Metal Recycling 2026: How to Get Best Paid for Your Scrap
Do you have your garage full of old pipes, or has your construction company accumulated waste material from the last renovation? Throwing metal on the spout is like throwing money into the lake. In 2026, the demand for circular raw materials has reached record levels, causing metal recycling is more profitable than ever.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how you, as an individual or small business owner, can optimize your scrap to get the best pay at Skrotify.
What controls the price of scrap metal in 2026?
The price of metal is not constant, it is controlled by the global commodity exchange. But there are factors you can influence to increase the value of your shipment:
- Purity: The cleaner the material, the higher the price. Plastic parts, insulation or wood on the metal reduce the value as it requires more work during processing.
- Sorting: If you mix expensive metals with cheap ones, the whole glass will often be valued after the cheapest metal. Sorting pays by the hour!
- Volume: Larger quantities can often lead to better margins, but with Skrotify's smooth logistics, even smaller quantities will be profitable for you.
Guide: Identify the value in your scrap metal
To optimize the yield on your metal recycling, knowledge of the properties of the materials is required. By correctly identifying and sorting your metals, you can significantly increase your compensation per kilogram. Here are the most common industrial metals:
1. Copper — the most valuable commodity on the market
Copper is often considered the “gold” of recycling. It is mainly found in electrical cables, water pipes, transformers and ceiling coverings.
- Strategic tip: Stripped and pure copper (“shiny copper”) requires a significantly higher market value than insulated cable.
2. Brass — A heavy and valuable alloy
Brass consists of copper and zinc and is commonly found in faucets, valves, sleeves and plumbing parts.
- Characteristics: The metal has a golden-like hue but is harder and heavier than many other alloys.
3. Aluminum — Low weight, high recycling rate
Aluminium is a central part of circular flows and can be found in everything from rims and profiles to engine parts and packaging.
- Characteristics: Very light, silver colored and corrosion resistant. Important: aluminum is non-magnetic.
4. Iron and Steel — High volumes create value
Although the price per kilo is lower than that of precious metals, iron and steel form the basis of industrial recycling. This includes everything from beams and rebar to heavy machine structures.
- Identification: Use the magnetic test. If the magnet attaches, it is iron or steel. Here, profitability is created through large volumes.
Sort like the pros: Three steps to maximum compensation
Proper preparation of the material is crucial for the final valuation. By following Skrotify's methodology, you minimize deductions and maximize profits:
- The magnetic test: Categorize the material directly. Anything that is magnetic is sorted as iron. Anything non-magnetic (copper, brass, stainless) should be handled separately to secure the higher value.
- Clean the material: Never mix different types of metal. By separating brass parts from iron pipes, you ensure that each kilogram is priced correctly.
- Remediation: Remove adhering materials such as plastic, rubber and wood. The cleaner the fraction, the higher the compensation will be.
Why choose Skrotify for your metal recycling?
Skrotify has digitized the traditional scrap industry to save time for our customers, whether you run large industrial projects or smaller operations.
- Market Valuation: We offer full transparency with prices that reflect the prevailing world market.
- Effective Liquidity: We prioritize fast flows. After processing, we make sure that the payment takes place without unnecessary waiting time.
- On-demand logistics: You book — we pick up. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on your core business.
Environmental benefit: By recycling your material via Skrotify, you reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95% compared to new production. A circular business model that is sustainable for both the economy and the planet.
Ready to trade in your scrap?
Do not allow the metal to lie and collect dust. Do like thousands of smart Swedes and construction companies — use Skrotify for your metal recycling.
Would you like a free valuation or book a pick-up? Click here to get started!
