Scrap Calculator
Based on USA scrap standards & global averages — friendly, instant, professional. Enter your vehicle details below. All fields use real‑world factors (metal prices, condition, year).
- ✔️ Weight & material composition (steel, aluminum, copper, brass)
- ✔️ Condition multiplier (Poor → Excellent) & model‑year depreciation
- ✔️ Dynamic chart breaks down value by metal
- ✔️ Tables show current USA & world scrap benchmarks
📊 USA scrap benchmarks & adjustment factors
All values reflect 2025 averages from recycling institutes. Condition & year modifiers are applied after base metal calculation.
Table 1: Current scrap metal prices (USA – $ per kg)
| Material | Price USD/kg | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Steel (heavy melt) | $0.21 – 0.24 | body structure |
| Aluminum (cast) | $1.48 – 1.62 | wheels, engine blocks |
| Copper (#2) | $6.85 – 7.30 | wiring, alternators |
| Brass (mixed) | $2.40 – 2.70 | radiators, fittings |
Table 2: Condition multipliers (USA industry)
| Condition | Multiplier | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Poor | 0.70 | heavy rust, missing cat, high dismantling cost |
| Fair | 0.85 | some reusable parts, moderate corrosion |
| Good | 1.00 | typical complete vehicle, engine/trans present |
| Excellent | 1.15 | low mileage, valuable components (airbags, electronics) |
Table 3: Model year depreciation (global convergence)
| Year range | Factor | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2025+ | 1.05 | higher aluminum & advanced electronics |
| 2020–2024 | 1.00 | baseline modern composition |
| 2010–2019 | 0.90 | less aluminum, more steel |
| 2000–2009 | 0.80 | reduced non‑ferrous, more rust prone |
| <2000 | 0.65 | low copper content, heavy rust expected |
Table 4: Typical composition by class (worldwide % of weight)
| Class | Steel | Aluminum | Copper | Brass | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 68% | 12% | 1.5% | 0.5% | 18% |
| Sedan | 65% | 13% | 2.0% | 0.5% | 19.5% |
| SUV | 60% | 15% | 2.0% | 0.5% | 22.5% |
| Pickup | 70% | 10% | 1.0% | 0.5% | 18.5% |
| Motorcycle | 75% | 8% | 0.5% | 0.1% | 16.4% |
Table 5: Global indicative scrap prices (USD/kg)
| Region | Steel | Aluminum | Copper |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (midwest) | 0.22 | 1.55 | 7.10 |
| EU (Rotterdam) | 0.19 | 1.45 | 6.90 |
| Asia (S. Korea) | 0.23 | 1.60 | 7.25 |
| Global average | 0.21 | 1.52 | 7.05 |
* prices are indicative, updated monthly. Calculator uses USA base (steel 0.22, alu 1.55, copper 7.10, brass 2.50).
Frequently asked questions about scrap calculators
It’s a tool that uses weight, material ratios, and current commodity prices to estimate the value of a vehicle sent for recycling. This one includes condition and year factors for realistic USA/world numbers.
It follows USGS and world bureau of metal statistics. actual offers may differ due to transport, local dismantler margins, and rapid price changes.
Newer vehicles have more aluminum and copper (higher value). Older vehicles lose non‑ferrous content and may have rust, reducing the net factor.
Absolutely. Table 5 shows regional benchmarks. You can mentally adjust using the global averages – the logic stays valid worldwide.
Class selection changes material percentages. For example motorcycles have higher steel % and less copper, which the calculator handles automatically.
Scrap calculator — data from ISRI, LME, and EPA 2025. For informational use only.
Use the Silver Scrap Calculator for quick scrap value estimates, or explore the full Scrap Calculator category to access all material and metal scrap tools.