Average Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) Price

90-day market: price lists from 6 yards. As of yesterday.
$0.09/ lb +$0.02 (28.6%)
GT = Gross Ton (2240 lbs)
Avg: $0.09
Lowest price ⓘ$0.09
Highest price$0.09Who pays the most? ⟶
How to read scrap yard offers in Texas
  • Low (around $0.09): Floor price, typically for small loads.
  • Mid ($0.09): A fair deal for standard quantities.
  • High ($0.09+): Top-dollar rate. Offered for large commercial loads or by the most competitive buyers.
52-week price range
Over the past year, prices ranged from $0.06 to $0.14.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
Market response to CME pricing
Current spread vs. exchange (today): ~52.6% (-$0.10 / lb). Typical spread for this grade: 30%–54%
✓ Scrap yards are offering fair market rates
Market snapshot
Downward trend. Prices have been falling over the past month.
Pricing verified from 6 live board rates in this area.

Top Scrap Yards Buying Unprepared Steel Texas

Don't let your heavy, oversized steel get downgraded at the scale. Compare the payouts from these local buyers in Texas, ensure your load is free of major non-ferrous attachments, and always call ahead to confirm their current rates for unprepared iron.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 23 days ago

CMC Recycling

Listed as: #1 Unprepared Steel
4500 Old Decatur Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76106 Plan route
$0.09 / lb
Updated 28 days ago

Best Scrap Yard Prices in Livingston, Texas - Eastex Recycling

Listed as: Long Iron
7351 US-190, Point Blank, TX 77364 Plan route
$0.09 / lb
Updated 78 days ago

Orange Recycling - Scrap Yard in Texas

Listed as: Long Iron
4481 TX-62, Orange, TX 77632 Plan route
$0.09 / lb
Updated 78 days ago

Port Arthur Recycling - Get Best Scrap Prices in Texas

Listed as: Long Iron
2901 W Farm to Market Rd 365, Port Arthur, TX 77640 Plan route
$0.09 / lb
Updated 381 days ago

CMC Recycling

Listed as: #2 Unprepared Steel
5250 College St, Beaumont, TX 77707 Plan route
$0.08 / lb
Updated 382 days ago

CMC Recycling

Listed as: #1 Unprepared Steel
2215 S Good Latimer Expy, Dallas, TX 75226 Plan route
$0.08 / lb

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 ⟶

Unprepared Steel vs. Prepared Iron Grades

See the exact price difference between Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) and similar grades like Automotive Cast Iron (Rotors/Drums) or Plate & Structural Steel (P&S). Compare the current rates per pound below to ensure you get the maximum payout for your sorted scrap.

Current price Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear)
Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) Based on 6 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.09 / lb
Trend for 90 days: +4.9%
Sort separately
Automotive Cast Iron (Rotors/Drums) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.16 / lb
Mix it with Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear)?They'll pay $0.09 for all of it
Loss if not sorted:-$0.07 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.1%
Price analytics
Plate & Structural Steel (P&S) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.13 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -2.3%
Price analytics
#2 Prepared Steel Based on 4 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.10 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -2.8%
Price analytics
#1 Prepared Steel (HMS) Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.09 / lb
Trend for 90 days: -20.0%
Price analytics
Tin (Sheet Metal) Based on 3 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.09 / lb
Trend for 90 days: -2.9%
Price analytics
Cast Iron (Heavy) Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.07 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: -27.8%
Price analytics
Rebar Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.06 / lb
Trend for 90 days: -9.1%
Price analytics
Steel Turnings Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.05 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Wire Fence Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.04 / lb
Trend for 90 days: +37.5%
Price analytics
Light Iron & Shredder Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$0.03 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics

Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) Price Trends

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.

Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear): Scrap Yard Price vs. World Market (CME)

Avg scrap yard price

$0.09
Scrap metal dealers
Price gap: −$0.10 / lb
vs. exchange

Today's world market price (CME)

$0.195 / lb
✓ For 99.9% pure refined metal
💡 Why is the scrap yard price lower than the exchange? The CME price is the global benchmark for 99.99% pure refined metal traded in large institutional contracts. The gap between CME and what you pocket is the yard's margin — it covers sorting, cleaning, transport to the mill, and protects them against sudden price drops.

Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear): Spread vs. Exchange — Monthly History

Market read: This month's average gap between scrap yard prices and the world market for Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) is 53.7%. That is wider than any prior month shown in this table (historical band about 30.7%–51.6%). The gap can reflect local demand, timing against the exchange, or what yards are paying for this grade — shop several yards if you need the best number. Our data suggests local yards are still worth comparing before you sell. Check offers in your area ↑
PeriodWorld price (per lb)Scrap yard price (per lb)Spread vs. exchange
May 2026 (current)$0.1943 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.10 (53.7%)
April 2026$0.1872 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.09 (46.6%)
March 2026$0.1774 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.09 (49.3%)
February 2026$0.1697 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (41.1%)
January 2026$0.1692 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.08 (46.8%)
December 2025$0.1653 / lb$0.08 / lb−$0.09 (51.6%)
November 2025$0.1626 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (44.6%)
October 2025$0.1588 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (43.3%)
September 2025$0.1557 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (42.2%)
August 2025$0.1588 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.05 (30.7%)
July 2025$0.1592 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (43.5%)
June 2025$0.1550 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (41.9%)
May 2025$0.1579 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (43%)
April 2025$0.1612 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (44.2%)
March 2025$0.1692 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.08 (46.8%)
February 2025$0.1660 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (39.8%)
January 2025$0.1587 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (43.3%)
December 2024$0.1590 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (43.4%)
November 2024$0.1660 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.08 (45.8%)
October 2024$0.1733 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.08 (48.1%)
September 2024$0.1682 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (40.5%)
August 2024$0.1661 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (39.8%)
July 2024$0.1748 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.06 (37.1%)
June 2024$0.1737 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (42.4%)
May 2024$0.1746 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.08 (48.5%)
April 2024$0.1741 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (42.6%)
March 2024$0.1747 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (42.8%)
February 2024$0.1836 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.07 (40.1%)
January 2024$0.1855 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.08 (40.7%)
December 2023$0.1898 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.08 (42%)
November 2023$0.1828 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.07 (39.8%)
October 2023$0.1681 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (40.5%)
September 2023$0.1719 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (41.8%)
August 2023$0.1694 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (41%)
July 2023$0.1674 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (40.3%)
June 2023$0.1718 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (41.8%)
May 2023$0.1690 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.06 (34.9%)
April 2023$0.1870 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.08 (41.2%)
March 2023$0.2034 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.08 (41%)
February 2023$0.2007 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.08 (40.2%)
January 2023$0.1883 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.08 (41.6%)
December 2022$0.1755 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.07 (37.3%)
November 2022$0.1593 / lb$0.09 / lb−$0.07 (43.5%)
October 2022$0.1616 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.06 (38.1%)
September 2022$0.1627 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.06 (38.5%)
August 2022$0.1736 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (42.4%)
July 2022$0.1698 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (41.1%)
June 2022$0.1738 / lb$0.10 / lb−$0.07 (42.5%)
May 2022$0.2172 / lb$0.13 / lb−$0.09 (40.1%)
April 2022$0.2718 / lb$0.16 / lb−$0.11 (41.1%)
March 2022$0.2935 / lb$0.17 / lb−$0.12 (42.1%)
February 2022$0.2297 / lb$0.14 / lb−$0.09 (39.1%)
January 2022$0.2129 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.09 (43.6%)
December 2021$0.2034 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.08 (41%)
November 2021$0.2115 / lb$0.13 / lb−$0.08 (38.5%)
October 2021$0.2201 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.10 (45.5%)
September 2021$0.2022 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.08 (40.7%)
August 2021$0.2121 / lb$0.13 / lb−$0.08 (38.7%)
July 2021$0.2270 / lb$0.13 / lb−$0.10 (42.7%)
June 2021$0.2304 / lb$0.13 / lb−$0.10 (43.6%)
May 2021$0.2345 / lb$0.13 / lb−$0.10 (44.6%)
April 2021$0.2139 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.09 (43.9%)
March 2021$0.2102 / lb$0.13 / lb−$0.08 (38.2%)
February 2021$0.2015 / lb$0.12 / lb−$0.08 (40.4%)
January 2021$0.1866 / lb$0.11 / lb−$0.08 (41.1%)

Unprepared Steel (Torch & Shear) 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.

