Scrap metal recycling has become a lucrative side hustle for many residents and businesses in Las Vegas. Beyond just decluttering your garage or job site, selling scrap metal can put extra cash in your pocket while helping the environment by reducing waste. If you’re new to the world of scrap metal, it helps to know which metals are the most valuable and where to find them locally. In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, the supply of scrap metal comes from residential homes, commercial construction, automotive industries, and even the arts scene. Here’s a detailed look at the top five most valuable scrap metals you’re likely to encounter in the area, along with insights on where these metals are commonly sourced.

Copper is often the crown jewel of scrap metals. Known for its excellent conductivity and versatility, copper consistently fetches some of the highest prices on the scrap market. You’ll find copper in a variety of applications, including electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, roofing materials, and even in some household appliances. In Las Vegas, copper scrap is abundant thanks to the city’s ongoing construction boom, which generates large amounts of copper wiring and piping from both new builds and demolitions. Additionally, old homes being renovated often have copper pipes and wiring ready for recycling. Contractors and electricians sometimes gather scrap copper from renovation sites, while residents can find smaller pieces in appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators. Local scrap yards in Las Vegas are always on the lookout for clean copper, and prices tend to be higher for uncoated, unalloyed copper.

Aluminum is another highly valuable scrap metal widely found across Las Vegas. Its lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion make it popular in the construction of window frames, siding, gutters, and various vehicle parts. One of the most common sources of scrap aluminum in the city is the automotive industry, particularly from older car parts such as engine blocks, wheels, and radiators. Aluminum cans are also a steady, easy-to-collect source for those interested in smaller-scale scrap gathering. Due to the city’s vibrant hospitality and entertainment sectors, many restaurants and bars accumulate large quantities of aluminum cans and cooking equipment that can be recycled. Las Vegas residents can often gather aluminum from discarded furniture, outdoor fixtures, or home remodeling projects. Scrap yards in the area offer decent prices for aluminum, especially if the metal is sorted and free of contaminants.

Brass is often overlooked but is a highly valuable scrap metal commonly found in plumbing fixtures, decorative hardware, and musical instruments. The warm, golden hue of brass makes it popular for faucets, valves, door handles, and lighting fixtures found in homes and commercial buildings. In Las Vegas, brass is frequently sourced from both residential and commercial renovations, where old plumbing and hardware are replaced with modern materials. The hospitality industry’s hotels and casinos, many of which undergo periodic upgrades, also generate scrap brass from various fittings and decorative elements. Musicians who upgrade or retire instruments contribute as well, making local music stores or pawnshops occasional sources of brass scrap. Since brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, it generally holds a good value on the scrap market, especially when separated from other metals.

Steel is one of the most common metals found in scrap yards across Las Vegas. Although it usually commands a lower price per pound compared to copper or brass, its sheer volume makes steel a significant source of income for scrap collectors. Steel is used extensively in construction—everything from structural beams to rebar in foundations—and it’s often found in old appliances, vehicles, and even discarded tools. The construction industry’s rapid growth in Las Vegas means a steady supply of steel scrap from demolition and renovation projects. Additionally, the automotive industry contributes large amounts of steel scrap from vehicle bodies and parts. For those collecting scrap, steel is easy to find and transport, but prices will vary based on the grade and cleanliness of the material. Local scrap yards often offer competitive prices for steel, especially if it’s sorted from other metals.

Finally, stainless steel rounds out the list of valuable scrap metals found in Las Vegas. Known for its durability and corrosion resistance, stainless steel is commonly used in kitchen appliances, medical equipment, and commercial restaurant kitchens—many of which are abundant in Las Vegas due to its massive food service industry. Stainless steel can be sourced from commercial kitchens, hospitals, and residential appliances like sinks, ovens, and refrigerators. The value of stainless steel scrap depends on its grade and purity, but it typically sells for a higher price than regular steel due to the alloy’s chromium and nickel content. Scrap yards in Las Vegas are familiar with the demand for stainless steel and often provide specialized services to handle and price it correctly.

In summary, the Las Vegas scrap metal market is rich with opportunity for those who know where to look. Copper remains the most valuable metal, often sourced from construction and electrical projects. Aluminum’s lightweight versatility makes it prevalent in automotive and hospitality industries, while brass finds its way from plumbing and decorative hardware. Steel, though less valuable by weight, is the most abundant metal from construction and vehicles. Stainless steel serves niche markets, especially related to commercial kitchens and medical equipment. Whether you’re a hobbyist collecting cans and old appliances or a contractor dealing with demolition scrap, understanding the local sources and value of these metals can maximize your returns in the bustling Las Vegas scrap metal scene.