Carbide Recycling Guide
How to Sell & Recycle Carbide Scrap: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about identifying, preparing, and recycling your tungsten carbide scrap for the best possible price — from machine shops in Charlotte NC to manufacturers across the US.
Carbide Recycling Is Easier Than You Think
Tungsten carbide is one of the most valuable scrap metals you can recycle — worth far more per pound than steel or aluminum. But most machinists, CNC operators, and shop owners don't know where to start or how to get a fair price. This guide walks you through every step of the carbide recycling process, from identifying whether you have carbide to getting paid after your shipment arrives at our Charlotte, NC facility.
Identify Your Carbide
Tungsten carbide is extremely dense and hard — much heavier than steel for its size. Common forms include indexable cutting inserts (small geometric pieces used in CNC machines), solid carbide rods and endmills, carbide dies and rings, and grinding sludge or powder. If you're unsure whether your material is carbide, contact us — we can help you identify it before you ship.
Pro tip: Quick test: carbide is much heavier than steel. A handful of carbide inserts will feel surprisingly heavy for their size. Carbide is also much harder — it won't scratch with a steel file.
Estimate Your Quantity
You don't need a precise weight to get a quote — a rough estimate is fine. For small quantities, a kitchen or postal scale works well. For larger quantities, a bathroom scale or industrial scale gives a good approximation. Even a visual estimate ("about a 5-gallon bucket") is enough to get started.
Pro tip: Don't worry about being exact. We weigh everything precisely when it arrives and pay based on actual weight.
Contact Us for a Quote
Reach out by phone, email, or our online quote form. Tell us what type of carbide you have — inserts, rods, endmills, drills, dies, mixed scrap, or sludge — and your approximate quantity. We serve sellers in Charlotte NC, Raleigh, Greensboro, Columbia SC, Greenville SC, Atlanta GA, and across the entire US. We'll respond with a competitive offer the same day — often within a few hours.
Pro tip: The more detail you can provide about your material type, the more accurate your initial quote will be.
Pack Your Carbide Securely
Use a sturdy box — carbide is heavy, so double-box if needed. Wrap loose pieces to prevent shifting. For sludge or powder, use sealed plastic bags inside a rigid container. Include your name and contact information inside the package so we can process it quickly when it arrives.
Pro tip: Carbide inserts and small pieces can be shipped loose in a box. No need to sort by grade or type.
Ship to Our Facility
Drop off your package at any UPS or FedEx location, or arrange freight for larger quantities. Ship to: Carbide Kings, 15330 Scholastic Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277. Use a carrier that provides tracking so you can confirm delivery. We accept shipments from all 50 states.
Pro tip: For large commercial quantities, contact us about freight pickup options — we can help coordinate logistics.
Get Paid
Once your material arrives, we weigh and verify it and issue payment promptly. We offer payment by check or electronic transfer. You'll hear from us as soon as your material is processed — we don't make you wait.
Pro tip: Commercial accounts with recurring volume can set up preferred payment terms and schedules.
Tips for Getting the Best Price for Your Carbide Scrap
Keep carbide separate from steel
Mixed carbide and steel scrap is worth less than pure carbide. If possible, separate your carbide inserts, endmills, and rods from steel toolholders, shanks, and other non-carbide materials before shipping. Pure carbide commands the highest price per pound.
Don't throw away sludge or powder
Carbide grinding sludge and powder from CNC grinders, surface grinders, and cylindrical grinders are valuable. Many machine shops and tool grinding operations don't realize their grinding residue contains significant tungsten carbide content — collect it and include it in your shipment.
Sell in bulk when possible
Larger quantities typically command better per-pound pricing. If you generate carbide scrap regularly — from a CNC machine shop, tool crib, or manufacturing operation — consider accumulating it before selling rather than shipping small amounts frequently.
Contact us before you ship
Getting a quote before you ship ensures you know what to expect and gives us a heads-up so we can process your material quickly when it arrives. Call (980) 515-7064 or fill out our online form for a same-day quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Recycle Your Carbide Scrap?
Get a same-day quote from America's leading carbide recycling company. We serve machine shops, manufacturers, and individual sellers in Charlotte NC, across the Carolinas, and nationwide. No obligation — just a fair price.