What you should actually expect to be offered
Nickel-bearing alloys need positive identification. Specialty alloy yards pay more than general scrap yards because they can sort and market known grades directly.
Identify the alloy before pricing it
A magnet cannot identify nickel alloy: some grades are magnetic and others are not. Look for mill markings, keep known offcuts separate, and use an alloy analyzer for valuable or mixed lots. Unknown metal is usually priced as low-grade stainless.
Why the editable benchmark matters
Unlike copper, nickel scrap does not have one retail board price that maps cleanly to every alloy. Enter the benchmark your yard or market source uses, then apply the contained-nickel factor as a comparison point rather than a guaranteed quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much is nickel scrap worth per pound?
Multiply the current nickel benchmark by the alloy's nickel content, then compare yard quotes against that contained-metal value. Known, clean alloy commands the best percentage.
Will a magnet identify nickel scrap?
No. Magnetism varies by alloy and heat treatment. Markings or an XRF alloy test are more reliable.
Other metals
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