Stainless Steel Scrap Price Trends

over the last 30 days

In the last month in the Stainless Steel category: price is up for 1 grade, price is steady for 3 grades, and price is down for 1 grade.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $0.36 to $0.47.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (LME)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~95.2% (-$8.47 / lb). Based on 5 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 90%–99%.
✓ All 5 grades are within normal market range

U.S. National Price Benchmark — Stainless Steel in Tennessee

Local scrap yards in Tennessee 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. →

Current Stainless Steel Scrap Prices by Grade

Here is the Stainless Steel data we have on file for Tennessee. 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.

+2.9% / 90 days
316 Stainless Steel U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.83 / lbRange: $0.75 – $0.90 / lb
Trend for 90 days: +2.9%
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
Avg. Price:$0.40 / lbRange: $0.40 – $0.40 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
304 Stainless Steel Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.33 / lbRange: $0.25 – $0.41 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -5.7%
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

Top Scrap Yards Buying Stainless Steel in Tennessee

Live prices from local scrap yards in Tennessee. 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 yesterday

CMC Recycling

Chattanooga, Tennessee1 grade on price list
304 Stainless Steel
$0.41 / lb|🠅 $0.03 (8%)
Updated 3/29/2026

Thompson Metal Services Inc.

Kingsport, Tennessee1 grade on price list
Stainless Steel
$0.40 / lb|🠇 $0.10 (20%)
Updated 2/17/2026

CMC Recycling

Knoxville, Tennessee1 grade on price list
304 Stainless Steel
$0.25 / lb|🠅 $0.05 (25%)
Updated 5/10/2012

Barnes Recycling

New Market, Tennessee1 grade on price list
300 series Stainless
$0.50 / lb

Don't see your scrap yard in Tennessee? 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.

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Stainless Steel Price Chart & History

See how local yard buy prices track the exchange (LME). Use this chart to judge whether it's a good time to cash in now or wait for yards to catch up with the latest exchange move.

Calculate Your Stainless Steel Scrap Value

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 Tennessee.

Select a metal above to estimate value

Grade Value Breakdown: Nickel Content & Market Demand

Біржова ціна відображає чистий перероблений метал (99,9%+). У кожної марки лому різний рівень домішок і різна складність переробки. Чим вищий відсоток, тим цінніша марка і тим ближче виплата до спотової ціни.

GradeExchange (100%)Yard Price (per lb)Grade Quality
316 Stainless Steel $8.90 LME$0.83
High Grade9%
18/8 Stainless Steel $8.90 LME$0.40
Mid Grade4%
300 Series Stainless Steel $8.90 LME$0.40
Mid Grade4%
304 Stainless Steel $8.90 LME$0.33
Low Grade4%
Stainless Steel Turnings $8.90 LME$0.18
Low Grade2%

📊 What Determines Stainless Grade Value:

  • Nickel & Moly Content: The higher the nickel and molybdenum (like in 316 vs 304), the bigger the payout at the scale.
  • Cleanliness: Iron attachments, heavy grease, or plastic immediately drop your material to a low-paying 'dirty' price.
  • Form and Density: Solid plates, pipes, and thick extrusions pay more than thin gauge sheet or fluffy turnings.
  • Market Spread: Local yard demand and the current 95.2% spread against the LME influence the final scale price.
💡 Pro tip: Always test your stainless with a strong neodymium magnet. If it snaps on hard, it's not a 300-series alloy and will be bought as regular shred or mild steel.