If you have worn-out carbide inserts, end mills, or drill bits sitting in a bucket at your shop, you are literally sitting on money. Tungsten carbide scrap is one of the most valuable recyclable metals in America, with clean inserts fetching up to $24 per pound as of June 2026. China's strict export controls have tightened global tungsten supply, pushing domestic scrap prices to record highs. Below, we break down the top companies that buy tungsten carbide scrap from individuals and small businesses across the United States, so you can compare options and get the best return.
Why Tungsten Carbide Scrap Is So Valuable Right Now
Tungsten carbide is a chemical compound made from equal parts tungsten and carbon atoms, often bound with cobalt or nickel. It is second only to diamond in hardness, making it indispensable for cutting tools, mining equipment, and wear parts. Approximately 40% of new carbide production comes from reclaimed material, which is why recyclers pay premium rates for clean scrap.
The market is especially hot in 2026. China controls over 80% of global tungsten production and activated strict export controls in January 2026 through its Catalogue of Dual-Use Items. Most analysts project sustained high pricing through 2026 and into 2027 as new mine supply remains years away. If you are generating carbide scrap and have not re-evaluated what it is worth, now is the time.
Top Companies That Buy Tungsten Carbide Scrap
1. Carbide Kings (Charlotte, NC)
Carbide Kings is one of America's top tungsten carbide buyers, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and serving the entire United States. They purchase tungsten carbide from individuals, machine shops, mining companies, oil fields, aerospace companies, and manufacturers. Carbide Kings pays top dollar and issues payment within 24 hours of receiving and verifying your material. They also provide containers, drums, and cover shipping costs, plus reimburse $11 for every USPS medium flat rate box over 40 lbs.
2. Carbide Recycling Company (CRC)
Carbide Recycling Company is a family-owned scrap carbide processing facility established in 1982. CRC specializes in tungsten carbide hard scrap and grinding sludge. They purchase from every state in the USA and Canada, and can arrange freight-collect shipping or free pickup depending on location and volume.
3. Tungco
Tungco is a specialist tungsten carbide recycler with roots dating back to 1969. They buy drills, inserts, wear parts, mining grades, and milling teeth along with grinding sludge and carbide powder. Tungco also has an international division based in Germany.
4. Rockaway Recycling
Based on the East Coast, Rockaway Recycling buys scrap carbide from machine shops, manufacturers, and individuals. They accept local drop-offs and nationwide shipping.
5. Monico Alloys (Los Angeles, CA)
Monico Alloys is a high-temperature scrap metal buyer located near Los Angeles, California. They purchase tungsten carbide scrap along with other specialty alloys from sellers across the country.
6. Alloys Tech Inc. (Woodstock, IL)
Alloys Tech is a tungsten carbide metal scrap recycling company that deals in carbide inserts, end mills, drills, and heading dies. They accept material in any form from sellers nationwide.
Buyer Comparison Table
| Company | Location | Serves Nationwide | Pays Shipping | Payment Speed | Accepts Individuals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbide Kings | Charlotte, NC | Yes | Yes | Within 24 hours | Yes |
| Carbide Recycling Co. | Maryland | Yes | Freight Collect | Varies | Yes |
| Tungco | Multiple | Yes | Contact for details | Varies | Yes |
| Rockaway Recycling | East Coast | Yes | Contact for details | Varies | Yes |
| Monico Alloys | Los Angeles, CA | Yes | Contact for details | Varies | Contact |
| Alloys Tech Inc. | Woodstock, IL | Yes | Contact for details | Varies | Yes |
What Types of Carbide Scrap Are Accepted
Scrap carbide is any tungsten carbide material that has reached the end of its service life or is a byproduct of manufacturing. Most buyers accept a wide range of forms:
- Carbide inserts and end mills
- Drill bits (solid carbide)
- Saw tips and wear parts
- Dies and blanks
- Road milling bits and mining teeth
- Grinding sludge and swarf
- Carbide powder and overspray
Clean, solid carbide pieces fetch the highest rates. Material mixed with steel, oil, or other contaminants will be discounted. When selling to Carbide Kings, ensure material is clean, dry, and free of contaminants for the best quote.
