Yes, you can absolutely scrap a cast iron tub. Because it weighs around 250 to 300 pounds, it is 100% recyclable and highly sought after by scrap metal dealers.
Scrap iron prices per pound vary significantly based on material grade and market conditions. Currently, light iron (often called “shred”) trades at approximately $0.03 to $0.04 per pound, while heavy cast iron ranges from $0.06 to $0.08 per pound.
Yes, you can absolutely scrap a cast iron tub. Cast iron is a highly recyclable ferrous metal, and scrap yards will pay for it by the ton or pound.
Yes, cast iron has scrap value, typically paying between $0.06 to $0.11 per pound (roughly $140 to $230 per ton), depending on your location and current market rates. While it isn't as valuable as copper or brass, its heavy weight makes it a profitable haul if you have a large volume.
Have a friend help you pull the heavy cast iron tub away from wall and set it on plywood. Plug the exposed drain pipe with a wadded rag to keep sewer gas out of your home. Cover the old tub with a blanket and smash into manageable pieces with a sledgehammer.
Old Tub Removal and Disposal
Hauling away a heavy cast-iron bathtub could cost $300 or more. Disposing of the old tub can cost $100 to $4,200.
Yes, you can cut a cast iron tub with a Sawzall (reciprocating saw), but it is incredibly tough, loud, and hard on your tools. To do it efficiently and safely, you must use a specialty blade, take your time, and wear proper safety gear.
Cast iron can be worth a decent amount when scrapped with a reputable metal dealer. Whilst there's no set scrap value for this metal, scrap yards tend to use the following points to calculate prices which are accurate and up to date: Weight of your cast iron. Condition and signs of corrosion.
Homeowners with scrap metal can bring their cast iron to a scrap yard and get paid for their material at the current cast iron scrap price.
A standard 5-foot (60-inch) cast iron bathtub weighs between 250 to 450 lbs (113 to 204 kg) when empty.
Cast iron bathtubs typically range from $800 to $4,000+ for the tub alone, depending on the style and manufacturer. Factoring in delivery and professional installation, the total project cost averages between $3,500 and $7,000, as these heavy-duty tubs often require reinforced framing and multiple installers.
For example, clawfoot and cast iron tubs are great sources of scrap metal and companies will potentially pay you more for your bathtub depending on the materials you have on hand.
Copper is the leading choice in scrap metal values today. In early 2026, current prices for premium grades have surged well past $4 per pound, making it highly lucrative for waste management operations.
A clawfoot tub's weight depends heavily on its material and size. Empty, they range from under 100 lbs to over 500 lbs. When filled with water and a bather, the total structural load frequently exceeds 1,000 lbs.
Copper remains the undisputed champion of scrap metal values. Current market rates show bare bright copper wire fetching approximately $3-$3.55 per pound. This high value reflects copper's exceptional electrical conductivity and widespread industrial applications.
Yes, old cast iron can be highly valuable, particularly as collectible cookware. While raw scrap iron is only worth about $0.06 to $0.08 per pound, well-maintained antique and vintage pieces—especially those made by sought-after makers—routinely sell to collectors for anywhere from $𝟓𝟎 to over $𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎.
To make $100 from scrap aluminum, you need anywhere from 55 to 200 pounds, depending on your local scrap yard’s payout rate.
Scrap yards are happy to pay for cast iron or steel, while acrylic is much harder to recycle, but there are specialists who can help.
Copper consistently delivers the highest returns among commonly available scrap metals. Current market prices range significantly based on purity, with bare bright copper wire commanding premium rates.
No problem. Cast iron is totally recyclable. Since iron is the main component of steel, you should refrain from throwing it away. Your used cast iron appliances can be melted down and crafted into something brand new, and you can even get money for it!
Removing a 300 to 400-pound cast iron tub can be a brutal DIY job, but you don't necessarily have to haul the heavy beast out in one piece. The most common and manageable method is to smash it into smaller, carryable pieces.
Yes, you can absolutely scrap a cast iron tub. Cast iron is a highly recyclable ferrous metal, and scrap yards will pay for it by the ton or pound.
Breaking a cast iron bathtub is a standard method for removal during home renovations because these tubs are often too heavy to move in one piece. Due to the brittle nature of cast iron, it can be broken into smaller, manageable sections using focused force.