Every plumbing job comes with its fair share of leftover materials. Too often, old copper pipes, brass fittings, and fixtures end up in dumpsters or junk piles. But there’s a better (and more profitable) way to handle them: by recycling scrap metal.
At Iron & Metals, we’ve worked with contractors and tradespeople across Colorado for decades, helping them turn job-site leftovers into real value. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, replacing a boiler, or clearing out an old HVAC system, smart recycling practices can keep materials out of landfills and add dollars back to your bottom line.
Plumbing work naturally produces a steady stream of recyclable metals. Recycling not only reduces waste but also helps recover valuable materials that are in constant demand, especially copper and brass. For plumbers, it’s a simple way to boost sustainability and profit without adding extra work to the job.
When you separate and recycle your metals properly, you’re:
In short, recycling scrap metal turns everyday job waste into an ongoing revenue stream. That’s something every trade professional can appreciate.
Plumbers handle a wide variety of metals every day, many of which have strong recycling value. Here are some of the most common materials worth saving:
The top earner in plumbing scrap as it’s found in pipes, fittings, valves, and wiring. Clean copper (free from paint or solder) brings the highest value.
Don't stress too much about perfection here: recyclers understand that plumbing copper often has some solder joints and occasional brass fittings attached. The key is keeping it generally clean and separated from steel or other materials.
Mixed or insulated copper is worth recycling as well. Type M, Type L, Type K all recycles the same. The thickness differences that matter for plumbing applications don't typically affect recycling values. What matters is that it's copper and it's reasonably clean.
Pro tip: those short pieces you're tempted to toss? Save them. Get a dedicated bucket or container for copper scraps, even the small stuff. It's amazing how quickly it fills up.
Brass faucets and valves are the other major moneymaker in plumbing recycling. That old bathroom faucet you just replaced? Probably worth $5-15 depending on size and brass content. Old brass gate valves? Even better. The tricky part with brass is identifying genuine brass versus brass-plated steel or zinc (pot metal). If a magnet sticks to it, it's not solid brass. Real brass is non-magnetic.
Brass fittings accumulate surprisingly fast. Those compression fittings, flare fittings, and old shut-off valves—keep a separate container for brass, and you'll be amazed at how much you collect over a month.
Some modern fixtures use brass-plated materials to keep costs down. Don't assume everything that looks like brass is valuable brass. Remember, when in doubt, test it with a magnet or ask your recycler.
Cast iron pipe and even old bathtubs come out during bathroom renovations, especially in older homes. Cast iron radiators show up during heating system updates or whole-house renovations. These things might be monsters to move, but the scrap value usually justifies having them hauled away versus paying disposal fees.
The weight of cast iron can work for or against you. On one hand, you're getting paid by the pound, so heavy is good. On the other hand, transportation becomes a real consideration. Having a recycler who offers pickup service for larger cast iron pieces can be a game-changer.
Stainless steel sinks and fixtures are common in kitchen updates and commercial installations. While stainless doesn't command copper-level pricing, it's still worth recycling (and it's better money than regular steel).
The challenge with stainless is that it's often attached to other materials (countertops, cabinets, etc.). Taking a few minutes to separate the stainless steel from wood, laminate, or other attachments improves your recycling value significantly.
Commercial grade stainless tends to be thicker and heavier than residential stuff, which means better scrap returns. If you work on restaurant or commercial kitchen projects, pay attention to those stainless fixtures.
Aluminum fittings show up occasionally, though less frequently than copper or brass. Some modern water supply systems use aluminum tubing (like PEX with aluminum core), though the plastic components limit recycling value.
Galvanized steel pipe is definitely recyclable, though it's not going to excite anyone price-wise. Still, if you're pulling out significant lengths during a repipe, it's worth recycling rather than dumping.
Lead pipe (yes, it's still out there in really old homes) requires special handling. If you're removing lead supply lines, check with your recycler about their specific requirements, as lead has regulatory considerations.
A water heater’s outer tank is steel (recyclable), the inner tank lining may have some copper components, and many units have copper heat exchangers or tubes. Gas control valves often contain brass. Tankless water heaters have copper heat exchangers that are worth the effort to extract if you're replacing a lot of them. Those compact units pack surprising copper content.
Boilers are even better from a recycling perspective. Cast iron or steel bodies, copper coils, brass fittings—they're essentially entire recycling hauls by themselves.
Before recycling water heaters, make sure they're properly drained and you've recovered any valuable brass components like pressure relief valves and drain valves.
Recycling scrap metal efficiently doesn’t have to complicate your work. A few simple habits can make a big difference in how much you earn and how smooth the process is.
Get dedicated containers for different material types. At minimum, you want separate collections for copper, brass, and steel/iron. Some plumbers go further with separate containers for different copper grades (clean pipe versus attached fittings), but start simple and add complexity if it makes sense for your volume.
Keep containers in your truck so you're collecting materials throughout the day rather than sorting through trash at the end. A couple 5-gallon buckets work great for copper and brass, while a larger bin handles bulkier items like water heaters and cast iron.
