Highest Paying Scrap Metals in 2025: Indian Price Rankings (₹)

May 31, 2025

Highest Paying Scrap Metals in India (2025)

Current Price Rankings in Indian Rupees (₹) Per Kilogram

Indian Scrap Metal Prices (June 2025)

Metal Type Price Range (₹/kg) Common Sources Price Change (Monthly)
Platinum ₹3,200 - ₹4,800 Catalytic converters, lab equipment ↑ 2.5%
Gold (24k) ₹2,800 - ₹4,200 Jewelry, electronics, dental scrap ↑ 1.8%
Palladium ₹2,500 - ₹3,800 Auto catalysts, electronics ↑ 3.1%
Copper (Bare Bright) ₹650 - ₹720 Electrical wiring, motors ↑ 1.2%
Silver ₹450 - ₹600 Jewelry, industrial scrap ↓ 0.5%
Brass (Clean) ₹420 - ₹480 Plumbing fixtures, hardware → Stable
Aluminium (Extruded) ₹180 - ₹220 Window frames, cans, auto parts ↑ 0.8%
Stainless Steel (304) ₹120 - ₹150 Kitchenware, industrial scrap → Stable
Lead (Battery) ₹90 - ₹110 Car batteries, weights ↓ 1.2%

Note: Prices vary by city and quality. Mumbai and Delhi typically offer 5-7% higher rates than smaller cities.

Top 5 Most Valuable Scrap Metals in India

1. Platinum

₹3,200 - ₹4,800/kg

Best Sources: Automobile catalytic converters, jewelry, industrial catalysts

Indian Market Fact: 85% of India's platinum demand comes from the jewelry sector

2. Gold

₹2,800 - ₹4,200/kg

Best Sources: Old jewelry, computer parts, dental crowns

Indian Market Fact: India recycles about 90 tonnes of gold annually

3. Palladium

₹2,500 - ₹3,800/kg

Best Sources: Car catalysts, electronics, spark plugs

Indian Market Fact: Demand growing 12% annually in auto sector

4. Copper

₹650 - ₹720/kg

Best Sources: Electrical wires, motors, plumbing pipes

Indian Market Fact: India recycles ~50% of its copper demand

5. Silver

₹450 - ₹600/kg

Best Sources: Jewelry, photo films, electronic contacts

Indian Market Fact: India is world's largest silver importer

How to Identify Valuable Scrap Metals

Common Indian Scrap Identification

  • Copper: Look for reddish wires in old appliances (₹600-720/kg)
  • Brass: Yellow-gold taps, valves, and fittings (₹400-480/kg)
  • Aluminium: Window frames, soda cans (₹180-220/kg)
  • Stainless Steel: Kitchen utensils, industrial scrap (₹120-150/kg)

Testing Methods Used by Indian Kabadiwalas

  1. Magnet Test: Precious metals don't stick
  2. Weight Test: Compare similar sized pieces
  3. Color Test: Look for characteristic colors
  4. Acid Test: Used for gold/silver verification

Where to Sell Scrap Metal in India

Local Kabadiwalas

Immediate Payment in Cash

Pros: Quick sale, no paperwork

Cons: May offer lower prices

Tip: Negotiate based on today's rates

Online Scrap Platforms

Better Prices for Bulk

Pros: Competitive bidding

Cons: Need proper weighing

Tip: Compare multiple platforms

Authorized Recyclers

Best for E-Waste

Pros: Legal compliance

Cons: Documentation needed

Tip: Check PCB authorization

Maximizing Your Scrap Value in India

  1. Separate properly: Clean copper wires fetch ₹720/kg vs mixed at ₹650/kg
  2. Time your sale: Prices often peak in March before financial year-end
  3. Build relationships: Regular sellers get 5-10% better rates
  4. Check multiple buyers: Rates can vary 15-20% between dealers
  5. Understand grading: #1 Copper (clean) vs #2 Copper (painted/soldered)

Current Market Trends (June 2025)

  • Copper prices up 18% YoY due to electrical infrastructure push
  • Gold scrap demand increasing during wedding season
  • New GST rules affecting inter-state scrap movement