Understanding Stainless Steel Scrap
Scrappers are always looking to learn more about different types of scrap metals—and so are we! One of the more challenging metals to identify is stainless steel due to its many different grades. Each grade has different properties, compositions, and scrap values, making it essential to know what you’re working with.
Common Grades of Stainless Steel Scrap
Before we discuss all the different places where you can find different grades of stainless steel, let’s examine the actual types and some of the most common stainless grades.
303/304 Stainless Steel
This is the most common grade of stainless steel scrap—about 90-95% of what you’ll find in your daily scrapping routine. It’s commonly used in:
Because 303 and 304 stainless steel are very similar, scrap yards often group them together in pricing. Both contain chromium and nickel, making them resistant to rust and corrosion.
316 Stainless Steel
This grade is more valuable than 303/304 stainless because of its higher nickel and molybdenum content. It is commonly used in:
- Medical equipment (where high corrosion resistance is needed)
- Aerospace and aviation (due to heat resistance)
While 316 stainless steel isn’t as common in household items, finding it can increase your scrap earnings significantly.
Other Stainless Steel Grades
While 303, 304, and 316 are the most common, you might also come across:
- 321 Stainless Steel – Contains titanium for better heat resistance, used in aerospace and automotive applications.
- 400 Series Stainless Steel – Unlike 300-series stainless, 400-series stainless steel is magnetic because it contains little to no nickel. It’s commonly used in:
- Automotive parts
- Kitchen utensils and cutlery
- Industrial machinery
- Appliance components
Because 400-series stainless steel lacks high nickel content, it’s worth less than 300-series grades. However, it’s still valuable and should be separated for proper pricing at the scrap yard.
How to Identify Stainless Steel Scrap Grades
XRF Analyzers (Metal Scanners)
Scrap yards use X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers to determine a metal’s composition. These handheld scanners can quickly identify stainless steel grades—sometimes in just 2-3 seconds.

Stamped Markings
Some stainless steel pieces have markings physically stamped or printed on them. Look for labels like:
- SS 304
- SS 316
- SS 321

While not always present, these markings can help you determine the grade.
Sorting & Cleaning Stainless Steel Scrap
Stainless steel is hard to cut and even harder to clean if it has glue or paint on it. We recommend only cleaning stainless if you can easily unscrew parts.
For example, stainless steel sinks often have brass fittings underneath. If you unscrew these fittings, you can separate 2-4 pounds of brass, which can be sold separately for a better price.
Knowing the different grades of stainless steel scrap can help you maximize your earnings at the scrap yard. By identifying, sorting, and separating stainless steel correctly, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best price for your metal.