Introduction
Scrap metal prices can change frequently in Ontario as demand, supply, transportation costs, and global metal markets shift. Whether you’re selling copper, aluminum, steel, or an old vehicle, knowing current scrap prices can help you understand what your material may be worth.
Prices can also vary from one scrap yard to another based on the metal type, cleanliness, quantity, and local market conditions. Continue reading to see typical scrap metal prices in Ontario, what affects them, and how to get the best value for your scrap
Continue reading to explore the latest scrap metal prices in Ontario, the factors affecting them, and what you can expect to earn this month.
Reasons Why Scrap Metal Prices Fluctuate
Several local and global factors influence scrap metal prices in Ontario. Metals are widely used in construction, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and other industries, so changes in demand can quickly affect what recyclers are willing to pay. Here are some of the most common factors that can impact scrap metal prices:
- Global demand: When major markets such as China and the United States increase their demand for metals, prices can rise.
- Supply levels: When the supply of a particular metal becomes limited, its price can increase.
- Transportation costs: Scrap metal has to be collected, transported, sorted, and processed. When fuel and transportation costs rise, they can affect the price a recycler can offer.
- Season: Scrap collection can slow during the winter months, particularly when snow and cold weather make collection more difficult. This can affect local supply and pricing.
- Exchange rates: Many metals are traded in U.S. dollars. Changes in the Canadian dollar can therefore affect the prices Canadian scrap yards pay.
Current Scrap Metal Prices in Ontario (October 2025)
Below are the average prices you can expect for various scrap metals in Ontario this month. These can slightly vary depending on your location, quantity, and scrap yard.
| Metal Type | Average Price (per lb) |
| Copper (Bare Bright) | $4.80 – $5.20 |
| Copper #1 | $4.70 – $5.10 |
| Copper #2 | $4.60 – $4.90 |
| Aluminum (Clean) | $0.85 – $1.10 |
| Aluminum (Dirty) | $0.45 – $0.65 |
| Brass | $2.80 – $3.20 |
| Steel (Shredded) | $0.15 – $0.22 |
| Cast Iron | $0.18 – $0.26 |
| Lead | $0.75 – $0.95 |
| Stainless Steel | $0.75 – $1.05 |
| Car Batteries | $6.00 – $12.00 each |
| Catalytic Converters | $100 – $900 each |
Prices can change throughout the month and vary between scrap yards. Contact your local yard for the current buying rate before selling.
Which Scrap Metals Are Worth the Most?
Not all scrap metals will yield the same price. Some scrap metals have a higher price because they are in higher demand and limited supply. Here’s what generally gets the highest price:
- Copper: Copper is one of the highest-value common scrap metals, especially clean bare bright copper. It is commonly found in electrical wiring, plumbing, and some automotive components. The cleaner and better sorted the copper is, the better the price can be.
- Brass: Brass is commonly found in taps, plumbing fittings, valves, and hardware. Separate clean brass from other materials when possible because different grades can receive different prices.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is common in vehicle wheels, siding, machinery, and other products. Clean, sorted aluminum generally brings a better price than aluminum mixed with plastic, steel, or other materials.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is found in appliances, kitchen equipment, automotive components, and other products. Different grades can have different values, so sorting it properly can help you get a better price.
- Lead and Batteries: Automotive batteries contain lead and other materials that can be recovered through recycling. Scrap yards may price batteries by weight or use a set rate, depending on the type and current market conditions.
- Catalytic Converters: Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Their value can vary significantly depending on the converter type, vehicle, condition, and current precious-metal prices.
Where to Sell Scrap Metal in Ontario?
There are many scrap yards and metal recyclers across Ontario, but their prices, payment methods, and services can differ. Before making the trip, ask a few simple questions:
- Call ahead to confirm prices.
- Ask if they weigh metal in front of you.
- Ask if they pay cash or e-transfer.
- Check reviews to make sure they are fair and professional.
Some scrap yards and auto recyclers offer pickup for vehicles or larger loads. If you’re getting rid of an old car, an auto recycler such as Greenway Auto Recycling can arrange scrap car removal and handle the vehicle recycling process.
How Much Scrap Metal Is in a Car?
Yes, scrapping an old car is a great way to get paid for multiple forms of metal, all in one package. Vehicles provide:
- Most of a vehicle’s body and structural components are made from steel.
- Aluminum can be found in wheels, engine components, and other vehicle parts.
- Copper in wiring and electronics
- Catalytic converter with precious metals
The average scrap car in Ontario sells for $400–$1,000, depending on weight and the value of the parts. If your car has reusable parts or a working catalytic converter, you might even get more.
What Affects a Scrap Car’s Value?
When you are scrapping your vehicle, here is what will determine how much you will receive:
- The weight of your vehicle: Heavier vehicles generally contain more recyclable metal, so they may have a higher scrap value.
- The current metal market price: When metal prices are high, the value of a scrap car will be higher.
- An intact vehicle: A vehicle with its engine, catalytic converter, wheels, and other major components may be worth more than one that has already been stripped for parts.
- Location: Scrap prices can vary between the GTA and other parts of Ontario because transportation, processing, and local market conditions can differ.
- Paperwork readiness: Having your vehicle ownership papers ready helps speed up the sale and ensure a smooth transaction.
Should You Wait for Better Scrap Prices?
Some people try to wait for prices to rise before scrapping their car or selling metal. While this might work with copper or aluminum, it’s not always a good idea with vehicles.
Cars lose value over time. If it’s not running or leaking fluids, you may end up paying more just to keep it parked. Scrap prices can also move in either direction. Waiting three months may not result in a meaningful increase, and there’s no guarantee prices will be higher when you finally sell.
Tips for Getting the Best Scrap Value
Here are a few ways to make sure you get the best possible deal:
- Sort metals before taking them to the yard. Clean metals get better rates.
- Remove non-metal parts like rubber or plastic.
- Know the metal type. Use a magnet to separate ferrous (low-value) from non-ferrous metals.
- Weigh your load if possible, so you know what to expect in payment.
- Sell in bulk if you have large quantities of metal. Many scrap yards offer better rates for higher volumes.
Final Thoughts
Scrap metal prices in Ontario remain fairly stable right now, with copper, aluminum, and auto parts offering decent returns. If you have an old vehicle sitting in your driveway or unused metal in your home, now is the time to sell. Just be sure to check your local scrap metal rates before going to the yard. And if you’re thinking of scrapping your vehicle, be sure to go with a reputable auto recycling facility such as Greenway Auto Recycling.
Greenway Auto Recycling provides scrap car removal across the GTA and other Ontario communities. Our team can arrange pickup, explain the paperwork you need, and help make the recycling process straightforward. If you’re ready to get rid of an unwanted vehicle, you can request a quote and find out what your car may be worth based on its condition, weight, and current market conditions.
