Scrap metal pickup services have grown into a $2 billion US industry by 2026 as more homeowners discover they're sitting on hundreds of pounds of recoverable metal. Mobile pickup services like ScrapRunners, Junk King, LoadUp, and 1-800-Got-Junk haul loads of 500+ lbs for free (paying you for the metal); smaller loads cost $30-$80 in pickup fee. This guide covers when free pickup makes sense, how to value your scrap before booking, and the state-by-state rules.
Mobile scrap metal pickup services (USA, ranked)
| Service | Free pickup over | Pickup fee under threshold | Pays you per lb |
|---|
| ScrapRunners | 500 lbs | $35-$65 | $1.50-$4.20 (varies by metal type + grade) |
| Junk King | 600 lbs | $40-$80 | $1.20-$3.60 |
| LoadUp | 500 lbs | $30-$60 | $1.40-$3.80 (online booking + payment) |
| 1-800-Got-Junk | 1,000 lbs | $50-$150 | $1.00-$3.50 (premium for scheduling convenience) |
| Local independent haulers | varies | $25-$100 | $1.30-$4.00 |
For loads UNDER 500 lbs without the threshold-based fee waiver, walking the scrap to a local scrap yard is almost always cheaper.
When pickup makes sense vs DIY transport
| Scenario | Best option |
|---|
| Single appliance + 50 lbs of misc | DIY transport to local scrap yard |
| 2-5 appliances + bulky metals (500+ lbs total) | Free pickup (ScrapRunners, LoadUp, Junk King) |
| Demolition + 1,000+ lbs | Free pickup; consider getting 2-3 quotes |
| Catalytic converter + other valuable items | DIY transport (catalytic converters are too valuable for the convenience pickup fee) |
| Out-of-state estate cleanout | Use national service (1-800-Got-Junk) for consistency |
| Rural area no scrap yard within 30 miles | Free pickup or mail-in services |
What scrap metal pickup services accept
| Item type | Accepted | Notes |
|---|
| Household appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.) | YES | Bring out to driveway for easier loading |
| Refrigerators + AC units | YES (with refrigerant disclosed) | Some services charge extra $20-$50 for refrigerant recovery |
| Cast iron tubs + sinks | YES | Heavy - call ahead for 2-person crew |
| Aluminum window frames + gutters | YES | Easy haul - low weight, high value |
| Engine blocks + auto parts | YES | High weight, good value |
| Steel structural + rebar | YES | Standard construction scrap |
| Copper plumbing + electrical wire | YES (high value) | Some buyers come specifically for copper |
| HVAC ductwork | YES | Mixed steel + aluminum |
| Catalytic converters | YES but call ahead | Most buyers have catalytic converter specialists |
| Lead-acid batteries (small UPS, alarm) | YES | Big-truck car batteries often refused |
| Hazardous materials | NO | Not accepted - separate HHW disposal |
How to value your scrap before booking pickup
Before calling a pickup service, identify your major items and estimate:
- Type of metal in each item (use the magnet test - magnetic = steel/iron; non-magnetic = copper/aluminum/brass/stainless 304)
- Approximate weight (a standard washing machine: 150-200 lbs; standard dryer: 100-150 lbs; cast iron tub: 250-400 lbs; AC condenser: 100-200 lbs)
- Grade (clean stripped wire vs. raw cable; clean copper vs. soldered)
- Total weight of the lot
Quick valuation rule of thumb:
- All steel/iron (washers, dryers, structural): $0.08-$0.18/lb = $12-$36 per appliance
- Mixed appliance with copper motor: $0.20-$0.50/lb (motor copper adds value)
- AC condenser (heavy copper coil): $0.80-$2.00/lb
- Pure aluminum (window frames): $0.55-$0.85/lb
- Catalytic converter: $50-$300 per unit
For a typical estate cleanout with 1,000 lbs of mixed appliances + 100 lbs copper electrical + 50 lbs aluminum gutter + 1 catalytic converter: expect $400-$1,200 total payout from a pickup service.
State-by-state pickup rules
Most US states allow free scrap metal pickup with seller ID compliance:
- California: Mandatory photo ID + 3-day waiting period for cash over $100
- Texas: Photo ID + record-keeping required
- New York: ID + payment by check over $100
- Florida: Standard ID + record-keeping
- All other states: Photo ID + transaction record minimum
Mobile pickup services handle the regulatory side; you just need to be home for pickup with photo ID ready.
