Send photos
Photograph the material, nameplates and quantity, then send them through the quote form, by email or by phone.
DEMOLITION GUIDE
Where Do Demolition Contractors Sell Their Scrap?
The sharp contractors do not dumpster the metal — they monetize it. Here is how demolition contractors turn scrap into a second revenue stream, and where to sell.
The second payday.
Every teardown contains two revenue streams: the contract and the material. Copper wire, plumbing, HVAC coils, motors, transformers, and structural steel add up fast — on a commercial teardown, the scrap value can be a meaningful percentage of the job’s margin. Contractors who treat scrap as an afterthought leave it in the dumpster; contractors who treat it as inventory get paid twice.
Sorting on site.
The money is in the sort. Keep copper wire separate from mixed metals, pull motors and transformers intact, and keep clean copper away from steel. A roll-off or a set of gaylords on site turns sorting into a habit instead of a chore. One buyer for everything beats driving to three yards — your crew’s time is worth more than the marginal difference between buyers.
One buyer vs yard-hopping.
Most contractors default to the nearest yard out of habit. A national buyer changes the math: one relationship, scheduled pickups or container swaps, consistent grading, and no scale-house surprises. When the buyer also refers you teardown work — as our demolition partners get — the relationship pays in both directions. See the partner program →
Sell it the straightforward way.
Photograph what you have — nameplates, labels, and overall condition — and send it to Ironcrest for today’s offer. We buy nationally and coordinate pickup from your site.
Sell your demolition copper to Ironcrest → | Call or text 312-880-8174 | Send photos →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions, answered.
Should I sort scrap on the job site?
Yes — sorting is where the margin lives. Copper separated from steel and motors pulled intact are worth far more than a mixed load. Set up the containers before the job starts.
How do I get the best price for demolition scrap?
Sort it, photograph it, and sell to one consistent buyer who grades fairly. Relationship buyers beat anonymous scale houses over a season.
Do I need roll-off containers for scrap?
For commercial work, yes — containers keep the site clean and the sort organized. We offer container programs with scheduled pickup for working contractors.
Can my company partner with a national buyer?
Yes — our demolition partner program refers teardown work to partners and buys all their recovered material. See the demolition partners page.
What metals should demo crews always pull?
Copper wire and pipe, HVAC coils and line sets, motors, transformers, aluminum, and brass fixtures. When in doubt, set it aside and ask.
THE SECOND PAYDAY
Every job pays twice.
The demolition contract is the first payday. The metal inside the building is the second — if you capture it.
New: Explore the Ironcrest Copper Resource Center — grades, markets, identification guides, and interactive tools.
HOW SELLING WORKS
Three steps to an offer.
Material review
We review what the material is, its condition and quantity, and whether it fits a direct purchase.
Receive an offer
For qualifying material, we discuss a direct purchase offer and the next steps.