### A Scrap Life Podcast

**Host:** Brett Eart
**Guest:** Chad

**Podcast Introduction:**

Welcome to A Scrap Life, a podcast solely focused on the hustlers, grinders, operators, and business owners who live and breathe the scrap metal industry every day.

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**Brett Eart:**
As you guys know, I don’t have a sponsor on this podcast, but today the game has changed. I recently invested in a new technology that I believe can change the game for small and medium-sized scrap companies like us. Its name is Nikki, and it’s the last receptionist your scrapyard will ever need. Nikki answers calls, directs the important ones to our buyers, and answers basic questions. More significantly, Nikki doesn’t let big opportunities slip through the cracks while our team is taking care of the scale traffic and our customers. Stay tuned for more details.

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**Podcast Discussion:**

**Brett Eart:**
Alright, we’re back. May 2026, it’s already here. Just passed the May the 4th. Cinco de Mayo was yesterday. I saw the best quote and picture about it being on Taco Tuesday – we’ve been training for this for years! Chad, these crazy scrap markets, at least on the non-ferrous side. How are we doing today?

**Chad:**
Post-Cinco de Taco, right? Well, I’m excited to get a chance to talk to you about these charts today because there’s a lot going on here. Mill utilization is up. People are starting to buy more steel, and it’s translating to a good market. What’s your take?

**Brett Eart:**
Well, on the manufacturing side, things seem to be picking up steam, especially since we didn’t have much of a winter, which helps manufacturing. People are more confident and willing to put inventory into making more products. And I think the whole war economy tends to give commodities some love. What’s your opinion about that?

**Chad:**
Absolutely, the purchasing manager index shows a spike, meaning manufacturing is up. This plays a huge role in driving steel utilization rates higher, obviously helped by an active construction and data center build-out.

**Brett Eart:**
Could you imagine how strong it would be if the automotive sector was more robust? I think the high gas prices are putting a damper on that sector. The steel utilization and demand are pretty hot. What do you think?

**Chad:**
Indeed, high prices affect sectors like automotive. We’re seeing buyers catching up in the steel markets, and the hot roll curve is stronger this coming month. This is putting steelbuyers on their toes.

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**Copper and Non-Ferrous Discussion:**

**Brett Eart:**
Switching gears to non-ferrous, copper prices have been soaring. What’s your thought on the copper market?

**Chad:**
Copper sees swings, but any pullback is usually an opportunity given the trends we’re seeing. There’s a potential run, especially if geopolitical tensions ease, fueling commodities further.

**Brett Eart:**
Yeah, even if big projects don’t yield significant scrap locally, they still benefit the market. If manufacturing keeps up and these projects continue, it can only mean good things for metal demand.

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**Conclusion:**

**Brett Eart:**
Thanks for the insight, Chad. For everyone else, ensure you’re making wise trades in this fluctuating market. Keep investing back into your facilities when times are better like now. Until next time, make good trades out there!