09 Jun Chicago Scrap Metal Prices – Week of June 8, 2026
Copper pulled back slightly at the end of last week but is still running strong heading into this week. Aluminum is holding steady with some upward pressure in certain grades. Steel and iron prices are flat, which is typical for mid-month in Chicago.
Copper Prices in Chicago This Week
Bare bright copper is coming in around $5.25 to $5.50 per pound at Chicago-area yards this week, with #1 copper close behind at roughly $5.10 to $5.30 per pound and #2 copper trading around $4.90 to $5.10 per pound. Prices dipped about $0.16 per pound on June 4 following a softer session on the LME, but copper has largely held its ground and remains well above where it was earlier this year.
For sellers, the difference between grades still matters. Clean copper wire stripped to bare bright gets you top dollar. Romex and insulated wire with the jacket still on will pay less because the yard has to factor in processing. If you have copper pipe, make sure it is free of fittings and solder – clean #1 tubing pays noticeably better than #2. A few minutes of prep at home can add up to real money on a larger load.
Aluminum Prices This Week
Aluminum is averaging around $0.65 to $0.70 per pound across Illinois yards, with cast aluminum and extrusions on the higher end and sheet and cans on the lower end. The trend is mildly positive – some analysts are projecting sheet aluminum could push past $1.00 per pound in parts of the country over the next year if demand holds. For now, Chicago prices are steady and worth bringing in if you have a decent quantity.
Steel and Iron Prices
Ferrous is flat this week, which is normal for this point in the month. Light iron and shredder material is trading around $200 to $240 per net ton in the Chicago market, with prepared #1 iron on the higher end near $250 to $260 per net ton. Steel prices are set at the start of each month and rarely move much until the next pricing cycle, so what you see now is likely what you will get for the rest of June.
What This Means for Chicago Scrappers
Copper is the metal to focus on right now – prices are strong and a clean load will pay well at most Chicago yards. If you have aluminum sitting around, this is a reasonable week to bring it in rather than wait.
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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