It is worth knowing that current prices of scrap batteries don’t stay current for too long. In fact, they can fluctuate daily, just like the prices of gas. That is nothing to be concerned about.
Battery recycling is always worth it, no matter the price. However, if you want to cash in on your scrap batteries, it is a good idea to understand why the prices fluctuate.
Knowing the reasons behind these ups and downs in the scrap battery market can help you make the best decision for your business when it comes to scrapping used batteries.
Table Of Contents
How To Get Paid For Scrap Batteries
The Metal Market and Prices Fluctuation
How Does Supply and Demand Impact the Prices of Scrap Batteries
Battery Recyclers Of America Can Help
Scrap Battery Price Table
Batteries contain metals such as lead, cobalt, and nickel that can be recovered during the recycling process.
For example, over 70% of the weight of a lead acid battery is reusable lead! These metals can then be repurposed to make new batteries and other products. As a result, the price of scrap batteries depends on the price of the metals contained inside.
Current market prices for metals are for reference only. Keep in mind that scrap yards are not held to these prices.
(updated as of 2021/04/03)
| Copper | Average Price |
|---|---|
| #1 Bare Bright Copper Wire | $3.13/lb |
| #1 Copper Tubing | $2.94/lb |
| #2 Copper Tubing | $2.74/lb |
| Insulated Copper Wire | $1.02/lb |
| THHN Wire | $1.78/lb |
| Brass | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Brass | $1.70/lb |
| Brass Shells | $1.45/lb |
| Iron | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Light Iron | $133.00/ton |
| Cast Iron | $193/ton |
| Steel | Average Price |
|---|---|
| #1 Steel | $192.00/ton |
| Steel BX | $0.34/lb |
| Shreddable Steel | $172.00/ton |
| Shreddable Steel | $0.43/lb |
| Aluminum | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Aluminum siding | $0.43/lb |
| Aluminum radiators | $0.33/lb |
| Sheet Aluminum | $0.40/lb |
| Aluminum Rims | $0.52/lb |
| Electronic Scrap | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Car/Truck Batteries | $0.10 – $0.30 / lb |
| Motherboard | $1.15/lb |
| Electronic Motors (Copper) | $0.19/lb |
| PC Tower | $0.11/lb |
| Power Supplies | $0.14/lb |
| Hard Drives | $0.38/lb |
| Lead | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Lead | $0.10 – $0.30 / lb |
| Carbside | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Carbside | $5.05/lb |
| Automobiles | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Complete Car | $176.00/ton |
It’s always beneficial to refer to scrap metal prices updated online or go to the London Metal Exchange (LME) website.
To be sure of what price you can get, you can contact your battery recyclers or local scrapyard to get a quote.
How To Get Paid For Scrap Batteries
When we say recycling used batteries is worth it, we really mean it. It can make a difference in the environment but also save, if not make you, some money in the process.
Current scrap prices are susceptible to a number of influences.
So, what do we need to know to still cash in on the scrap batteries with all these uncertain prices and fluctuations in the market?
The answer is simple. Quantity: the more the better.
You’re probably wondering: Can I get paid for my scrap batteries?
Most recyclers and scrap yards will pay for your scrap batteries per a pound. It is quite rare that the price is offered per an individual battery.
This is especially good news for businesses. As a business owner you can arrange truckloads of used batteries to be collected by recyclers.
At Battery Recyclers of America, we try and provide cash back to our clients for their recyclable batteries. In some cases, we may need to charge if the volume is too low.
If you’re unsure what you can get per weight, you can always contact Battery Recyclers for a quote.
Can I Get Paid For My Scrap Batteries?
Most recyclers and scrap yards will pay for your scrap batteries per a pound. It is quite rare that the price is offered per an individual battery.
This is especially good news for businesses. As a business owner you can arrange truckloads of used batteries to be collected by recyclers.
At Battery Recyclers of America we try and provide cash back to our clients for their recyclable batteries. In some cases, we may need to charge if the volume is too low.
If you’re unsure what you can get per weight, you can always contact Battery Recyclers for a quote.
The Metal Market and Prices Fluctuation
If you are particularly savvy in the industry of metal trading, you can receive a nice check recycling your scrap batteries based on the global market prices.
If not, don’t worry. The LME website publishes reference prices for metals daily. It’s somewhat the metal stock market. The prices of metals worldwide are based on LME guidelines.
As a result of the disruption in the supply chain due to the ongoing pandemic, the price for nickel, zinc, copper, and iron have decreased significantly from the beginning of 2020.
So, you can rest assured you will find a good, up-to-date price reference point here for your used batteries.
Since we started talking stock markets. Remember to consider economic conditions since the price fluctuation will also be affected if the dollar becomes weaker or stronger.
How Does Supply and Demand Impact the Prices of Scrap Batteries
Different industries can heavily impact the prices of scrap metals and batteries
Take for example, the trasportation industry. If the demand for copper is high in production of trains, cars etc., then the price of copper will rise.
The opposite is true as well. For example, if there is no demand for aluminum in construction, then the price of aluminum will drop.
And the cycle continues.
If there is a need or shortage of a particular metal on the state and local level, prices will fluctuate up. If there are copious amounts of scrap batteries to recycle, prices fluctuate down.
Final point to consider, is that fluctuations can be affected by seasonal changes. Some industries may slow down their production in the winter and pick back up in the summer.
As a result, the prices can fluctuate once again.
Battery Recylcers Of America Can Help
There are many factors to why prices of scrap batteries fluctuate.
If you are still unsure of the value of your scrap batteries, you can always contact Battery Recyclers of America.
We work hard to get you the most money for your used batteries. Contact our team, or give us a call at (866) 827-1830 for a quote or to speak with one of our battery recycling experts!