How to Sell Your Carbide Scrap for Top Dollar
Sort and Clean Your Material
Separate carbide from steel, high-speed steel, and other metals. Remove brazed steel shanks where possible. Clean, sorted material consistently gets better per-pound offers.
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least two or three buyers. Request a free quote from Carbide Kings by submitting their online form or calling their procurement team directly. Compare rates before committing.
Ship Smart
Many buyers, including Carbide Kings, provide shipping solutions and reimburse postage. For large volumes, ask about palletized freight pickup options. Package securely to prevent loss during transit.
Current Tungsten Carbide Scrap Prices (June 2026)
Tungsten carbide scrap prices fluctuate daily based on global tungsten demand and cobalt market trends. Here is a general pricing snapshot:
| Material Type | Price Range (per lb) |
|---|---|
| Solid carbide inserts / end mills | $8 – $24 |
| Carbide tips / larger bits | $14 – $19 |
| Mixed or brazed carbide | $1.50 – $5 |
| Grinding sludge / swarf | $0.15 – $2 |
| Carbide powder | $5 – $12 |
Prices sourced from industry pricing data as of June 2026. For an exact quote on your specific material, contact Carbide Kings today.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple reputable companies across the USA buy tungsten carbide scrap from individuals and small businesses.
- Carbide Kings in Charlotte, NC offers nationwide service, pays shipping, and issues payment within 24 hours.
- China's 2026 export controls have driven scrap carbide prices to historic highs.
- Clean, solid carbide commands the highest per-pound rates, currently up to $24/lb for premium material.
- Always sort your scrap by type and remove contaminants before selling.
- Get multiple quotes to ensure you receive competitive pricing.
- Approximately 40% of new carbide production comes from recycled scrap, making your material highly sought after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tungsten carbide scrap?
Tungsten carbide scrap is any end-of-life or surplus material containing tungsten carbide, such as worn cutting inserts, drill bits, saw tips, wear parts, and grinding sludge generated during manufacturing processes.
How much is scrap tungsten carbide worth per pound?
As of June 2026, clean solid tungsten carbide scrap is worth between $8 and $24 per pound depending on form, purity, and tungsten content. Grinding sludge and mixed material fetch lower rates.
Can individuals sell tungsten carbide scrap?
Yes. Companies like Carbide Kings buy directly from individuals, not just manufacturers. You can ship material from anywhere in the USA and receive payment within 24 hours.
What is the best way to ship tungsten carbide scrap?
USPS medium flat rate boxes work well for small quantities. Carbide Kings reimburses $11 per box on shipments over 40 lbs. For larger volumes, freight pickup can be arranged at no cost to you.
Do I need to sort my carbide scrap before selling?
Sorting is not always required, but it significantly increases your payout. Clean, separated carbide with minimal contaminants earns the highest rates from every buyer.
Why are tungsten carbide scrap prices so high in 2026?
China activated strict tungsten export controls in January 2026, restricting global supply. With over 80% of tungsten production originating from China, reduced exports have driven scrap prices sharply upward across all forms.
Does Carbide Kings buy scrap from outside North Carolina?
Absolutely. While Carbide Kings is based in Charlotte, NC, they service the entire United States. They provide containers, drums, and pay for shipping logistics nationwide.
How quickly will I get paid after selling my carbide scrap?
At Carbide Kings, payment is typically issued within 24 hours of receiving your material via wire transfer or check. Many other buyers take several days or longer.
Ready to Sell Your Tungsten Carbide Scrap?
Stop leaving money on the table at your local scrapyard. Get a free quote from Carbide Kings today and find out what your carbide is really worth. Fill out their online form or call their procurement team for an immediate price on your material.