Discover the Top 5 Scrap Metals That Pay the Most in Lagos

If you've ever looked at a pile of old metal in your compound and wondered whether it's worth anything, the short answer is yes. However, not all scrap is created equal. In Lagos, where industrial activity, construction, and a strong recycling market all collide, some metals will fetch you serious money while others barely cover transport costs. At V-Martins Recycling, we buy scrap every day across Lagos, and here's what we see clearly: the people who profit most are the ones who know what to collect and what to leave behind.

So if you're a homeowner clearing out junk, a contractor on a demolition site, or an entrepreneur exploring the recycling business, this guide is for you. Here are the top 5 scrap metals that pay the most in Lagos right now.

1. Copper — The King of Scrap

Copper is, hands down, the most valuable common scrap metal in Nigeria. At V-Martins, we currently pay between ₦10,000 and ₦13,000 per kilogram, depending on grade and purity. That's not a typo; copper pays more per kg than any other everyday scrap you'll find in Lagos.

Why is Copper So Valuable?

Copper is in almost every piece of modern technology that uses electricity. This includes power cables, motor windings, transformers, air-conditioner coils, plumbing pipes, and electrical wiring. Global demand for copper has surged thanks to electric vehicles and renewable energy. This demand trickles down to your local scrap yard.

Where to Find Copper

You can find copper in burnt-out electric motors, old AC units (especially the inner coils), water heaters, abandoned cables, generator windings, and damaged transformers. If you can strip the insulation off copper wire to get "bright and shiny” copper, you'll earn the top price.

2. Brass — The Underrated Earner

Brass is copper's slightly less famous cousin, but it still pays handsomely, typically ₦7,000 to ₦7,500 per kilogram in Lagos. Because it's an alloy of copper and zinc, brass inherits a lot of copper's value while being more common in everyday items.

Where to Find Brass

Look for brass in plumbing fittings, old taps and valves, padlocks, door handles, gas burner heads, ammunition casings, and decorative items. Brass has a distinctive yellow-gold colour that's easy to spot once you train your eye. A single old brass tap can weigh half a kilo; three or four of these can lead to real cash.

3. Aluminium — Light Metal, Heavy Volume

Aluminium pays ₦2,000 to ₦3,000 per kilogram depending on grade (cast, sheet, or extruded). While it pays less per kilo than copper or brass, aluminium is everywhere, and it adds up fast.

Where to Find Aluminium

You can find aluminium in old window frames, car rims, engine blocks, condemned pots and cookware, soft drink cans, electrical cable cores, and roofing sheets. Aluminium is also lightweight, allowing you to move and store large volumes without breaking your back or your truck.

For businesses and contractors in Lagos clearing out commercial sites, aluminium is often the volume earner. Cast aluminium (from engine parts) usually pays a bit less than clean extruded aluminium (from window frames), so it helps to separate them before selling.

4. Stainless Steel — Cleaner Pay, Heavier Items

Stainless steel typically fetches ₦800 to ₦1,000 per kilogram, depending on the grade (304 grade pays better than 201). While it's not the highest per-kilo earner on this list, stainless items are typically heavy, so the cheques add up quickly.

Where to Find Stainless Steel

You can find stainless steel in old industrial kitchens, restaurant equipment, hospital fittings, water tanks, sinks, balustrades, and decommissioned food-processing machinery. A single stainless restaurant sink can weigh 15–25 kg.

Testing Stainless Steel

A simple trick to test stainless steel is to use a magnet. It's non-magnetic (especially the higher 304 grade). If your magnet doesn't stick, you're likely looking at the more valuable type.

5. Iron and Heavy Steel — The Volume Game

Iron and heavy steel pay around ₦600 per kilogram in Lagos. On the surface, that sounds modest, and per kilo, it is. However, iron and steel are the metals that win on volume. A single abandoned vehicle chassis, an old generator frame, or a few iron rods can quickly run into hundreds of kilos.

Where to Find Iron and Heavy Steel

You can find iron in old vehicles, demolition debris, iron rods (rebars), machinery frames, water tanks, gates, burglar-proof bars, and structural beams. If you're running a demolition project or clearing a workshop, iron is almost always where the bulk of your scrap weight resides.

For larger lots, it's worth getting a quote before transporting. Heavy steel can be expensive to move, so the price per kg only really matters once you've factored in logistics.

Bonus Tip: Sort Before You Sell

Here's the single most important thing most people miss: mixed scrap pays less than sorted scrap. A bucket of mixed copper, brass, and aluminium gets quoted as the cheapest metal in it. But if you take 30 minutes to separate them, you can sometimes double what you'd otherwise earn.

Simple Sorting Tips

• Keep copper, brass, and aluminium in separate piles.

• Strip insulation off wires when you can.

• Remove rubber, plastic, and other non-metals.

• Put non-magnetic metals (likely stainless or aluminium) aside from magnetic ones (iron and steel).

  
  

A Quick Word on Prices

Scrap prices in Lagos fluctuate daily, moving with global commodity markets and the naira exchange rate. The figures in this guide reflect current rates, but they can shift up or down within a week. Always call ahead for a live quote before you load your truck.

Selling Your Scrap in Lagos

V-Martins Recycling buys all five of these metals (and more) across Lagos. We offer transparent pricing, accurate digital scales, and same-day collection for larger lots. Whether you have a single old generator or a warehouse full of decommissioned equipment, we'd be glad to give you a fair quote.

Call or WhatsApp: 07030271207

Have scrap you want valued? Take a photo, send us a message, and we'll quote you back the same day. The money is sitting in your compound; let's turn it into cash.

Conclusion: Maximize Your Scrap Value

In conclusion, understanding the value of different scrap metals can significantly impact your earnings. By knowing what to collect and how to sort it, you can maximize your profits with minimal effort. Whether you're clearing out your home, managing a construction site, or running a business, V-Martins Recycling is here to help you turn your scrap into cash.