I called ahead and was quoted a copper rate, only to arrive two hours later and be offered a lower rate for the same class of copper. They then required manager approval just to match the price they originally gave over the phone. This is not a smart way to do business.
You're better off going elsewhere rather than wasting time getting them to honor their own word. But if you must come, here are some tips to protect yourself:
1. Confirm prices before coming and compare rates with other scrap yards—they frequently manually change prices on-site.
2. Get a price confirmation before unloading your scrap.
3. Separate your metals (copper, brass, aluminum) to avoid being paid a "mixed metal" price. If you have fittings (often brass), cut them off beforehand.
4. Know your metals—understand the differences between #1 and #2 copper, clean vs. dirty brass, etc., so they don’t downgrade your payout.
5. Check the scale—ensure it's zeroed before your scrap is weighed.
Honestly, save yourself the hassle and find a scrap yard with respect & fairness for customers.
I was offered $2.90 for copper #2 , $3 for copper #1 here.
As an example Potomac Metals in Beltsville offered 15% more as of 2/18/25 ($3.40 copper #2, $3.60 copper #1)
Just drive the extra distance and skip this place. Staff is weird and the and paying about 50% less than everyone else in this area. Zero star just don’t go
I have been patronizing them for about 5 years. The staff is generally friendly and helpful. The lot for what it is and the amount of traffic is ok. The management crew is kind of like good cop bad cop, you will find out quickly. The location is extremely convenient for me. The prices are competitive with other local yards. I wish they took electronic and other odd ball recyclables.
These folks give the best prices around for copper, brass, stainless, wire & more! Their scales & balanced & the yard guys work super fast. I've been to other scrap yards in the DMV area & none compare to this one! Do yourself a favor & your pockets & come to East Coast Metals - Jeremy (RSC)
They definitely did my husband dirty. We priced the wore before going and they gave him alot less and took off 20lbs for They totes that may have weighed 5lbs total. Never again
The best place to sell scrap steel hands down right now. As for other metals? I get much better rates at Potomac Metals in Waldorf. East Coast is a regular stop for me however, they're extremely convenient for me personally.
I went to this location because I was told they give the best price on copper, aluminum, stainless steel and brass. Well I was definitely misled they are at or below the entire metropolitan DC area including the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. I will continue to take my medals to the same location I've always taken them to, and indefinitely I regret taking them here. I lost at least 1/3 of what I could have gotten.
First time I’ve been to this location, the setup from start to end was seamless. I would definitely recommend using this location. I personally look forward to going back in the near future.
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