Brass shells, commonly sourced from spent ammunition casings, are a valuable commodity in the scrap metal market. For individuals and businesses aiming to capitalize on recycling brass shells, understanding current market prices and best practices is essential.
Current Market Prices
As of early April 2025, brass shells are fetching competitive prices across various scrap yards:
Rockaway Recycling (Rockaway, NJ): $2.15 per pound (updated March 8, 2025).
iScrap App National Average: $1.92 per pound (updated six days ago). Sgt. Scrap (Gloucester City, NJ): $2.29 per pound (updated September 13, 2024).
It's important to note that these prices can fluctuate based on regional demand, global metal markets, and the specific policies of individual scrap yards.
Factors Influencing Brass Shells Prices
Several elements impact the value of brass shells in the scrap market:
Global Copper Prices: Since brass is primarily composed of copper and zinc, fluctuations in copper prices directly affect brass scrap values.
Supply and Demand: Increased recycling efforts or a surge in available scrap can drive prices down, while higher demand from manufacturers can elevate them.
Purity and Condition: Clean, spent brass shells without primers, residue, or mixed materials (like steel or aluminum) are more valuable. Live rounds are strictly prohibited and can result in refusal or legal consequences.
Tips for Selling Brass Shells
To maximize returns when selling brass shells:
Ensure Cleanliness: Remove any dirt, debris, or non-brass components. Mixed materials can lead to downgrades in pricing.
Verify Local Regulations: Some states or scrap yards have specific laws regarding the sale of ammunition casings. Always check local regulations before proceeding.
Separate from Other Metals: Keep brass shells distinct from other scrap metals to ensure accurate weighing and pricing.
Stay Updated: Regularly monitor scrap prices through reliable platforms like iScrap App or directly contact local scrap yards for the most current rates
Conclusion
Recycling brass shells not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers a profitable avenue for individuals and businesses. By staying informed about current prices, understanding market dynamics, and adhering to best practices, sellers can optimize their returns in the brass scrap market.