Label everything clearly. When you've got helpers or apprentices on jobs, clear labeling prevents valuable brass from ending up in the steel pile. Use permanent markers or labels that won't fall off.
Designate a scrap area on larger jobs where all recyclable metals go. This prevents materials from getting lost, mixed with construction debris, or accidentally hauled away with trash.
Communicate with customers about your recycling practices. Most homeowners appreciate knowing you're recycling their old materials rather than dumping everything. For commercial jobs, document material weights and recycling for their records.
Coordinate with other trades when you're on multi-trade job sites. Sometimes the HVAC crew is pulling copper, the electricians have wire to recycle, and you've got your own pile. Working together on recycling logistics can benefit everyone.
Security matters for valuable materials like copper and brass. On longer jobs, don't leave significant amounts of scrap metal sitting around unsecured overnight. Take it to your truck or shop regularly.
The difference between mediocre scrap prices and good prices often comes down to preparation. Here's what actually matters:
Remove obvious attachments from copper pipe. That means plastic clips, mounting brackets, and excessive amounts of other materials. You don't need to make it perfect, but obviously attached non-copper stuff hurts your pricing.
Drain water heaters completely before hauling them. This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised. Wet materials mean you're paying to transport water weight that doesn't help your scrap value.
Separate brass from steel in fixtures. If you can easily remove brass components from steel mounting hardware, do it. Takes 30 seconds and can make a real difference in pricing.
Keep copper relatively clean but don't kill yourself over minor solder joints or small attached fittings. Most recyclers understand plumbing copper isn't going to be pristine. The goal is "reasonably clean," not "surgical room clean."
Break down large items when practical. A water heater that's been disassembled into its component metals (steel body, copper components, brass fittings) might get better aggregate pricing than the whole unit.
Track your scrap volumes and revenues monthly. Many plumbers are surprised when they actually run the numbers on their recycling returns. This information also helps with tax documentation.
Keep receipts from recycling transactions. These are legitimate business income that affects your taxes and also provides proof of responsible material disposal if questions ever arise.
Photo documentation on larger jobs can support insurance claims, customer questions, or regulatory compliance needs. A quick phone pic of your scrap pile before hauling shows you're handling materials properly.
Mileage tracking for recycling trips is deductible, just like any other business errand. If you're making dedicated trips to the recycling facility, track those miles.
Plumbers already know how to handle metal safely. You work with this stuff all day. But recycling operations can create slightly different hazards worth considering.
Sharp edges multiply when you're dealing with cut pipe, removed fittings, and dismantled fixtures. Wearing cut-resistant gloves during collection and sorting prevents unnecessary injuries that slow you down.
Heavy materials like cast iron and full water heaters require proper lifting techniques or mechanical assistance. Throwing out your back loading a cast iron tub into your truck turns a profitable recycling trip into a money-losing injury.
Contaminated materials occasionally show up in plumbing work—old pipe with asbestos insulation, lead components in historic properties, or materials exposed to hazardous chemicals. Know what you're handling and follow appropriate safety protocols.
Loading and transportation safety becomes critical when you're hauling significant scrap loads. Properly secure materials in your truck, don't exceed weight ratings, and make sure you can see out all your mirrors.
I&M has designed our services to make recycling scrap metal as easy as possible for plumbers.
Our drive-on scales streamline the entire drop-off process from weighing to payment. We're set up for trucks of all sizes including cargo vans and fully-loaded flatbeds.
An appointment is not necessary for drop-offs during business hours. Swing by between jobs, at the end of your day, or whenever it fits your schedule.
We offer material identification support. If you're not sure whether something is brass or bronze, or you want verification on material grading, our team can help.
If you're doing large commercial jobs or multiple residential projects, our roll-off container service can make life easier. We can deliver a container to your shop or job site and pick it up when it's full.
Different container sizes accommodate different volumes. A 20-yard container works great for plumbing contractors doing steady residential work, while larger contractors or commercial specialists might prefer 30 or 40-yard options.
Scheduled or on-call pickup is available depending on your needs. Some plumbers like regular monthly pickups, others prefer calling when containers are full.
We always strive to provide current market pricing for copper, brass, steel, and other common plumbing materials. Market updates can also be provided if you want to understand price fluctuations. Copper and brass prices move with global markets, and we're happy to help you understand trends that affect your scrap revenues.
Tax documentation is provided for all transactions. Sustainability documentation for plumbers working with commercial clients who need recycling records are also available. We can provide weight tickets and material certifications that support your customers' ESG reporting.
Want to make more money from recycling scrap metal? Here are the strategies that actually work:
Every plumbing project creates scrap — it’s part of the job. But when handled right, that scrap can become a reliable source of extra income and a simple way to support environmental responsibility.
Bring your leftovers to Iron & Metals, and we’ll make sure it’s recycled safely, efficiently, and for the best possible return.
Stop by today to learn how easy it is to turn old pipes, fixtures, and fittings into real value.
