20 Jul Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of July 20, 2026
Copper steadied this week after a rough stretch tied to geopolitical headlines that rattled commodity markets in early July. Aluminum has pulled back from its summer highs and is now trading in a softer range. Here is where things stand in Chicago heading into the week of July 20.
Copper Prices in Chicago This Week
Bare bright copper is running in the $4.60-$4.90 range this week in the Chicago area, holding near where it closed last week after the volatility that hit in early July. #1 copper pipe is coming in around $4.45-$4.70 and #2 copper is landing near $4.20-$4.50. The market gave back big gains at the start of Q3, took another hit when geopolitical news spooked traders, then found some footing. Nothing dramatic right now – prices are lower than they were in June but not in freefall.
For copper wire sellers, the grade gap matters right now. Stripped bare bright gets top dollar. Romex and insulated wire grades out lower, so strip what you can before you come in. For copper pipe, fittings, solder joints, and paint all knock you down to #2. Pull fittings off and separate them as brass – you will get paid more on both. A big load with some prep work put $50 to $100 more in your pocket.
Aluminum Prices This Week
Aluminum had a strong first half of 2026 and is now giving some of that back. Clean extrusions and cast aluminum are in the $0.48-$0.60 range in Chicago, off roughly $0.20-$0.25 from the highs we saw earlier this summer. Cans are holding near $0.30-$0.35. Demand has not collapsed – the pullback looks more like a correction than a trend change. If you have been sitting on a load waiting for prices to climb back, they may, but there is no guarantee of timing.
Steel and Iron Prices
Steel is flat and has been for most of July. Chicago-area yards are paying in the $165-$195 per net ton range depending on grade. Light iron and appliances land on the lower end, heavier prepared grades get more. Do not expect a big move either direction before the end of the month – steel market is quiet right now.
What This Means for Chicago Scrappers
Copper is off its highs but still paying well enough to move your material now rather than wait. Aluminum is the same – holding is a bet that prices recover, and that is not guaranteed this summer.
Bring your scrap to Central Metal Recycling at 5618 W. Fillmore St. We’re open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm and Saturday 7am-11am. Call (773) 345-8610 for today’s exact rates.
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