnetic. If you know you have marine-grade or chemical-grade 316, never accept a generic 300 Series Stainless Steel price. Demand the buyer hit the material with their handheld XRF analyzer (the "gun") while you watch. The screen will instantly confirm the molybdenum content. If a yard refuses to shoot it or doesn't own an analyzer, take your heavy loads to a larger facility that will grade it fairly.
Don't Bleed Value: Sorting Tactics That Pay
The biggest mistake scrappers make with 316 is lazy sorting. If you throw a bucket of standard 304 Stainless Steel or 18/8 Stainless Steel into your 316 bin, the buyer will simply downgrade the entire lot to the lower price. Worse, if you run a machine shop and try selling pure 316 solids mixed in a bin with Stainless Steel Turnings, you are going to take a massive hit. Letting a yard downgrade your heavy solids to a turnings price will cost you roughly $0.60 per pound in lost revenue. Keep your solids completely separate from your shavings.
| Material Condition | Impact on Payout |
|---|---|
| Clean 316 Solids | Maximum payout. No steel attachments, non-magnetic, bare metal. Expect rates near $0.90. |
| Dirty 316 | Significant dock. Has steel brackets, heavy grease, plastic, or rubber gaskets attached. Drops toward $0.70. |
Market Movers: Why 316 Prices Fluctuate
The scrap value of 316 is directly tied to global commodities, specifically the nickel and molybdenum markets traded on the LME. When industrial demand for high-end chemical piping or maritime manufacturing spikes, this scrap becomes highly sought after. Typically, domestic buyers offer rates that hover about 90% below the spot price of the raw materials to cover their own baling, processing, and freight costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current average payout for 316 Stainless?
Depending on local demand US, the current national average for clean 316 stainless is hovering around $0.77 per pound. Keep in mind that heavy solids will always fetch more than thin sheet metal.
How can I prove my scrap is 316 instead of 304?
Look for factory stamps like "316" or "316L" on pipe fittings, flanges, and valves. If there are no clear markings, the only definitive way to prove it at the yard is by having the buyer test it with an XRF analyzer.
Does dirty 316 still pay well?
Not usually. If your 316 has heavy iron attachments, rubber, or plastic, the yard has to pay labor to clean it or sell it downstream as "dirty stainless." This drops your price drastically down to the $0.70 range, so it is almost always worth your time to strip the attachments yourself before heading to the scale.
316 Stainless Steel scrap prices — find in your state on the map
The map shows states where we have 316 Stainless Steel scrap prices. Click a state on the map or use the links below to see current 316 Stainless Steel prices in that region.