Most people tossing old wiring or a broken radiator into the bin have no idea they're throwing away real money. In Canada, scrap metal recycling generates billions of dollars annually — and a significant portion of that value sits in garages, basements, and backyards right now, waiting to be claimed. If you're in London, Ontario and you've been wondering which metals are actually worth your time, this guide breaks it down clearly.
Knowing what to collect before you sell scrap metal near me London searches start stacking up in your browser history can make the difference between a modest payout and a genuinely profitable haul. Let's get into the metals that move the needle.
Why Not All Scrap Metal Is Created Equal
Scrap metal falls into two broad categories: ferrous (iron-based) and non-ferrous (everything else). Ferrous metals like steel and cast iron are magnetic, heavy, and abundant — but they pay less per kilogram. Non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminum, and brass are lighter, corrosion-resistant, and far more valuable by weight. Understanding this distinction is your first step to maximizing what you walk away with.
Prices across both categories shift constantly based on global commodity markets, currency fluctuations, and industrial demand. That means the metal sitting in your shop today might be worth more — or less — next month. Timing matters, and staying informed gives you a real edge. Platforms like SMASH help sellers track competitive prices so you're never walking into a transaction blind.
- Ferrous metals: Steel, cast iron, wrought iron — magnetic, lower value per kg, sold by volume
- Non-ferrous metals: Copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel — non-magnetic, higher value per kg, priced precisely
- Specialty materials: Catalytic converters, circuit boards, electric motors — complex, but highly rewarding
Copper: The King of Scrap Metal Recycling Canada
If there's one metal that seasoned scrappers consistently prioritize, it's copper. It commands some of the highest prices in the non-ferrous category and is in constant demand across construction, electronics, and energy sectors. In Canada, scrap copper from electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and copper tubing can fetch significantly more per kilogram than almost any other common metal.
The grade matters enormously. Bare bright copper — clean, uncoated wire stripped of insulation — sits at the top of the value ladder. #1 copper (clean pipe and tubing with no fittings) comes in just below that. #2 copper, which includes painted or soldered material, drops further. Knowing your grades before you arrive at a buyer means you negotiate from a position of knowledge, not guesswork.
Common sources of scrap copper in London and across Ontario include:
- Electrical wiring from renovations or demolition
- Old plumbing pipes from bathroom or kitchen upgrades
- Copper coils from air conditioners and refrigerators
- Motor windings from small appliances and HVAC units
- Copper bus bars from electrical panels
If you want to sell your scrap metal at fair Canadian prices, copper is the category where grading your material properly pays off most dramatically.
Aluminum and Brass: High-Volume Winners for Scrap Metal Prices London Ontario
Aluminum doesn't get enough credit. It's the second most collected non-ferrous metal in Canada, and for good reason — it's everywhere. Rims, window frames, siding, ladders, engine blocks, and even beer cans all contain aluminum. While the per-kilogram rate is lower than copper, the sheer volume you can accumulate makes it a consistent earner, especially for contractors, auto shops, and renovation crews in London.
Cast aluminum (like engine blocks) and extrusion aluminum (like window frames) are priced differently. Sheet aluminum, which comes from roofing or siding, sits in its own tier. Dirty aluminum — meaning material attached to steel, rubber, or plastic — needs to be cleaned up before you sell, or you'll take a price hit. Taking 20 minutes to separate your material often translates to real dollars gained.
Brass is another underrated earner. Plumbing fixtures, valves, fittings, shell casings, and decorative hardware all contain brass — an alloy of copper and zinc that pays well by weight. Many people don't realize that old faucets, hose connectors, and gate valves sitting in a renovation pile are worth collecting separately. Keep your brass clean and free from iron attachments to get the best scrap metal prices London Ontario buyers will offer.
Catalytic Converters: The Most Valuable Single Item You Might Already Have
Few scrap items generate as much surprise as catalytic converters. These exhaust components contain platinum group metals — platinum, palladium, and rhodium — that are extraordinarily valuable. A single catalytic converter can be worth hundreds of dollars, sometimes more, depending on the make, model, and platinum group metal content inside.
Auto shops, mechanics, and fleet operators in London accumulate catalytic converters regularly during routine exhaust work. Private individuals replacing their own exhaust systems often don't realize what they're holding. The key is working with a reputable catalytic converter buyer who can accurately assess the PGM content rather than offering a flat lowball rate on every unit.
This is exactly where the find the best price for your scrap in Canada approach through SMASH makes a real difference. Rather than taking whatever a single buyer offers, SMASH connects you to competitive bids so you capture the actual market value — not just whatever someone decided to offer that day. For catalytic converters especially, this matters enormously.
