How much is cast iron worth as scrap metal?

Scrap cast iron fetches approximately €0.08 to €0.15 per kg. The exact price per kg for cast iron is not fixed: scrap prices always fluctuate with the market and can therefore change regularly. Be sure to check the current scrap prices before turning in a batch.

Cast iron is found in old radiators, stoves, engine blocks, pump housings, and heavy machinery parts. How much a batch like this ultimately yields depends not only on the number of kilograms. The purity, quantity, and the way you deliver the material also play a role.

Here's how to calculate the value of your cast iron

The math itself is simple:

number of kilograms of cast iron × current price per kg = revenue

For example, if you have 100 kg of cast iron and the price ranges from €0.08 to €0.15 per kg, the estimated scrap value will be between €8 and €15. This is a sample calculation, not a guaranteed purchase price. The daily price at the time of drop-off is what counts.

With larger batches, a difference of a few cents per kilogram can quickly add up. So don't base your decision on a price you saw somewhere months ago; instead, look at what the material is worth today.

How can you tell if cast iron is old?

Cast iron is heavy, hard, and brittle. That last characteristic is an important distinguishing feature: steel tends to deform, whereas cast iron can break under heavy loads.

A few practical features:

• Fracture surface: often grayish and grainy
• Weight: relatively heavy for its size
• Behavior: breaks rather than deforms
• Examples: radiators, stoves, engine blocks, machine beds, and manhole covers

A magnet doesn't always make the distinction clear, because it also sticks to many types of steel. Not sure? Then bring the material with you. We can assess it quickly and easily at Krommenhoek Metals.

Do you have an old radiator, specifically? In this article, you can read more about the materials it might contain.

Cast iron is not the same as ordinary scrap iron

Cast iron typically contains more than 2 percent carbon. This makes it harder and more brittle than steel. Steel, on the other hand, can deform more before it breaks.

For the scrap metal trade, the most important factor is which material category your batch falls into. Cast iron, light iron, and heavy iron do not need to be assessed in the same way and can therefore command different prices.

Want to know exactly how that distinction works? Then read this blog.

This determines the price of cast iron per kilogram

The market price is important, but it's not the only factor that's considered. The lot itself also plays a role.

You're more likely to receive a favorable evaluation if:

• clean and properly separated cast iron;
• little concrete, rubber, or other material;
• a clear flow of materials;
• a larger amount.

More contamination or additional sorting work can actually affect the evaluation and, consequently, the price.

Rust is different from dirt. Light rust is a natural part of old cast iron and, on its own, is not a reason to refuse to accept the material.

A cast-iron radiator: sell it or trade it in?

Not every piece of cast iron needs to go straight to the scrap bin. For example, if you have an old, ornate radiator, stove, or other usable cast iron item, it might be a good idea to first see if anyone else would like to use it.

Is the part broken, incomplete, or simply no longer usable? In that case, it still has scrap value, and you can turn it in as scrap metal.

That distinction is important. After all, the resale value of a usable product and the scrap value per kilogram are two different things.

It Pays to Keep Cast Iron Separate

Do you have copper, aluminum, brass, or other metals in addition to cast iron? If so, keep them separate as much as possible.

Putting everything in one pile makes it harder to assess. By sorting items beforehand, it becomes clearer exactly what materials you’re turning in and what price corresponds to each.

Sorting can also be useful even when dealing only with ferrous metals. This is because cast iron and other iron or steel scrap do not automatically fall into the same category.

Turn in cast iron at Krommenhoek Metals

You can bring your old cast iron to Krommenhoek Metals yourself. We’ll weigh and assess the material and pay you based on the current scrap price. Want to learn more about our process and current scrap prices? Check out this page.

This is possible for both individuals and businesses. We’ll gladly accept a single old radiator, but we can also process larger quantities—such as those from machinery, renovations, or commercial spaces.

Do you have so much material that transporting it yourself isn't practical? If so, we can deliver a container or pick up the material. If the cast iron is being removed as part of a larger project, be sure to read about how to arrange for scrap metal removal during demolition.

How much is your cast iron worth today?

The most important rule is simple: check the daily price and know what you’re selling. An indicative price range helps you make an initial estimate, but the current market and the evaluation of your lot determine the final amount.

Do you have any old cast iron lying around? Sort it as best you can, estimate how many kilograms it weighs, and then check the current price. That way, you'll know pretty quickly whether it's worth bringing it in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cast Iron as Scrap Metal

How much is 100 kg of cast iron worth?

At an indicative price of €0.08 to €0.15 per kg, 100 kg would be worth approximately €8 to €15. The actual proceeds depend on the current daily price and the assessment of the material.

Is cast iron worth more than regular scrap metal?

Not automatically. The price depends on the category in which the material is purchased, the quality of the batch, and the current market price.

Can I return a cast-iron radiator?

Yes. You can turn in an old cast-iron radiator as scrap metal. If the radiator is still usable or has special value, you can first see if reusing it would be more profitable than its scrap value.

Does the price of cast iron per kilogram change daily?

Metal prices fluctuate constantly. As a result, the price of cast iron may also change. Therefore, always check the current scrap price before turning in your material.