Price trends for stainless steel scrap by grade

over the last 30 days

In the last month in the Stainless Steel category: price is steady for 3 grades and price is down for 2 grades.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $0.33 to $0.46.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (LME)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~95.3% (-$8.17/ lb). Based on 5 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 91%–98%.
✓ All 5 grades are within normal market range

U.S. National Price Benchmark — Stainless Steel in Joplin (Missouri)

Local scrap yards in Joplin (Missouri) sometimes post their prices with a short delay. To keep you informed of what your metal is worth right now, we use U.S. national averages as a reference. The secondary metals market responds to exchange moves in sync across the country — use this national benchmark when negotiating with local buyers. Stainless Steel prices across the U.S. →

Stainless Steel scrap prices by grade in Joplin

Here is the Stainless Steel data we have on file for Joplin (Missouri). Local yards don't always update their online prices daily — if your grade isn't listed, use the National Benchmark above as leverage when negotiating with local buyers.

316 Stainless Steel U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.75/ lbRange: $0.60 – $0.90/ lb
Trend for 90 days: +1.0%
View Details
18/8 Stainless Steel U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.40/ lbRange: $0.40 – $0.40/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
304 Stainless Steel U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.39/ lbRange: $0.35 – $0.42/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -12.6%
View Details
300 Series Stainless Steel U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.33/ lbRange: $0.25 – $0.40/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -11.0%
View Details
Stainless Steel Turnings U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.18/ lbRange: $0.15 – $0.20/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details

Scrap yards paying the most for stainless steel scrap in Joplin

Live prices from local scrap yards in Joplin (Missouri). Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 2/17/2026

CMC Recycling

Joplin, Missouri1 grade on price list
304 Stainless Steel
$0.30/ lb|🠇 $0.05 (14%)

Don't see your scrap yard in Joplin (Missouri)? List it for free.

Hundreds of sellers in your area search for current scrap prices every day. Post your buy prices and start getting calls.

🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶

Calculate the value of your stainless steel scrap lot

Selling a mixed load? Pick the grades below — a weight field appears after you select at least one grade, then the calculator estimates your haul's value from current average prices Joplin (Missouri).

Select a metal above to estimate value

Compare stainless steel scrap grades and their value

Stainless steel pricing follows LME Nickel because nickel is the primary value driver in austenitic grades. 304 contains ~8% Ni; 316/316L contains ~10–12% Ni; ferritic 430 contains no nickel. Identifying your material correctly before selling is the single most effective step to maximize your payout.

GradeExchange (100%)Yard Price (per lb)Grade Quality
316 Stainless Steel $8.57/ lb LME$0.75/ lb
High Grade9%
18/8 Stainless Steel $8.57/ lb LME$0.40/ lb
Mid Grade5%
304 Stainless Steel $8.57/ lb LME$0.39/ lb
Mid Grade4%
300 Series Stainless Steel $8.57/ lb LME$0.33/ lb
Low Grade4%
Stainless Steel Turnings $8.57/ lb LME$0.18/ lb
Low Grade2%

📊 What determines the value of stainless steel scrap:

  • 304 stainless steel: The most common austenitic grade (~8% Ni). Non-magnetic. Benchmark stainless grade at most yards.
  • 316 / 316L: Higher nickel and molybdenum content — commands a premium over 304. Common in marine, pharmaceutical, and food processing equipment.
  • 300 series / 18/8 mixed: Unsorted 300-series austenitic stainless — priced slightly below sorted 304 because of mixed alloy uncertainty.
  • Stainless turnings: Machined stainless chips — discounted vs. solid scrap because of moisture, oil, and processing costs.
  • Ferritic (430): Magnetic stainless — no nickel, priced near mild steel rates at most yards. Separate it before selling.
💡 Tip: Use a magnet — austenitic stainless (304, 316) barely attracts; ferritic (430) pulls strongly. Don't mix them.