Types Of Steel You Can Scrap For Cash

Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, and for good reason—it’s strong, versatile, and easy to repurpose. If you’re looking to make some extra cash or simply clear out your garage, scrapping steel is a smart move. But not all steel is created equal. Knowing the different types of steel you can scrap helps you maximise your earnings.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of steel that scrap yards pay for:

1. Stainless Steel

Common Uses: Kitchen appliances, sinks, medical equipment, and automotive parts
Scrap Value: High (especially grades containing nickel and chromium)

Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and widely used across many industries. It typically fetches a better price due to the nickel content, which is more valuable than carbon steel. Be sure to separate magnetic (400 series) from non-magnetic (300 series) stainless steel for better pricing.

2. Carbon Steel

Common Uses: Construction beams, structural components, pipelines, tools
Scrap Value: Moderate

Carbon steel is the most common type of steel and is frequently used in construction and manufacturing. It comes in varying grades (low, medium, high carbon), but scrap yards typically price it as a single category: heavy melt steel or prepared/unprepared steel.

3. Tool Steel

Common Uses: Cutting tools, dies, blades, and machine parts
Scrap Value: Moderate to High

Tool steel is hardened for durability and often contains elements like tungsten, molybdenum, or cobalt. These added metals can increase the value when scrapped, but identification is key—yards may need testing to confirm the type.

4. Alloy Steel

Common Uses: Auto parts, power tools, aerospace components
Scrap Value: Moderate

Alloy steels are mixed with elements like manganese, chromium, or vanadium to enhance properties like strength and heat resistance. Like tool steel, their value can vary based on alloy composition.

5. Steel Turnings (Chips and Shavings)

Common Uses: Waste product from machining or manufacturing
Scrap Value: Low

These are the leftover pieces from lathes or mills. While they’re not worth as much per pound as solid steel, they still have value—especially in bulk. Make sure they are clean and free of oil or coolant.

Tips to Maximise Your Steel Scrap Profits:

• Sort Your Steel: Separate types of steel before taking them to a scrap yard. Mixed loads often get the lowest price. 
• Clean the Metal: Remove any plastic, rubber, or attachments. Clean steel usually fetches a higher rate. 
• Know the Market: Steel prices fluctuate. Monitor stainless steel prices or call local yards to find the best rate. 
• Bring ID: Most scrap yards require valid identification for metal transactions due to regulations. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re cleaning out old appliances, upgrading equipment, or collecting scrap as a side hustle, steel is one of the easiest and most profitable metals to recycle. By knowing the types of steel and their value, you’ll walk away with more money and a cleaner space.

Have scrap steel to sell? Visit your local scrapyard today or contact Green Scrap Metal—and turn rust into revenue!