Brass Scrap Prices
Brass is one of the easiest non-ferrous metals to identify — that gold-yellow colour is unmistakable. Old taps, plumbing valves, and fittings from a renovation can be surprisingly valuable once sorted and cleaned.
8.40 g/cm³
LME Cu/Zn
Rod, fittings, sheet, castings
Brass Grades & Prices
Per kilogram, CAD| Grade | Price Range ($/kg) |
|---|---|
| Yellow Brass Standard brass alloy used in most plumbing fittings, valves, and decorative hardware. | $4.80/kg – $5.40/kg |
| Red Brass Higher copper-content brass with a more reddish hue. Used in water fittings and fire protection equipment. | $5.50/kg – $6.20/kg |
Click any grade name to see identification tips and what lowers the value.
About Brass
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy widely used in plumbing fittings, valves, taps, and hardware. Its high copper content makes it one of the most valuable alloys at Canadian scrap yards.
Primary use: Plumbing fixtures, valves, marine hardware
Common Sources of Brass
Brass is found in taps and faucets, plumbing valves and fittings, ball valves and gate valves, radiator cores, musical instruments, lock mechanisms, door handles, hinges, shell casings, and decorative hardware.
How to Get More for Your Brass
Remove steel and plastic attachments — steel nipples, rubber gaskets, and chrome-plated steel all reduce value. Sort yellow brass from red brass if possible: red brass contains more copper and pays more. Avoid mixing brass with bronze, which looks similar but pays differently.
Brass Prices by City
Prices vary between cities based on local supply, demand, and yard overhead. Click a city to see local rates and available yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does brass look like and how do I identify it?
Brass has a gold-yellow colour, heavier than it looks for its size, and is non-magnetic. Unlike copper (which is reddish-orange), brass is clearly yellow. Unlike steel, it won't attract a magnet. Old plumbing fittings, taps, and valves are the most common sources.
Are old plumbing taps and valves worth scrapping?
Yes — old taps and plumbing valves are typically solid brass and can be worth reasonable money. Remove any chrome-plated steel handles, rubber washers, and plastic escutcheons first. Bring a full bucket of sorted fittings for the best trip.
What is the difference between yellow brass and red brass?
Yellow brass is the most common variety — roughly 70% copper, 30% zinc. Red brass contains higher copper content (80–85%) and has a distinctly redder, more orange-tinged colour. Red brass pays more per kilogram. Plumbing pressure fittings are often red brass; decorative hardware is typically yellow.
Is bronze the same as brass at scrap yards?
No. Bronze is a copper-tin alloy that looks similar to red brass but is chemically different. Some yards pay bronze at the red brass rate, others assess it separately. When in doubt, declare it as bronze rather than brass — misrepresenting material is a common issue yards watch for.
Quick Facts
- Density
- 8.40 g/cm³
- Market Code
- LME Cu/Zn
- Common Forms
- Rod, fittings, sheet, castings
- Primary Use
- Plumbing fixtures, valves, marine hardware