Current Price of Scrap Radiators in Canada (2026)

Types of Scrap Radiators

Junk radiators, whether they are from vehicles or air conditioners, are categorized based on their material composition. Below are the main types of radiators that are mainly sold and recycled in the industry:

1. Aluminum Radiators: These are typically found in newer vehicles and are made primarily of aluminum. Although aluminum radiators are one of the highly sought-after radiator types but it is a less valuable (ranging CAD 0.27 to CAD 1.35 per pound) than copper or brass radiators.
2. Copper Radiators: These radiators are made primarily of copper, often found in older industrial equipment or heavy machinery, which makes them highly sought after in the scrap market. They are less common in modern vehicles and priced CAD 1.96 to CAD 4.94 per pound, depending on the copper content and market conditions.
3. Aluminum/Copper Radiators (ACRs): ACRs are also known as copper fins, commonly found in air conditioners and refrigerators. They are also highly sought after due to their mixed metal content, with prices ranging from CAD 1.00 to CAD 2.50 per pound.
4. Brass Radiators: Typically found in older vehicles or large commercial trucks, brass radiators are heavier and more valuable than aluminum, price ranging from CAD 1.50 to CAD 2.50 per pound for clean brass radiators.

Factors Influencing Scrap Radiator Prices

Many factors drive the price of scrap radiators in Canada, but the following are the ones that everyone must know to stay informed about market trends:

• Material Quality: Clean radiators, which are free of steel, plastic, coolant or other contaminants, can fetch higher prices at the market. On the other hand, the dirty radiators with attachments or contaminants are priced lower.
• Metal Composition: The metal composition also matters because it can drive the radiators upward or downward. Copper or even brass radiators fetch higher prices than aluminum ones due to copper and brass having a higher market value.
• Regional Differences: Prices vary across Canada due to transportation costs, local demand, and the number of scrap yards or recycling centers working in an area.
• Global Market Demand: Canada’s scrap metal prices are heavily influenced by demand in major global markets like China, the United States, and major countries in Europe, in the big industries like construction and manufacturing industries. 
• Economic Conditions: The economic conditions also affect the scrap price of radiators. Because, basically, a strong economy will result in higher industrial activity will increase demand for scrap metals, boosting prices.
• Market Volatility: Another main aspect that can directly drive the prices is the market volatility, whether it’s due to Geopolitical tensions, or supply chain disruptions may cause fluctuations in copper and aluminum prices, which will results in radiator values.

Tips for Maximizing Your Scrap Radiator Value

To get the most money for your radiators, consider these practical tips:

1. Clean the radiators by removing steel, plastic, or iron components to classify your radiators as “clean” because “dirty” radiators or contaminated radiator can reduce their value by 20-30%.
2. If you have various types of material, then sort out and separate aluminum, copper, brass, and ACR radiators before selling to and facility or individual. 
3. Always keep tracking the scrap metal value trends and price of scrap radiators trends in the scrap market by using tools like the iScrap App or platforms like Schmidt’s Auto Recycling. 

Conclusion

The price of scrap radiators in Canada ranges from CAD 0.20 and CAD 4.9 per pound varies depending on various factors. Whether you’re an individual clearing out a scrap car or a business involved in this industry, with a little research, you can turn that old radiator into profit.

Thinking of scrapping a full vehicle or only parts? We at the Scrap Car Boys offer competitive prices, free towing and extra cash for cars with complete radiators, engines and other main components.