Quick Market Summary
Steel scrap trades at $330-400 per ton in October 2025, with regional variations across the US. East Coast markets show strength at $330.50 per ton, while Midwest shredded scrap sits near $380 per tonne. Copper holds steady at $3.80-4.00 per pound for bare bright grade. Sacramento Valley businesses can expect stable pricing through Q4, with October through November offering the best selling window.
What Northern California Businesses Need to Know Now
The fourth quarter brings decision time for businesses with accumulated scrap. Market conditions favor sellers who act strategically. Let's break down what's really happening with prices and timing.
Current data shows US scrap prices have risen 4.3% since early 2025, but the market isn't uniform. Location matters. Grade matters. Timing matters even more.
For Willis Recycling customers—construction contractors, tire centers, hospitals, and retailers—understanding these dynamics means the difference between good returns and great ones.
Steel Prices: The Real Numbers
Here's what steel actually costs today:
Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 1&2): $330-380 per ton
Shredded Steel: $380-400 per ton
Premium Grade: $350-400 per ton
Light Iron: $150-200 per ton
Turkish market indicators show HMS 1/2 80:20 scrap at $355 per ton, up 1.7% in February, signaling global market stability. This matters because Turkish prices often predict US trends.
Why the wide ranges? Three factors:
Volume (full truckloads get better rates)
Cleanliness (sorted material pays more)
Location (coastal markets typically pay 10-20% more)
Copper Markets Stay Strong
Copper continues its solid performance. Current pricing:
Bare Bright Copper: $3.80-4.00 per pound
#1 Copper: $3.60-3.80 per pound
#2 Copper: $3.40-3.60 per pound
Insulated Wire: Varies by grade (35-70% recovery)
Electric vehicle manufacturing keeps demand high. Infrastructure upgrades need copper. Supply stays tight. These fundamentals support current prices through year-end.
October Through November: Your Best Window
Why sell now? Construction season peaks before winter. Projects wrap up. Contractors clear yards. This creates both supply and demand.
Sacramento Valley adds local advantages:
Healthcare facility renovations generate steady medical equipment scrap
State government equipment replacements peak before fiscal deadlines
Agricultural operations upgrade machinery for tax benefits
These regional factors typically add 2-4% to national average prices.
Material-Specific Timing Guide
Steel and Iron
Hold until late October if you can. Prices are expected to remain fairly flat for the remainder of 2025 with potential rises beginning in 2026. Infrastructure projects push for year-end completion, maintaining demand.
Copper and Wire
Sell in October through mid-November. Historical patterns show December softening. Current elevated prices make this window attractive.
Aluminum
Market stability means flexibility. Prices hover at $0.55-0.65 per pound. Base decisions on storage costs rather than timing speculation.
Mixed Loads
Don't overthink it. The cost of storing materials often exceeds potential gains. Clear space when it makes business sense.
How to Maximize Your Return
How to Maximize Your Return
Clean separation adds value:
Remove attachments from steel
Separate copper grades
Clean aluminum of fasteners
This simple step can increase payment by 10-15%.
Build Volume
Accumulate full truckloads when possible. Bigger loads often get better rates. Small loads under 100 pounds rarely justify the trip.
Compare Local Prices
Scrap metal prices can vary by up to 30% between yards in the same area. Make calls. Get quotes. Know your options.
Time of Day Matters
Morning typically offers best prices. Yards post fresh rates early. Afternoon prices may drop if quotas are met.
What's Driving Q4 Markets
Global Factors
Manufacturing sector recovery in major economies has led to increased demand for scrap metal. Asian markets remain strong buyers, supporting base prices.
Domestic Dynamics
Federal government investment programmes will support US steel demand in 2025. Infrastructure spending continues. Construction activity maintains momentum.
Energy Costs
California diesel prices impact recycling economics. Current fuel adds 8-12% to operational costs. Any major fuel price shift affects scrap values by 3-5%.
Looking Ahead: Early 2025 Signals
Several indicators suggest current prices represent a floor:
Stronger construction spending, due to reduction in interest rates
Federal infrastructure programs continue
California electrification goals sustain copper demand
Limited new copper mining capacity globally
However, experts caution that volatility may persist. Smart sellers focus on current opportunities rather than speculation.
Regional Advantages for Sacramento Businesses
Northern California offers unique opportunities:
Healthcare Sector: Kaiser Permanente and other facilities upgrade equipment regularly, creating consistent medical-grade stainless and electronics scrap.
Agricultural Equipment: Farm modernization before year-end tax deadlines generates quality steel scrap.
Government Cycles: State agencies replace equipment on predictable schedules, especially IT and office furniture.
Construction Activity: Regional projects from housing to infrastructure maintain steady demand.
Your Action Plan for Q4
Ready to convert scrap to cash? Follow these steps:
Take inventory now. Know what you have.
Sort materials this week. Separation takes time but adds value.
Get current quotes. Prices change daily.
Schedule before holidays. Service slows in late December.
Consider relationships. Regular customers often get better rates.
Why Willis Recycling
We've served Greater Sacramento for over a decade. We know the market. We understand your business needs.
Our advantages:
Same-week pickup evaluation
Transparent, current pricing
Mobile, on-site recycling services
Expertise with high-volume commercial accounts
We work with tire centers, construction contractors, grocery stores, retailers, and hospitals. We understand your materials. We respect your time.
Contact Willis Recycling at (916) 271-2691 for your pickup evaluation. We'll assess your materials and provide clear pricing based on today's market.
Note: Prices reflect October 2025 market conditions and change daily. Citations reference current market data from recognized industry sources. Contact Willis Recycling for specific pricing on your materials.
