What is the most valuable scrap metal?
Most people would say Copper because it is worth ~ $3.00 per
pound as scrap. The truth is, however, that pure nickel scrap is
worth more than pure copper scrap, namely $8-$9 per pound. Nickel
is much harder to find though, so people don't think to answer
nickel.
Cupronickel in a mixture of copper and nickel, like what is used
to make coins. This copper nickel alloy is often used in
silver-plate. This is often worth more than the value of pure
copper.
That being said, any metal can be scrapped. So technically that
includes rare and precious metals like gold, platinum and rhodium.
But I don't think you were inquiring as to the worth of those.
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