Scrap Red Brass Prices in Canada [In 2026]
Red brass, also known as copper alloy C230 and C23000, is a high-copper alloy made primarily from copper, zinc, tin and often with small amounts of lead. This alloy is widely used in various sectors such as plumbing, electrical components, and hardware due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent casting properties. Among various scrap metals, red brass is a sought-after material in the recycling industry due to its utility across numerous sectors and its relatively high copper content.
If you are looking to trade this scrap metal, it’s recommended that you understand current market trends and dynamics that influence its pricing to time your trade. In this guide, we will explore the factors affecting red brass scrap prices, current trends, and some industry tips.
Scrap Red Brass Prices
The scrap-metal market shows modest but consistent increases, and prices for metals like copper and brass (including red brass) remain volatile week to week. Currently, the average price of scrap red brass in Canada ranges between CAD2.20 and CAD3.80 per pound. On the other hand, mixed or contaminated scrap yields less, often CAD1.1 to CAD2.0 per pound or even lower for turnings and mixed material. However, prices are subject to daily fluctuations driven by market trends and other influential factors, such as quality, purity, global and national demand.
Here is the breakdown of the average price of scrap red brass:
| Red Brass | Price (CAD per lb) |
|---|---|
| Clean or Solid Red Brass | $3.80 – $5.00 |
| Mixed or Standard Red Brass | $2.50 – $3.80 |
| Turnings or Chips | $2.00 – $3.20 |
| Castings or Heavy Solid Parts | $3.50 – $4.60 |
| Spent Shells or Cartridges | $2.50 – $3.50 |
| Radiators or Dirty Mixed | $1.10 – $1.00 |
Rates By Year (2020-2025)
The displayed rates are based on national averages collected from our trusted network of scrapyards and collection partners. However, actual prices still may vary depending on location, market conditions, and other factors.
Factors Influencing Red Brass Scrap Prices
Here are some key factors that can cause fluctuations in the prices of scrap red brass:
- Copper, Zinc & Tin Prices: Since red brass contains a high percentage of copper, zinc, and tin, as a result, the overall cost of red brass is influenced by the prices of these metals in the market. If the prices of tin, copper, and zinc rise, it will directly impact the rates of red brass.
- Quality and Purity: Like other metals, the value of scrap red brass also depends on its quality and purity. Clean, uncontaminated (free of rubber or excessive corrosion) scrap red brass can fetch higher prices in the market, while mixed or contaminated scrap may result in lower payouts due to additional processing.
- Supply and Demand: The availability and demand of scrap red brass also affect its rates in a specific area or region. When supply is tight or demand is high, recyclers pay more for red brass.
- Buyers or Recycling Center Policies: Different scrap yards and recycling centers in Canada offer varying rates for red brass based on their operational overhead, export demand, processing and transportation costs. Some recycling centers offer competitive prices based on current market trends, while others may have fixed rates.
- Regional Variations: Values can also vary across provinces in Canada due to various factors. Major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Mississauga, and Montreal often have higher prices due to greater local competition and higher demand.
Final Remarks
Overall, the scrap red brass continues to command strong value in the recycling industry at a price range between $2.20 and $3.80 per pound. However, demand for brass scrap remains supported by overall industrial demand for copper and brass alloy.
Whether you’re a regular or a beginner trader, staying updated on market trends helps you choose the best time to buy or sell.
