Top Tungsten Carbide Scrap Selling Platforms for Individuals and Small Businesses

If you have worn drill bits, used inserts, or old end mills sitting in a drawer, you could be sitting on serious money. Tungsten carbide scrap currently trades between $8 and $15 per pound depending on purity, form, and buyer. With China's 2026 export controls tightening global supply, recycled carbide is more valuable than ever. This guide ranks the best platforms where individuals and small businesses can sell tungsten carbide scrap for top dollar, whether you have five pounds or five hundred.

Why Tungsten Carbide Scrap Is So Valuable Right Now

Tungsten carbide is a compound made from tungsten and carbon atoms, prized for extreme hardness and density. It is used in cutting tools, drill bits, mining tips, and industrial wear parts across dozens of industries. Approximately 40% of new carbide production comes from reclaimed material, making scrap recycling essential to the global supply chain.

China controls over 80% of global tungsten production and activated strict export controls on January 6, 2026. Combined with mining quota reductions since 2023, the global market has tightened significantly. Most analysts project sustained high pricing through 2027 as new mine supply remains years away.

Platform Comparison Table

Dedicated Carbide Buyers

Carbide Kings

Carbide Kings is a specialized tungsten carbide buyer headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, that services the entire United States. They purchase carbide from individuals, machine shops, mining companies, oil fields, aerospace companies, and more. What sets them apart is their full-service approach: they provide free containers and drums, cover shipping costs, and issue payment typically within 24 hours of receiving material.

For small businesses that generate scrap regularly, Carbide Kings offers effortless scrap collection services so you never have to worry about logistics. They also reclaim material to manufacture brand-new products, which supports sustainable recycling practices.

Tungco

Tungco is one of the largest tungsten secondary raw materials suppliers in the world, with roots dating back to 1969. They specialize in hard scrap, sludge, powders, and tungsten-based alloys. Tungco offers logistics assistance and a straightforward quote-to-payment process through their website.

Carbide-USA and RRCarbide

Carbide-USA is a recycling specialist that handles all forms of scrap tungsten carbide including end mills, inserts, mining tips, and grinding sludge. RRCarbide, a sister company of Rockaway Recycling, buys carbide nationwide and offers prepaid shipping solutions. Both are solid options for small businesses looking to sell remotely.

Online Marketplaces and Digital Platforms

iScrap App

The iScrap App is a digital directory that helps sellers find local scrap yards accepting carbide and check reported prices in real time. Simply enter your ZIP code to see nearby options. It is an excellent starting point for individuals who want to compare local offers before shipping material elsewhere.

eBay and General Marketplaces

eBay allows individuals to list carbide scrap or used tooling directly. Prices can be higher if you find the right buyer, but you handle your own shipping, listing fees, and buyer communication. This approach works best for small, one-off quantities rather than ongoing scrap streams.

B2B Digital Platforms

A B2B scrap trading platform is an online marketplace where industrial sellers connect with verified global buyers. These platforms are growing rapidly, allowing sellers to upload material specs, receive competitive bids, and arrange logistics digitally. They work best for businesses with larger volumes seeking international pricing.

Local Scrap Yards

Traditional scrap yards remain the most accessible option for walk-in sellers. However, not every yard accepts tungsten carbide, and those that do often pay significantly less than dedicated buyers. Prices at local yards typically range from $5 to $10 per pound, compared to top-dollar rates from specialists like Carbide Kings.

If you go the local route, ask whether the yard uses an XRF analyzer to determine exact tungsten content. This ensures you get paid based on actual purity rather than a generic estimate. Always compare at least two or three offers before committing.

Tips to Maximize Your Payout

Sort your material. Clean, solid carbide inserts command the highest prices. Separate carbide from steel-shanked tools, grinding sludge, and mixed metals before selling. Clean carbide scrap without steel contamination always sells for more.

Know how to identify carbide. Tungsten carbide is significantly denser than steel, typically non-magnetic, and produces short, reddish-orange sparks when ground. Most household drill bits are not solid tungsten carbide, so verify before assuming.

Ship to a specialist. If your local yard offers $5 per pound but a dedicated buyer like Carbide Kings pays top dollar and covers shipping, the math almost always favors shipping. Even with small loads, the $11 USPS Priority Mail reimbursement on shipments over 40 pounds makes remote selling practical.

Key Takeaways

• Tungsten carbide scrap prices range from $6 to $15+ per pound in 2026, with prices trending upward due to China's export restrictions.
• Dedicated carbide buyers like Carbide Kings consistently offer higher payouts than general scrap yards.
• Carbide Kings services the entire U.S., provides free containers and drums, and pays for shipping.
• The iScrap App and price-tracking sites help you compare local and national offers in real time.
• Sorting and cleaning your scrap before selling dramatically increases your per-pound price.
• Online B2B platforms are emerging as a viable channel for businesses with larger volumes.
• Always verify material with a density check, magnet test, or spark test before selling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tungsten carbide scrap worth per pound in 2026?

Scrap tungsten carbide generally ranges from $6 to $15 per pound depending on purity, form, and quantity. High-grade clean inserts fetch the top end, while sludge and mixed material sell for less.

Where can I sell tungsten carbide scrap near me?

You can use the iScrap App to find local yards, but dedicated buyers like Carbide Kings service the entire U.S. and typically pay more than local scrap yards.

Does Carbide Kings pay for shipping?

Yes. Carbide Kings provides containers and drums, covers shipping logistics, and offers a $11 USPS Priority Mail reimbursement on shipments over 40 pounds.

How do I know if my scrap is tungsten carbide?

Tungsten carbide is much heavier than steel, typically non-magnetic, and produces short reddish-orange sparks when ground. An XRF analyzer provides the most accurate identification.

Why are tungsten carbide scrap prices rising?

China controls over 80% of global tungsten supply and imposed strict export controls in January 2026. Combined with mining quota reductions and growing industrial demand, scrap recycling has become critical to filling the supply gap.

Can I sell small amounts of tungsten carbide?

Absolutely. Many dedicated buyers accept small quantities. Carbide Kings works with individuals and small businesses regardless of volume.

What types of tungsten carbide scrap are accepted?

Most buyers accept inserts, end mills, drill bits, mining tips, road milling teeth, saw tips, wear parts, grinding sludge, and powder. Material should be clean and free of contaminants for the best price.

Ready to Sell Your Tungsten Carbide Scrap?

Stop leaving money on the table. Contact Carbide Kings today for a free quote on your tungsten carbide scrap. They provide containers, cover shipping, and pay within 24 hours. Whether you have a handful of inserts or pallets of worn tooling, Carbide Kings makes selling easy from anywhere in the United States.