Looking to make extra cash and free up space in your home? You might be surprised how many everyday household items contain scrap-worthy metals. From aluminum pots to copper piping, many items sitting in your garage or basement can be recycled for money.
Below, we’ll walk you through 16+ household items you can scrap, how to prepare them, and how the iScrap App can help you find local scrap yards and up-to-date prices fast.
What Household Items Can You Scrap for Money?
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common and profitable household items that scrap yards typically accept:
| Item | Metal Inside | Prep Tips |
| Stainless Steel Sinks | Stainless steel | Remove plastic/steel to avoid downgrade |
| Brass Faucets | Brass | Unscrew handles and remove plastic parts |
| Copper Pipes/Tubing | Copper | Cut into clean, uniform lengths |
| Aluminum Pots & Pans | Aluminum | Remove steel handles and non-metal lids |
| Ceiling Fan Motors | Copper or aluminum (inside motor) | Take off fan blades (check for cast aluminum) |
| Desktop Towers | Steel, gold, aluminum | Take apart for hard drives, RAM, power supplies |
| Laptops | Circuit boards, aluminum | Remove batteries; scrap as whole or break down |
| Cell Phones | Aluminum, low-grade boards | Remove lithium batteries before scrapping |
| Holiday Lights | Insulated copper wire | No need to strip – scrap as-is |
| Power Strips | Copper-bearing wire | Cut off cords to sort separately |
| Mini-Transformers (Chargers) | Copper windings | Strip only in bulk to make it worth your time |
| Surge Protectors | Copper, battery | Heavy = more value; remove battery when possible |
| Old Alarm Clocks | Low-grade circuit boards | Metal or older plastic-cased models are better |
| Microwaves | Motors, wire, steel | Scrap whole or disassemble for parts |
| AC Units | Copper, aluminum | Whole units accepted; get more if broken down |
| Aluminum Lawn Chairs | Aluminum | Remove fabric or plastic straps for cleaner grade |
iScrap Tip: Always check with your local scrap yard in advance. Some may not accept certain electronics, batteries, or refrigerants. Use the iScrap App to call ahead or message yards directly.
How To Tell If an Item Is Scrap-Worthy
Not sure whether something is valuable for scrap? Here are a few ways to check:
- Use a magnet: If it sticks, it’s ferrous (iron/steel); if it doesn’t, it may be non-ferrous (like copper, brass, or aluminum — which are more valuable).
- Check for weight: Heavier electronics often contain motors, copper coils, or circuit boards.
- Look inside: Many items that look like plastic on the outside (like old alarm clocks or chargers) may have scrapable metal or boards inside.
Can You Scrap Electronics Like TVs, Phones, and Clocks?
Many older electronics can be scrapped for their internal components. However, not all yards accept full electronics due to plastic or hazardous materials (like CRT glass or lithium batteries).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- ✅ Can Usually Scrap:
- Copper yokes (inside CRT TVs)
- Cell phones (batteries removed)
- Laptops
- Alarm clocks with circuit boards
- Chargers and transformers
- ❌ May NOT Accept:
- CRT or flat-screen TVs (check yard policy)
- Rechargeable batteries still attached
- Devices with screens (often require special disposal)
Use the iScrap Yard Locator to search by item and contact local yards before your visit.
How To Prepare Household Scrap Items for Top Value
Doing a little prep work can earn you more cash. Here’s how:
- Separate metals – Keep copper, aluminum, brass, and steel sorted
- Remove non-metal materials – Plastic, rubber, or wood parts may cause items to be downgraded
- Bundle like items together – Cords, lights, and chargers can be grouped to make weighing easier
- Label unusual items – Unsure about a motor, transformer, or mixed item? Ask the yard how they categorize it
Tools To Help You Scrap Smarter
Here’s how to stay organized and make the most of every trip to the yard:
- The iScrap App – No surprise here! Find yards, compare prices, and see what each location accepts
- Our YouTube Channel – Watch tutorials on breaking down electronics, separating metals, and maximizing your haul
- Scrap Metal Facebook Group – Ask questions, share finds, and get advice from experienced scrappers
- Reddit r/ScrapMetal – Much like our Facebook group, this is a like-minded subreddit where you can learn more from scrappers all over the globe!
