Radiators are common items that often end up in scrap yards when they fail or need to be replaced. Their copper and aluminum materials can be quite valuable as scrap metal. If you have an old radiator to get rid of, it's easy to prepare it for recycling and receive some cash in return.
Cast Iron: Most older radiators are made of cast iron due to their robustness and ability to retain heat well. While iron is not as valuable as copper for example, it can still fetch a decent price at the scrap yard due to its weight and high demand in manufacturing.
Still, they are fully recyclable and can be sold for cash at scrap yards. If your aluminum radiator is clean and free from contaminants, you will get a better payout. Brass and Copper Radiators: Older car radiators may be made from brass or copper, which are significantly more valuable.
As for the ordinary air-conditioner radiators, which are also commonly used in people's lives. The copper content is about 55%, the aluminum content is about 40%, and the iron content is about 5%.
Radiators are common items that often end up in scrap yards when they fail or need to be replaced. Their copper and aluminum materials can be quite valuable as scrap metal. If you have an old radiator to get rid of, it's easy to prepare it for recycling and receive some cash in return.
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.
You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that an old radiator can indeed have scrap value. Radiators are made from various metals, some of which are sought after in the recycling industry. Copper, aluminium, brass, and even cast iron radiators can fetch a decent price, depending on their condition and type.
4ft Cast Iron Baseboard Radiator Assembly, Floor Standing, 10" H x 2-1/2" D x 48" W.... Technical Specifications: Dimensions: 9-7/8" High (overall) x 2-7/16" Deep (front to wall) x 48" Long/Wide (overall) Weight: approx 68 lbs.
The Math Behind the Money
To earn $100, you need to collect 200 pounds of aluminum ($100 divided by $0.50). Since it takes about 32 cans to make one pound, you multiply 200 pounds by 32. This means you need approximately 6,400 standard 12-ounce cans to make $100.
If your radiator is usable you can take it for reuse at all sites. If it is unusable it can be recycled in the scrap metal skip at all out sites. Local charity shops, reuse organisations and reuse websites are great places to donate unwanted items.
There are four types of radiators: brass, copper, steel and plastic. Brass radiators are typically found on older vehicles made before 1990, however, most large trucks use brass radiators for their durability. Plastic/aluminum radiators became popular after the 1970's because of its low cost and weight.
Some examples you may have around the house include:
Cast iron gave way to pressed steel panel radiators in the 1950s and 60s. These were boxy, plain and painted white, prioritising heat over style. They fit neatly under windows and churned out warmth for the masses.
Old Radiators (Steel or Aluminium)
Estimated value: Steel ~£0.14/kg, Aluminium ~£1.10/kg. Top tip: Aluminium rads (usually from newer systems) are lighter but more valuable by weight. Drain and clean them first. Rads are heavy, so even at a low rate per kg, they can still earn you a tidy sum.
Usually, a radiator is made of conductive metal. These include cast iron, mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium – all in the order of conductivity. When it comes to choosing a radiator for your home, there are two important aspects that you need to consider – Appearance and Conductivity.
Copper commands the highest prices in scrap yards across the country for reasons that extend beyond its distinctive reddish appearance. This non-ferrous metal consistently outperforms other recyclable materials, with clean copper fetching up to 40 times more value than steel.
Summer and spring mark the peak of construction and manufacturing seasons across various industries, causing a high demand for scrap metal. These are the best times of the year to sell scrap for the highest price.
#2 Copper. This grade of copper can be identified by its somewhat dirty appearance. It should be comprised of miscellaneous unalloyed wire, pipe or solid metal that continues to have solder, paint or any kind of coating on it. Additionally, its minimum copper content should be 94-96%.