Old Cookware, Metal, Copper & Brass Scrap Price (2026 Updated)

Old metal utensils, cookware, copper, and brass items are widely recycled across India, and their scrap value has increased in recent years. Households, restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses frequently sell their old or damaged utensils to scrap dealers for a good return. The price you receive depends on metal type, weight, purity, and current market demand. In this complete guide, we explain the updated 2025 scrap rates for old cookware, copper, brass, aluminium, and steel utensils, including factors influencing price and tips to maximize your earnings.

Current Scrap Price for Old Cookware, Metal, Copper & Brass Utensils

Scrap prices for old utensils vary depending on the metal composition. Copper and brass remain the most valuable, followed by aluminium and stainless steel. Below is the updated price table for January 2025.

Prices may vary slightly by city, dealer margin, demand, and daily metal market fluctuations. For bulk quantities, dealers may offer higher rates.

Types of Old Metal Utensils Commonly Sold as Scrap

The scrap market accepts almost all kinds of old utensils, regardless of condition. Here are the most common categories:

1. Copper Utensils

Copper is the most valuable among household metals. Items like copper pots, water vessels, puja utensils, and old storage containers fetch high rates due to copper’s industrial demand in electrical and construction sectors.

2. Brass Utensils

Brass (Pital) utensils are also valuable and widely used for traditional cooking and decoration. These utensils are bought at attractive prices for recycling and handicraft manufacturing.

3. Aluminium Cookware

Aluminium is common in Indian kitchens for pressure cookers, milk pots, idli molds, tiffin boxes, and storage containers. Aluminium has a consistent demand in scrap yards and is easy to recycle.

4. Stainless Steel Utensils

Steel utensils form the largest part of household scrap collections. Plates, glasses, serving bowls, cooking pots, and even steel furniture are sold regularly. Though the price is less compared to copper or brass, steel scrap is collected in large quantities.

5. Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware such as tawas, iron kadai, dosa pans, and heavy iron pots can be sold for scrap at a lower but stable price.

6. Mixed Metal Utensils

Some utensils contain mixed metals or coatings. Scrap dealers usually classify them based on the dominant metal content.

Why Scrap Prices for Copper and Brass Are So High?

Copper and brass prices remain high due to several reasons:

• Industrial demand: Used in wires, motors, engineering, and construction.
• High purity value: Pure copper and brass offer more recovery value in recycling.
• Export demand: India exports a significant portion of recycled copper and brass.
• Rising metal costs: Global metal markets influence daily scrap rates.

Because of this, even old and damaged copper utensils fetch good prices compared to aluminum or steel.

Factors That Influence Scrap Price of Cookware and Metal Utensils

Scrap prices change based on the following factors:

1. Metal Purity

Higher purity metal fetches a higher rate. For example, pure copper is priced much higher than mixed alloy copper.

2. Weight of Utensils

Scrap dealers calculate pricing based on total weight. Heavy utensils produce better value.

3. Market Demand

Metal prices rise when industries require more raw materials. Global economic conditions also impact scrap value.

4. City and Location

Prices differ between cities. Metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore usually offer higher rates.

5. Condition of Utensils

Broken, rusted, or mixed metal utensils may receive slightly lower rates.

City-Wise Price Variations for Scrap Cookware

Prices across major cities in India vary slightly due to demand and dealer competition.

Tips to Get the Best Scrap Price for Old Cookware

Follow these tips to maximize earnings from your old utensils:

• Sort utensils based on metal type (copper, brass, steel, aluminium).
• Clean items to improve appearance and weight clarity.
• Sell directly to authorized scrap dealers to avoid middlemen.
• Check daily metal price fluctuations before selling.
• For bulk quantities, negotiate for better rates.
• Weigh the items at home to avoid miscalculations.

Where to Sell Old Metal Cookware?

You can sell your old utensils at:

• Local scrap shops (kabadiwalas)
• Recycling centres
• Metal wholesale scrap dealers
• Online scrap pickup services
• Hotels and restaurant scrap buyers (for bulk)

Most dealers offer home pickup for large quantities, especially for copper and brass items.

Recycling Benefits of Old Metal Cookware

Recycling metal utensils helps reduce environmental impact and saves natural resources. Benefits include:

• Lower carbon footprint
• Reduced landfill waste
• Energy savings during metal production
• Support for sustainable manufacturing industries
• Earn money while helping the environment

Conclusion

Old cookware, copper, brass, and metal utensils hold significant scrap value in India’s recycling market. With copper and brass offering the highest prices, and steel and aluminium also contributing steady value, households and businesses can earn a good return from selling unused or damaged utensils. By understanding current market rates, sorting materials correctly, and choosing the right dealer, you can maximize your earnings effortlessly.

Whether you're clearing your kitchen, replacing old utensils, or selling bulk scrap from restaurants, staying informed about daily scrap prices ensures you get the best possible deal. Use the price tables above as a reference to know today’s rates and make smart selling decisions.