What pickup services charge for hard-to-handle items
Some items cost extra to pick up:
- Refrigerator + AC with refrigerant: $20-$50 for EPA-certified recovery
- Cast iron bathtub (250-400 lbs): $40-$100 extra (requires 2-person crew + special equipment)
- Restaurant grease trap: $50-$150 extra
- Boats + trailers: typically need separate quote
- Catalytic converter: usually no extra fee, but special handling for documentation
- Hazardous materials: NOT accepted by mobile pickup
Pickup services that pay vs services that charge
The confusing part of this industry: some services PAY you, others CHARGE you for the same work:
- Junk removal services (Junk King, 1-800-Got-Junk, LoadUp) CHARGE you to remove items - they keep the scrap metal value
- Scrap metal recyclers (ScrapRunners, regional buyers) PAY you for the metal weight
The free-pickup-over-500-lbs model is a hybrid: large loads pay the customer; smaller loads charge a fee but credit some scrap value.
How to book a free pickup
- Photograph your scrap items (helps the buyer assess weight + type)
- Estimate total weight (be conservative - underestimating gets you ranked higher in their scheduling)
- Call 2-3 services and compare quotes
- Schedule for a clear day (mobile services hate wet loads - water adds weight + reduces scrap rate)
- Be home for inspection + payment with photo ID
Free pickup typically scheduled within 24-72 hours of booking.
Sources
- Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) annual statistics
- US Department of Justice copper theft impact estimates
- California Business + Professions Code § 21605 (scrap-metal seller ID requirements)
- US Department of Commerce mobile recycling industry data
Last verified: 2026-05-23. Pickup service availability varies by city - confirm service area + pricing with the specific service before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find scrap metal pickup near me?
ScrapRunners, Junk King, LoadUp, and 1-800-Got-Junk all offer scrap metal pickup with free service over 500-1,000 lb thresholds. Below threshold, fees are $30-$80. They pay $1.20-$4.20/lb depending on metal type + grade. Local independent haulers also operate in most US cities.
Is scrap metal pickup free?
Free if your load is over the threshold (typically 500 lbs for ScrapRunners + LoadUp, 1,000 lbs for 1-800-Got-Junk). Below threshold, pickup fee is $30-$150 depending on service + load size. The service pays you for the metal weight; net payment is the scrap value minus pickup fee (or zero fee for large loads).
Do scrap metal pickup services pay you?
Yes if it's a SCRAP service (ScrapRunners, regional buyers) - they pay you per pound of metal collected. Junk removal services (Junk King, 1-800-Got-Junk) typically CHARGE you to haul items, keeping the scrap value for themselves. The hybrid pickup-over-500-lbs model pays the customer for large loads, charges for smaller.
How much weight does a free pickup require?
Most services require 500-1,000 lbs minimum for free pickup. A typical estate cleanout with old appliances easily hits 500+ lbs: washing machine (150-200 lbs), dryer (100-150 lbs), cast iron tub (250-400 lbs), AC condenser (100-200 lbs), small misc = 750+ lbs. Below threshold, walk-in scrap yard is almost always cheaper.
What can I scrap from my house?
Old appliances (washer $8-$25, dryer $5-$15, AC unit $80-$300), aluminum window frames + gutters, copper plumbing pipes, brass plumbing fittings, cast iron tubs/sinks, steel rebar, engine blocks, catalytic converters ($50-$300), small UPS batteries, HVAC ductwork. Total household scrap typically 200-1,500 lbs accumulated over 5-10 years of home repairs.
Do I need ID for scrap pickup?
Yes - all US states require recordkeeping under metal-theft prevention laws. Mobile pickup services handle the regulatory paperwork; you provide photo ID at pickup. California requires 3-day waiting period for cash payment over $100. New York + most states require payment by check above $100.
Will pickup services take refrigerators with refrigerant?
Yes but typically charge $20-$50 extra for EPA-certified refrigerant recovery (Clean Air Act Section 608 compliance). Some smaller services refuse refrigerators with refrigerant - use a specialized service or have the refrigerant recovered separately ($25-$75 at certified HVAC tech) before pickup.
Can I scrap a catalytic converter through pickup service?
Yes - most scrap pickup services accept catalytic converters with no extra fee. Catalytic converters contain platinum + palladium + rhodium worth $50-$2,000 per unit depending on make/model. Sell only through licensed scrap services with full documentation - federal investigation may apply to large quantities. Theft is a major US crime.
How do I get the best price for scrap pickup?
Pre-sort by metal type (copper, brass, aluminum, steel separately) before the pickup. Strip insulation from copper electrical wire (jumps from $0.80/lb to $3.80/lb). Get 2-3 quotes - prices vary 10-30% between services. Schedule for a clear day (water adds weight + lowers scrap rate). Be home with photo ID + estimated weight for negotiation.
Is mobile scrap pickup worth it for small loads?
Usually not. For under 200 lbs, DIY transport to local scrap yard pays the full price minus 60-75% of LME spot (no fee deducted). Mobile pickup makes sense at 500+ lbs (often free pickup) or for cleanouts where you don't have transport. Catalytic converters are valuable enough that DIY transport always wins.