ScrapToday’s Stainless Steel Scrap Prices in the US
In-depth analytics for stainless steel scrap prices in the US. Compare local scrap yard buyout rates with LME Nickel exchange benchmarks, use the lot calculator to estimate your payout, and find the yards with the best offers near you.
Price trends for stainless steel scrap by grade
over the last 30 daysIn 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.
Stainless Steel scrap prices by grade in the US
Nickel content is the key value driver — 316/316L brings more than 304, which brings far more than ferritic 430. Click any grade to get a detailed price chart, market analysis, and a list of yards currently paying the most.
Scrap yards paying the most for stainless steel scrap in the US
Live prices from local scrap yards across the U.S.. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.
Biltmore Iron & Metal Co Inc
CMC Recycling
CMC Recycling
Second Street Iron & Metal Co., Inc.
San Jacinto Recycling Center
CMC Recycling
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🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶Price chart: stainless steel scrap grades and LME Nickel exchange data
The chart shows average yard buyout rates and LME Nickel exchange data for your selected stainless steel scrap grade. When the exchange moves up and local yard prices lag, they typically follow within a few trading days — a signal to hold if you can. When both lines drop, sell now before yards update their offers downward. Switch grades using the selector above the chart.
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 across the U.S..
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.
| Grade | Exchange (100%) | Yard Price (per lb) | Grade Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316 Stainless Steel | $8.57/ lb LME | $0.75/ lb | High Grade•9% |
| 18/8 Stainless Steel | $8.57/ lb LME | $0.40/ lb | Mid Grade•5% |
| 304 Stainless Steel | $8.57/ lb LME | $0.39/ lb | Mid Grade•4% |
| 300 Series Stainless Steel | $8.57/ lb LME | $0.33/ lb | Low Grade•4% |
| Stainless Steel Turnings | $8.57/ lb LME | $0.18/ lb | Low Grade•2% |
📊 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.
Map of scrap yards buying stainless steel scrap
The map below shows yards currently listing prices for stainless steel scrap. Select your state on the map or from the list to see current per-pound rates for all grades at local yards.