Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of April 20, 2026

20 Apr Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of April 20, 2026

Copper had a strong week, gaining $0.11-$0.13 per pound mid-week before settling into the $4.60-$4.75 range. Aluminum pulled back slightly after a brief rally early in the week. Steel held flat, which is where it tends to stay once the month’s rates are set.

Copper Prices in Chicago This Week

Bare bright copper is sitting in the $4.70-$4.75/lb range at Chicago-area yards this week. #1 copper is close behind at $4.55-$4.65/lb, and #2 copper is running $4.10-$4.25/lb. The bump came from LME futures pushing past $6.00/lb last week, which filters down to scrap prices within a few days. Global supply concerns and steady manufacturing demand are the main drivers.

If you have bare bright wire or clean copper pipe, this is a solid week to bring it in. For insulated wire or #2 copper, stripping it before you come in can bump your payout by $0.30-$0.50/lb depending on insulation weight. Contractors and scrappers hauling mixed loads should call ahead so we can give you a heads-up on what grades you have.

Aluminum Prices This Week

Aluminum was up briefly early in the week, then gave back some ground. Cast and extrusion are running $0.55-$0.65/lb. Sheet and cans are slightly softer at $0.45-$0.55/lb. Rims are holding around $0.50/lb. The dip was minor – a cent or two per pound on most grades – and the overall trend for aluminum in Chicago has been stable through April.

Steel and Iron Prices

Ferrous prices are flat this week, which is typical for mid-month. Light iron and appliances are at $180-$200/net ton. Heavy melt is in the $190-$210/net ton range. Ferrous rates at Central Metal are set at the beginning of the month and don’t move around the way copper does – what you see is what you get until May.

What This Means for Chicago Scrappers

Copper is up and worth moving now if you have clean material sitting around. Aluminum is soft but not alarming – hold if you can, but don’t wait too long chasing a higher number that may not come.

Bring your scrap to Central Metal Recycling at 5618 W. Fillmore St., Chicago. We’re open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm and Saturday 7am-11am. Call (773) 345-8610 for today’s exact rates.