Brass Recycling in Chicago – Cash Paid on the Spot
Central Metal Recycling buys all grades of brass scrap in Chicago, from yellow brass fittings to red brass valves and shell casings. Brass typically pays between $1.50 and $2.50+ per pound depending on grade and cleanliness. Plumbers, contractors, homeowners, and scrappers all bring us brass regularly, and we pay cash on the spot for every load that comes through our yard.
Types of Brass We Accept
- Yellow brass (faucets, door hardware, decorative fixtures, plumbing fittings)
- Red brass (valves, water meters, pump impellers)
- Brass pipe fittings (elbows, tees, couplings, unions)
- Shell casings (rifle brass, pistol brass, shotgun shells with brass bases)
- Brass radiator cores
- Brass keys and lock cylinders
- Brass rod, bar, and turnings
- Dirty brass (mixed with steel, rubber, or plastic attachments)
Current Brass Prices in Chicago
Brass scrap prices Chicago move with the daily commodity markets since brass is a copper-zinc alloy tied to copper pricing. Red brass pays more than yellow brass because it has a higher copper content. For an exact quote on what your brass is worth today, call us at (773) 345-8610 before you load up.
How to Prepare Your Brass for Best Prices
- Separate yellow from red brass. Red brass has a reddish tint and contains more copper, so it pays significantly more. Mixing the two means the whole pile gets priced as yellow brass. Keep them apart and you get paid more for the red.
- Remove steel and plastic attachments. Brass valves with steel handles, rubber gaskets, or plastic components get downgraded to dirty brass pricing. Pop off the handles and pull the rubber before you bring it in.
- Clean your shell casings. Spent brass casings should be free of live primers and ammunition. We cannot accept live rounds. Clean, sorted casings in bulk pay well.
- Don't mix brass with copper. Brass and copper look similar but pay different rates. A magnet won't stick to either one, but copper is reddish-orange while brass has a more golden-yellow color. Keeping them separate gets you the right price for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between yellow brass and red brass?
Yellow brass is the most common type, found in faucets, door handles, and plumbing fittings. It has a golden color. Red brass has a higher copper content, looks more reddish, and is found in valves, water meters, and some pump parts. Red brass always pays more per pound at our Chicago yard because of that extra copper.
Do you buy brass shell casings?
Yes, we buy spent brass shell casings at Central Metal Recycling. Bring them sorted and free of live primers or ammunition. We accept rifle brass, pistol brass, and shotgun shells with brass bases. Brass recycling Chicago rates for casings follow the standard yellow brass market price.
How do I know if something is brass or bronze?
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy with a bright golden color. Bronze is a copper-tin alloy with a darker, brownish tone. Both are non-magnetic. If you're not sure, bring it in and our team will identify it and grade it on the spot. We buy both brass and bronze at our Chicago location.
Got brass to sell? Central Metal Recycling offers the best brass recycling Chicago has available. Cash for brass Chicago, no appointment needed, no minimum load.
5618 W. Fillmore Street, Chicago, IL 60644
Monday-Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am - 11:00am
Sunday: Closed