DateAvg price (per lb)ChangeRange (Low/High)
$0.09 / lb+$0.02$0.07 – $0.07
5/4/2026 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.07
5/3/2026 $0.07 / lb−$0.02$0.07 – $0.07
4/13/2026 $0.09 / lb−$0.01$0.09 – $0.09
4/12/2026 $0.10 / lb— no change$0.10 – $0.10
4/11/2026 $0.10 / lb— no change$0.10 – $0.10
4/10/2026 $0.10 / lb— no change$0.10 – $0.10
4/9/2026 $0.10 / lb— no change$0.10 – $0.10
4/8/2026 $0.10 / lb— no change$0.09 – $0.10
4/7/2026 $0.10 / lb+$0.01$0.10 – $0.10
4/6/2026 $0.09 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.10
4/5/2026 $0.09 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.10
4/4/2026 $0.09 / lb+$0.02$0.07 – $0.10
4/3/2026 $0.07 / lb−$0.02$0.07 – $0.07
4/2/2026 $0.09 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.10
4/1/2026 $0.09 / lb+$0.01$0.07 – $0.10
3/31/2026 $0.08 / lb−$0.01$0.07 – $0.09
3/30/2026 $0.09 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.10
3/29/2026 $0.09 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.10
3/28/2026 $0.09 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.10
3/27/2026 $0.09 / lb+$0.02$0.07 – $0.10
3/26/2026 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.07
3/25/2026 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.07
3/24/2026 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.07
3/23/2026 $0.07 / lb−$0.03$0.07 – $0.07
2/17/2026 $0.10 / lb+$0.01$0.08 – $0.11
2/11/2026 $0.09 / lb−$0.01$0.09 – $0.09
1/15/2026 $0.10 / lb+$0.03$0.10 – $0.10
1/14/2026 $0.07 / lb−$0.01$0.07 – $0.07
12/30/2025 $0.08 / lb+$0.04$0.08 – $0.08
12/29/2025 $0.04 / lb−$0.03$0.04 – $0.04
12/28/2025 $0.07 / lb+$0.03$0.07 – $0.07
12/26/2025 $0.04 / lb−$0.03$0.04 – $0.04
12/24/2025 $0.07 / lb+$0.03$0.07 – $0.07
12/23/2025 $0.04 / lb−$0.03$0.04 – $0.04
12/22/2025 $0.07 / lb+$0.03$0.07 – $0.07
12/19/2025 $0.04 / lb−$0.10$0.04 – $0.04
12/10/2025 $0.14 / lb+$0.07$0.14 – $0.14
11/26/2025 $0.07 / lb−$0.01$0.07 – $0.07
11/20/2025 $0.08 / lb+$0.01$0.08 – $0.08
11/3/2025 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.07
9/7/2025 $0.07 / lb−$0.07$0.07 – $0.07
8/28/2025 $0.14 / lb+$0.07$0.14 – $0.14
8/3/2025 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.06 – $0.07
7/19/2025 $0.07 / lb+$0.01$0.07 – $0.07
5/18/2025 $0.06 / lb−$0.02$0.06 – $0.06
4/20/2025 $0.08 / lb— no change$0.08 – $0.08
4/19/2025 $0.08 / lb+$0.01$0.08 – $0.08
3/28/2025 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.06 – $0.08
3/21/2025 $0.07 / lb−$0.01$0.07 – $0.07
2/17/2025 $0.08 / lb−$0.01$0.08 – $0.08
2/14/2025 $0.09 / lb+$0.02$0.09 – $0.09
1/26/2025 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.07
12/9/2024 $0.07 / lb— no change$0.07 – $0.07
11/14/2024 $0.07 / lb+$0.02$0.07 – $0.08
10/8/2024 $0.05 / lb−$0.03$0.05 – $0.05
10/3/2024 $0.08 / lb+$0.02$0.08 – $0.08
6/1/2024 $0.06 / lb— no change$0.06 – $0.06
5/27/2024 $0.06 / lb−$0.02$0.06 – $0.06
4/24/2024 $0.08 / lb−$0.03$0.07 – $0.09
2/29/2024 $0.11 / lb+$0.01$0.11 – $0.11
11/30/2023 $0.10 / lb+$0.01$0.10 – $0.10
10/4/2023 $0.09 / lb−$0.02$0.07 – $0.10
9/30/2023 $0.11 / lb−$0.01$0.11 – $0.11
5/28/2023 $0.12 / lb−$0.01$0.11 – $0.12
3/25/2023 $0.13 / lb+$0.04$0.13 – $0.13
1/28/2023 $0.09 / lb+$0.02$0.09 – $0.09
11/27/2022 $0.07 / lb−$0.02$0.06 – $0.08
8/12/2022 $0.09 / lb+$0.01$0.09 – $0.09
7/6/2022 $0.08 / lb−$0.04$0.06 – $0.10
5/20/2022 $0.12 / lb+$0.01$0.12 – $0.12
1/29/2022 $0.11 / lb−$0.01$0.11 – $0.11
1/4/2022 $0.12 / lb+$0.05$0.12 – $0.12
12/29/2021 $0.07 / lb−$0.05$0.07 – $0.07
12/26/2021 $0.12 / lb−$0.01$0.12 – $0.12
12/2/2021 $0.13 / lb+$0.03$0.12 – $0.13
10/28/2021 $0.10 / lb−$0.02$0.10 – $0.10
10/15/2021 $0.12 / lb— no change$0.12 – $0.12
8/3/2021 $0.12 / lb— no change$0.12 – $0.13
6/14/2021 $0.12 / lb+$0.01$0.10 – $0.13
5/10/2021 $0.11 / lb+$0.01$0.11 – $0.11
5/9/2021 $0.10 / lb+$0.03$0.10 – $0.10
4/22/2021 $0.07 / lb−$0.03$0.07 – $0.07
4/21/2021 $0.10 / lb−$0.01$0.10 – $0.10
2/26/2021 $0.11 / lb— no change$0.11 – $0.11
1/28/2021 $0.11 / lb−$0.02$0.11 – $0.11
1/20/2021 $0.13 / lb+$0.06$0.13 – $0.13