Steel Scrap Prices
Scrap steel in Canada is about $0.22/kg ($0.10/lb) on our national index as of August 23, 2026. This is a fixed figure: there is no live market feed for steel. Light Iron ranges $0.18/kg to $0.25/kg. Yards set their own prices, so call ahead.
Steel won't make you rich per kilogram, but volume adds up fast. A washing machine, a steel beam, an old filing cabinet — it's all money. Yards take steel in almost any form, and some will pick up large loads for free.
7.85 g/cm³
LME HRC
Plate, rebar, structural, pipe
Steel Grades & Prices
Per kilogram, CAD| Grade | Price Range ($/kg) |
|---|---|
| Light Iron Thin-gauge steel scrap including sheet metal, small appliances, and auto bodies. | $0.18/kg – $0.25/kg |
| Heavy Steel Thick-gauge steel scrap including structural steel, pipe, and machinery. | $0.22/kg – $0.32/kg |
Click any grade name to see identification tips and what lowers the value.
Where this price comes from
These are index estimates, not quotes from any scrap yard. Yards set their own buying prices, so call ahead.
| Figure | Value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| National steel benchmark | $0.22/kg | Fixed figure set by this site. There is no live market feed for steel, so this number is not covered by a live source. | August 23, 2026 |
| Grade ranges | per grade | Ranges set by this site; not covered by a live source | August 23, 2026 |
Full method: how we calculate prices. Spot a mistake? Report it.
About Steel
Steel is the backbone of Canadian scrap recycling. While prices per kilogram are lower than non-ferrous metals, steel is bought in massive volumes — appliances, structural beams, machinery, and vehicles all flow through scrap yards daily.
Primary use: Construction, automotive, manufacturing
Common Sources of Steel
Steel is found in appliances (washers, fridges, dryers), structural beams and columns, vehicles and chassis, tools and machinery, farm equipment, piping, filing cabinets, and most industrial equipment.
How to Get More for Your Steel
Separate light sheet steel from heavy structural steel — they often pay differently. Remove non-ferrous attachments like copper motors and aluminum parts. Stainless steel must be kept separate. A magnet test quickly identifies regular steel from aluminum or stainless.
Steel Prices by City
We have no city-level price source yet, so city pages show this national benchmark together with local selling notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scrap steel worth in Canada?
Steel prices are lower than non-ferrous metals like copper or aluminum, but demand is constant. Heavy structural steel typically pays more per kg than thin sheet or light iron. Volume is where steel pays off — a tonne of mixed steel still commands a meaningful payout.
Will a scrap yard take old appliances?
Yes. Most yards accept steel appliances — washers, dryers, fridges, stoves, dishwashers. They're typically paid by the piece or by weight. Larger yards often offer free pickup for appliances, especially in bulk.
How do I identify steel vs aluminum?
A magnet is the simplest test. Regular carbon steel is strongly magnetic. Aluminum is not magnetic at all. Stainless steel is weakly magnetic or non-magnetic, which is how you tell it apart from carbon steel.
Is it worth separating different types of steel?
Yes, especially for stainless steel. Stainless steel pays significantly more than carbon steel, but only if kept separate — a mixed load typically pays at the lower carbon steel rate. Separating light sheet from heavy structural steel can also result in different pricing at some yards.
Quick Facts
- Density
- 7.85 g/cm³
- Market Code
- LME HRC
- Common Forms
- Plate, rebar, structural, pipe
- Primary Use
- Construction, automotive, manufacturing