Important note: always retain documentation showing the converter came from a vehicle you own or worked on. Canadian regulations around catalytic converter sales have tightened, and reputable buyers will ask for this information as standard practice in 2026.
Steel and Cast Iron: Lower Price, Higher Volume — Still Worth Collecting
Steel is the backbone of metal recycling Canada — it's the most recycled material on the planet. The price per kilogram is modest compared to copper or aluminum, but steel is heavy and plentiful. If you're clearing a property, decommissioning equipment, or dealing with large structural material, the total weight adds up fast.
Cast iron is worth collecting separately from mixed steel if possible, as some buyers price it differently. Old radiators, engine blocks that aren't aluminum, wood stoves, and pipe fittings are all cast iron candidates. Stainless steel — found in kitchen equipment, appliances, and food processing machinery — carries a better rate than regular steel and should always be sorted out on its own.
For businesses in London managing ongoing scrap accumulation, even a consistent stream of steel can translate to meaningful revenue over time. The trick is aggregating enough volume to make a pickup worthwhile, then locking in a fair rate before you hand it over. You can explore scrap metal selling guides on our blog to learn how to handle volume sorting efficiently.
How to Maximize Your Payout Before You Sell
Collecting the right metals is only half the battle. How you prepare and present your material directly affects what you get paid. Buyers grade your scrap on the spot — and contaminated, unsorted loads consistently receive lower offers. A little preparation goes a long way.
Follow these steps before you get a fair price for your scrap today:
- Sort by metal type — Never mix copper with aluminum or steel with brass. Sorted loads get better rates.
- Remove attachments — Strip insulation from wiring, remove fittings from pipe, and pull steel bolts from aluminum components where possible.
- Grade your copper — Identify bare bright, #1, and #2 copper separately before arrival.
- Weigh your load — Knowing your approximate weights helps you verify buyer quotes are accurate.
- Research current prices — Metal prices fluctuate weekly. Check current rates before you commit to a sale.
- Use competitive platforms — Instead of walking in cold, use a SMASH scrap metal auction approach to get multiple buyers competing for your material.
London residents and Ontario businesses with significant volumes of scrap can connect directly with London scrap metal services designed to handle everything from single pickups to ongoing commercial accounts.
Disclaimer: Scrap metal prices fluctuate based on global commodity markets and local supply and demand. Always verify current rates before selling. The price ranges discussed in this article reflect general market conditions as of June 2026 and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most profitable scrap metal to collect in London, Ontario?
Copper consistently ranks as the highest-value common scrap metal by weight, followed by brass and aluminum. Catalytic converters can exceed all of these as single items due to their platinum group metal content. Sorting and grading your material properly is what separates a good payout from a great one.
Q: Where can I sell scrap metal near me in London, Ontario?
London has several scrap metal buyers operating across the city. For competitive pricing, consider using a platform like SMASH that connects you to multiple buyers so you're not relying on a single offer. You can also request a pickup directly through sell-scrapmetal.ca rather than hauling material yourself.
Q: How do scrap metal prices in London Ontario compare to the rest of Canada?
Scrap metal prices in London generally track Ontario and national commodity markets closely, though local supply and demand, buyer competition, and transportation costs can create small regional variations. Using a competitive auction or comparison platform gives you the best chance of capturing true market value regardless of location.
Q: Is there a scrap metal buyer near me open now in London?
Availability varies by buyer and day of the week. For immediate needs, checking with London-area buyers directly or using an online platform to schedule a pickup is your most reliable option. Sell-scrapmetal.ca offers pickup services that can be arranged around your schedule.
Q: Do I need to bring my scrap metal sorted, or will the buyer sort it?
Most buyers will accept mixed loads, but you will receive a lower rate — sometimes significantly lower — for unsorted material. Taking time to separate copper, aluminum, brass, and steel before you sell is one of the fastest ways to increase your payout without changing what you collect.
The scrap sitting in your garage, shop, or yard has real value — and with the right knowledge, you keep more of it. Whether you're clearing out a one-time renovation haul or managing ongoing commercial scrap, selling smart means knowing your metals, grading your loads, and choosing buyers who compete for your business. Sell your scrap metal at fair Canadian prices — request a pickup at sell-scrapmetal.ca and see what your material is actually worth.
Stay current on scrap metal market trends and pricing insights by following SMASH on LinkedIn — industry updates posted regularly so you're always selling at the right time.