Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of July 27, 2026

28 Jul Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of July 27, 2026

Copper had a strong week heading into July 27. Prices climbed roughly $0.25 per pound driven by geopolitical tension and long-term energy demand. Aluminum is a different story – high grades have pulled back from their spring highs while everyday grades are showing a little life. Here is where things stand for Chicago scrappers this week.

Copper Prices in Chicago This Week

Bare bright copper is running around $3.70 to $3.80 per pound at Chicago-area yards, with #1 copper pipe close behind at $3.60 to $3.70. #2 copper is sitting in the $3.40 to $3.55 range. The jump this week was tied to the ongoing Iran conflict pushing investors toward copper as a safe-harbor asset, combined with growing demand for electrical infrastructure, data centers, and electrification. The long-term supply picture still favors higher prices. Projected demand for copper in energy buildout is expected to outrun supply for years.

For sellers, this matters. If you are stripping bare bright wire, the extra effort pays off. A load of bare bright versus #2 copper can be a difference of $0.25 or more per pound. On a 100-pound load that is $25 you leave on the table if you skip the stripping step. If you have copper pipe from a demo or renovation job, call us first at (773) 345-8610 and we will tell you exactly what grade you have and what it is worth today.

Aluminum Prices This Week

Aluminum has been cooling off after a strong run through spring. High-grade aluminum like extrusions and cast has pulled back $0.30 to $0.40 per pound from peak prices earlier in the year. The lower-grade material – sheet aluminum, siding, old window frames – has been steadier and ticked up a few cents over the past week. If you have mixed loads, sorting your aluminum grades before you come in will put more money in your pocket. We take cast, extrusion, sheet, rims, and cans at our Chicago yard.

Steel and Iron Prices

Steel is soft right now. Light iron and sheet steel are running $80 to $100 per net ton at most yards. The ferrous market has been sluggish and there is not much in the near-term outlook suggesting a big move up. Ferrous prices are set monthly and tend to hold steady regardless of day-to-day commodity swings. If you are hauling appliances or structural steel, it is still worth bringing in – just do not hold material waiting for a rally that may not come soon.

What This Means for Chicago Scrappers

Copper is the metal to move this week while prices are elevated. Sort your aluminum by grade before you arrive and you will walk out with more money in your pocket.

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.