30 Jun Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of June 29, 2026
Copper gave back some ground this week, dropping more than $0.30 per pound as summer trading slows down and traders take profits heading into the holiday stretch. Aluminum moved lower too, off about $0.11 per pound from last week. Steel held steady. Here is where Chicago scrap metal prices stand as of June 29, 2026.
Copper Prices in Chicago This Week
Bare bright copper is running around $3.75 per pound, #1 copper tubing is at $3.66, and #2 copper is sitting near $3.47. The pullback is tied to seasonal trading patterns, not a drop in demand. Every year around this time, traders lock in profits and step back before the Fourth of July and summer slowdown. Copper is still well above where it was a year ago, supported by strong demand from infrastructure work and electrical projects across the country.
For Chicago scrappers, the grade difference matters right now. If you are sitting on bare bright, you are in good shape even with the dip. If you have #2 copper or insulated wire, cleaning it up before you bring it in can move you into a higher bracket and put more money in your pocket. Pipe fittings, romex, and mixed copper all get priced on condition, so take five minutes to strip what you can.
Aluminum Prices This Week
Aluminum is softer this week across the board. Cast aluminum is trading around $0.45 to $0.55 per pound depending on grade and yard. Cans are near $0.43. The drop follows the same summer pattern as copper: some smelters are running scheduled maintenance downtime, which pulls back buying activity for a few weeks. Fundamentals are still solid going into the second half of the year, so if you can hold material, it may be worth watching the market through July.
Steel and Iron Prices
Ferrous is flat. Light iron and appliances are running in the $180 to $220 per net ton range at Chicago yards, consistent with where they have been most of the month. Steel mills are buying steady but cautiously, watching economic data before committing to bigger purchases. No big moves expected on iron in the near term.
What This Means for Chicago Scrappers
Non-ferrous took a step back this week, but prices are still strong by historical standards. Focus on grade and cleanliness on your copper and aluminum loads to make the most of where the market is sitting right now.
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.
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