If you live in Mesa, Arizona and you’re looking for ways to earn extra income or clean out your property while getting paid — you’re in luck. The scrap market is not only alive, it’s paying better than most people think.
But not all scrap is created equal. Some materials are worth pennies, while others can bring in serious cash if you know what to look for.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- 📈 Which materials are worth the most right now
- 🌎 Where to sell them locally
- 🧮 How to prepare your items to get top dollar
- 🧱 Tips the pros use that you probably don’t know
Let’s dive in and make sure you’re not throwing away money hiding in plain sight.
📅 What Materials Are Paying the Most in Mesa in 2025?
Based on current pricing trends and demand in the local Mesa area, here’s what is most valuable right now at recycling centers like Clean The Planet Recycling LLC:
💎 1. Copper
- Why it’s valuable: Copper is used heavily in electrical systems and construction. Demand stays high.
- Where to find it: Wiring, plumbing, old AC units, electric motors
- How much it pays: Often between $2.50 – $4.00/lb, depending on condition and grade (bare bright copper pays the most)
- Tip: Strip wires if you can; “clean copper” gets top rate
✨ 2. Brass
- Why it’s valuable: An alloy of copper and zinc, brass is heavier and dense
- Where to find it: Faucets, pipe fittings, valves, keys, door handles
- How much it pays: Around $1.80 – $2.50/lb depending on purity
- Bonus: Easy to confuse with copper — but still worth a lot
♻️ 3. Aluminum
- Why it’s valuable: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and in demand for packaging and construction
- Where to find it: Cans, window frames, car rims, gutters
- How much it pays: From $0.30 – $1.20/lb (clean and separated aluminum pays more)
- Best version: Aluminum rims or clean extrusions (like window trim)
🪓 4. Car Batteries (Lead-Acid)
- Why they’re valuable: Contain lead and acid that can be refined
- Where to find it: Any car, truck, boat, or industrial equipment
- How much it pays: $7 to $12 each, depending on weight and charge
- Note: Must be intact, not broken or leaking
🧼 5. Radiators
- Why they’re valuable: Contain both copper and aluminum
- Where to find it: Old vehicles, HVAC units, household radiators
- How much it pays: $1.00 to $1.75/lb depending on cleanliness and material mix
🤻 6. Stainless Steel
- Why it’s valuable: Contains chromium and nickel, making it corrosion-resistant
- Where to find it: Sinks, kitchen appliances, exhaust systems
- How much it pays: $0.40 – $0.75/lb
- Pro Tip: Use a magnet — if it doesn’t stick, it’s likely stainless
🌮 7. Plastic (PET & HDPE Bottles)
- Why it’s valuable: Clean plastics in volume can still generate cash
- Where to find it: Soda bottles, water jugs, milk containers
- How much it pays: Usually by the pound, if separated and clean
- Tip: Bring large volumes — 30+ lbs makes it worthwhile
🚪 Where to Sell High-Value Scrap in Mesa, AZ
While there are multiple scrap yards in Mesa, Clean The Planet Recycling LLC stands out for:
- ✅ Honest weighing on certified scales
- ✅ Cash or Zelle payment
- ✅ Friendly bilingual team (English/Español)
- ✅ Fast unloading assistance
- ✅ Open Monday through Saturday
📍 Address: 1112 W Birchwood Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +1 (480) 361-1863
Whether it’s a couple of batteries or a truckload of copper, they’ll pay you fair and fast.
✅ How to Prepare Your Scrap for Maximum Value
Follow these simple steps before you go to the yard:
- Separate everything — Mixed materials reduce value
- Clean it — Remove plastic, insulation, dirt, oil
- Cut cords, strip wire — Bare copper pays more
- Use containers — Keep cans, bottles, metals in buckets or bins
- Label metals if you can (e.g., brass vs. copper)
The more effort you put in, the higher your return — it’s that simple.
🛌 When to Sell: Smart Timing Matters
Scrap prices change every week, sometimes even daily. Here’s when it’s best to sell:
- ⏰ Weekday mornings: Less traffic at the yard, better service
- 😧 Avoid rainy days: Wet materials weigh more, some yards dock pay
- 📊 Check prices monthly: Wait for spikes in copper or aluminum
Pro Tip: Call Clean The Planet before heading over to ask for today’s top rates.
✨ Final Thoughts: Stop Throwing Away Your Money
If you’ve got metal, batteries, or even a bag full of cans — it could be worth more than you think.
Instead of letting it rot or sending it to the landfill, recycle it the smart way. Mesa has options, but Clean The Planet Recycling offers the service and payout you can trust.
🌍 Help the planet. Clean up your space. And make cash doing it.
Clean The Planet Recycling LLC
📍 1112 W Birchwood Ave, Mesa, AZ
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +1 (480) 361-1863
🌐 RecyclersMesa.com
✨ Recycle smarter. Earn better. ✨
