Step 1 — Sort Your Metal by Type
The single most valuable thing you can do before selling scrap metal is sort it by type. Mixed loads — different metals thrown together — get priced at the lowest-value material in the pile. Five minutes of sorting can add real money to your payout.
Separate the obvious categories
Copper in one pile, aluminum in another, steel separate. If you have brass, keep it apart from copper — they look similar but price differently. Wire with insulation stays separate from stripped wire.
Remove iron and steel
A magnet is the fastest tool in scrap metal. Anything that sticks to a magnet is ferrous (iron or steel) — worth much less than non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, or aluminum. Keep them separate.
Sort copper by grade if you can
Bare bright wire (stripped clean) pays the most. Pipe and fittings are #1 or #2 depending on condition. Insulated wire is priced separately by gauge. Keeping these apart means you get the right price for each grade.
Step 2 — Understand What Each Metal Is Worth
Scrap metal prices fluctuate daily based on commodity markets (COMEX for copper, LME for aluminum). The table below shows the general value hierarchy — not live prices, but a reliable guide to which metals are worth more effort.
| Metal | Value Level | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten Carbide | Very High | Machine shops, cutting tools, drill bits |
| Bare Bright Copper | Very High | Stripped wire, new copper |
| #1 Copper | High | Clean pipe, bus bars |
| Brass | High | Fittings, valves, shells |
| #2 Copper | Medium-High | Old plumbing, painted pipe |
| Stainless Steel | Medium | Kitchen equipment, industrial |
| Insulated Copper Wire | Medium | Building wire, extension cords |
| Aluminum | Medium-Low | Cans, extrusions, sheet |
| Steel / Iron | Low | Almost everything ferrous |
Pro tip: Tungsten carbide — the gray, extremely heavy metal used in drill bits and cutting inserts — is one of the most valuable scrap metals by weight. If you work in a machine shop or industrial setting and have carbide tooling lying around, it's worth significantly more than copper.
Step 3 — Estimate Your Quantity
You don't need a certified scale. A rough estimate is enough to get an accurate quote from a buyer. A few helpful benchmarks:
- A 5-gallon bucket of #2 copper pipe weighs roughly 30–40 lbs
- A bundle of insulated wire the size of a milk crate weighs roughly 20–30 lbs
- A standard pickup truck bed filled with mixed aluminum weighs roughly 150–200 lbs
- Carbide inserts are often quoted by the piece or small container — even a cup's worth has real value
A photo works even better than an estimate. Send one with your message and a buyer can usually give you a price on the spot.
Step 4 — Contact a Buyer
You have two main options for selling scrap metal in Florida:
Option A: Drop Off at a Scrap Yard or Buyer
Load it yourself, drive to the location, get weighed, and get paid. Works well for large quantities where you have a truck and the material is already accessible.
Option B: Get a Buyer to Come to You (Pickup)
For qualifying quantities, buyers like CRC Buyers will come to your location, evaluate the material, and pay you on the spot. No truck rental, no loading, no driving. This is usually the better option unless you're already passing by a yard.
To get a pickup quote: call or text 813-845-4168, send a photo of your material, and tell us where you're located in Florida. We'll give you a quote and schedule a pickup.
Step 5 — Get Paid
When you sell your scrap metal, you get paid on the spot — cash or check depending on the buyer. There are no invoices, no net-30 terms, and no waiting. The transaction happens at the time of pickup or drop-off.
At CRC Buyers, we weigh and grade your material on-site, give you a final price, and pay you immediately. If the price we quoted doesn't match what we see in person (material condition was different than described), we'll explain why before proceeding — you're never locked in.
Tips for Getting the Most Money
- Strip your copper wire — bare bright pays 30–50% more per pound than insulated wire of the same gauge
- Keep brass separate from copper — they look similar but price differently; mixing costs you money
- Remove attachments — plastic fittings, iron nipples, and non-metal attachments reduce the grade of your copper pipe
- Check for carbide — look for extremely heavy, gray drill bits or cutting inserts in your shop scrap; they're worth far more than regular steel
- Call multiple buyers — prices vary between buyers; a quick phone call or text to compare is always worth it
- Sell regularly, not in dumps — if you generate scrap from a business, setting up a recurring pickup account gets you better pricing and eliminates scrap pile management
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone sell scrap metal in Florida?
Yes. There are no restrictions on selling scrap metal in Florida as a private individual or business. You'll need to provide a valid ID at most buyers. Some buyers require a title or bill of sale for certain items (like catalytic converters) due to theft regulations, but for standard wire, pipe, and industrial scrap, there are no restrictions.
Do I need an appointment?
For pickups, yes — call or text ahead to schedule. For drop-offs, most buyers including CRC Buyers can accommodate walk-ins, but calling ahead ensures someone is available and saves you a trip.
What if I'm not sure what I have?
Send a photo. Describing scrap metal verbally is unreliable — a photo takes five seconds and lets a buyer tell you exactly what it is and what it's worth. Text a photo to CRC Buyers at 813-845-4168.