Steel & Ferrous Scrap Grading Guide
Know What Your Steel Scrap Is Really Worth
Straight answers on what actually drives steel and ferrous scrap value — HMS vs light structural, size limits, galvanizing deductions, and everything in between.
Sell Your Steel on ScrapTrade →Browse the FAQsMost scrap yards will not explain exactly how they grade your steel — why light structural pays less than HMS, whether your galvanized coating gets deducted, or if a “too long” claim is a real size limit or an excuse. This site breaks it down question by question, written for someone about to sell, not a recycling textbook.
When you are ready to sell without driving between yards for quotes, ScrapTrade connects you directly with verified ferrous scrap buyers online — list once, compare real offers, and get paid through secure escrow instead of a handshake.
Sell Ferrous Scrap Without the Guesswork
Know What Drives Your Price
HMS vs structural, prepared vs unprepared, galvanized vs black — understand the real grading drivers before you agree to a number.
See the pricing guides →Verified Buyers Only
Every buyer on ScrapTrade is business-verified before they can make an offer on your ferrous scrap.
See verified buyers →No Driving, No Waiting
List once, compare offers from multiple buyers, and get paid through secure escrow — not a cash handshake.
Start listing free →From HMS to Cast Iron — All Ferrous Grades
Buying or Selling — There’s a Path for You
Households & Renovators
Old appliances, fencing, or offcuts. List what you have and compare offers before you drive anywhere.
List as a household seller →Tradespeople & Builders
Offcuts and structural waste add up fast. Turn recurring steel waste into a recurring revenue line.
List as a trade seller →Demolition & Industrial
Structural steel and heavy machinery from teardowns have real, gradable value.
List as a business →Buyers & Mills
Sourcing ferrous scrap at volume? Post what you need and let verified sellers come to you.
Source ferrous scrap →Common Questions
Ready to Sell Your Ferrous Scrap?
Skip the phone calls and drop-in quotes. List once on ScrapTrade and let verified buyers come to you.
Sell on ScrapTrade Now →