Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of July 6, 2026

07 Jul Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of July 6, 2026

Copper came back strong this week after last week’s pre-holiday pullback, recovering more than a dollar per pound as the market responded to a softer-than-expected US jobs report and reduced expectations for a Fed rate increase. Aluminum followed copper higher. Here is where Chicago scrap metal prices stand as of July 6, 2026.

Copper Prices in Chicago This Week

Bare bright copper is running $4.75 to $5.00 per pound at Chicago-area yards this week. That is a sharp recovery from last week’s lows, driven by a move in the futures market after June jobs data came in below expectations. When traders dial back their bets on rate hikes, copper tends to run, and it did exactly that coming out of the holiday weekend. LME spot copper is sitting near $6.00 per pound and scrap prices are following the futures higher.

Grade still matters. Clean #1 copper pipe is landing at $4.55 to $4.65 per pound. #2 copper, the stuff with solder, paint or fittings still on it, runs $4.30 to $4.45. If you are holding insulated wire or romex, stripping it before you bring it in will bump you to a better grade and a better price. On a full load that extra prep time is usually worth it.

Aluminum Prices This Week

Aluminum firmed up this week alongside copper. Cast aluminum and extrusions are running $0.55 to $0.70 per pound depending on grade. Cans are coming in around $0.45 to $0.50. The Chicago market is seeing steady buying on aluminum and clean, separated material is getting picked up without a fight. If you have rims, window frames or cast aluminum this is a reasonable week to bring it in.

Steel and Iron Prices

Ferrous is holding steady. Light iron and appliances are in the $200 to $240 per net ton range at Chicago yards, consistent with where they have been this month. Steel prices are set at the beginning of the month and do not move around daily the way copper does. No major changes expected in the near term.

What This Means for Chicago Scrappers

Copper bounced back sharply this week. If you have been waiting for a better window, this is it. Sort your loads by grade, clean what you can and bring it in while the market is moving in your favor.

Bring your scrap to Central Metal Recycling at 5618 W. Fillmore St, Chicago IL 60644. We are open Monday through Friday 7am to 4pm and Saturday 7am to 11am. Call (773) 345-8610 for today’s exact rates.