If you’ve ever driven down Smith Street toward the Gowanus, you’ve probably seen the mountains of twisted rebar and old radiators at Benson Scrap Metal Brooklyn NY. It is a gritty, loud, and undeniably authentic piece of the borough's industrial backbone. Honestly, for the uninitiated, pulling into a scrap yard can feel a little like walking into a poker game where everyone else knows the rules and you’re just holding a pair of twos.
But here’s the thing: most people leave money on the table because they don’t understand how the "weigh and pay" game actually works.
Located at 543 Smith Street, Benson Metal Corp (as they are officially known in state filings) isn't just a place where old cars go to die. It is a massive recycling hub that handles everything from copper piping to industrial steel. You've probably seen their barges on the canal, being loaded up with tons of processed metal destined for a second life.
How Benson Scrap Metal Brooklyn NY Really Works
Most folks think you just show up with a trunk full of junk and get a check. Kinda, but not really.
There is a rhythm to the yard. You drive in, get weighed on the scale, dump your load where the guys tell you, and get weighed again. The difference is your payout. It sounds simple until you realize that mixing "clean" and "dirty" metals is the fastest way to lose half your profit.
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The yard at Benson Scrap Metal Brooklyn NY focuses on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. If a magnet sticks to it, it’s ferrous (iron or steel). These are common and pay the least. If the magnet doesn't stick—think copper, brass, and aluminum—you’re looking at the "good stuff."
The "Dirty" Metal Trap
One thing that confuses people is the "dirty" versus "clean" distinction. If you bring in a copper pipe with brass fittings still soldered on, the yard is going to grade that as "dirty copper" or even "mixed brass." Why? Because they have to pay someone to sit there and cut those fittings off.
You’ve got to do the prep work at home. Strip the plastic off your wires. Cut the steel ends off your aluminum siding. It’s tedious, sure, but the price jump between #2 insulated wire and bare bright copper is massive.
What They Actually Buy
Benson isn't a flea market. They are high-volume processors. According to their NYS DEC filings, they are a registered vehicle dismantling facility and scrap metal processor. This means they can handle the heavy-duty stuff that your local "junk man" might turn away.
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- Copper: This is the gold standard. Bare bright wire, copper tubing, and even those old flashing scraps from a roofing job.
- Aluminum: Think window frames, siding, and car rims. Just make sure the tires are off the rims before you show up.
- Brass: Faucets, valves, and those heavy old door handles.
- Steel and Iron: This is the bulk of what moves through the Smith Street yard. I-beams, rebar, and old appliances (though always check their current policy on CFCs and fridge compressors).
- Vehicles: They are licensed to take cars, but you need the title. No title, no deal. That’s a legal requirement in New York to prevent people from scrapping stolen rides.
The Reality of Scrap Prices in 2026
Scrap prices aren't fixed. They fluctuate based on the global commodities market, literally by the hour. What you got for copper last Tuesday might not be what you get today.
In early 2026, we’ve seen some volatility. Bare bright copper is hovering around the $4.50 to $5.00 per pound range at many yards, but Benson’s internal daily rate depends on their current contracts and barge schedules. Honestly, if you have a massive load—like over 500 pounds—it’s worth calling them at (718) 722-7754 to see if they’ll give you a "bulk" bump.
Don't expect them to quote you a price for a single bag of cans over the phone, though. They’re busy. They’ll tell you to just bring it in.
Pro Tips for the Smith Street Yard
If it’s your first time at Benson Scrap Metal Brooklyn NY, don't be a "tourist."
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- Dress the part. This is a working industrial site. Don't show up in flip-flops. You want heavy boots and gloves. There is sharp metal everywhere.
- Sort before you go. If you show up with a mixed bin, the scale operator is going to give you the price of the cheapest metal in the bin.
- Bring ID. New York state law is strict about scrap metal theft. They will scan your driver's license and likely take a photo of your vehicle's license plate. It's not personal; it's the law.
- Timing matters. They usually open early—around 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM. If you show up at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday, you might be stuck behind three massive construction trucks. Get there at the crack of dawn.
Why Location Matters
The Gowanus location is strategic. Being right on the water allows Benson to move volume that land-locked yards can't touch. When you see those barges being filled at 543 Smith Street, you're seeing the end of the line for New York's waste and the beginning of the global supply chain.
It's sort of fascinating when you think about it. That old radiator from a Park Slope brownstone might end up being melted down and turned into a new I-beam for a skyscraper in Dubai or a car frame in Germany.
Common Misconceptions
People often think scrap yards are sketchy. While the industry has had its share of "wild west" moments, shops like Benson Metal Corp are heavily regulated. They have to file annual reports with the Department of Environmental Conservation. They have to track where their fluids go (like the oil and antifreeze from dismantled cars). They aren't just dumping stuff in the canal.
Another myth? That you can get rich off a bag of soda cans. You can't. To make real money at a yard this size, you need volume or high-value non-ferrous loads. Most "casual" scrappers are doing it to clear out a garage and grab enough cash for a nice lunch.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’ve got a pile of metal taking up space in your yard or basement, here is exactly how to handle it for the best return:
- The Magnet Test: Grab a fridge magnet. If it sticks, put that metal in the "Steel" pile. If it doesn't, put it in the "Money" pile.
- Strip the Wire: If you have old Romex or extension cords, use a utility knife to strip the insulation. The price for "Bare Bright" is often double or triple the price of "Insulated."
- Check the Title: If you’re scrapping a vehicle, find the title today. If you lost it, you’ll need to head to the DMV for a duplicate before Benson will even look at the car.
- Plan Your Route: Smith Street can get congested. Map your drive to avoid the worst of the BQE traffic so you aren't idling for an hour with a ton of weight in your truck.
Benson Scrap Metal Brooklyn NY is a no-nonsense operation. They’ve been part of the community for years, providing a necessary service in a city that generates more waste than almost anywhere else on earth. Show up prepared, know your metals, and you’ll find it’s one of the most straightforward ways to turn actual junk into actual cash.