If you have old metal sitting around your home, workshop, business or job site, you may be wondering if you can make money from scrap metal. The answer is Yes. Scrap metal can have real value, particularly when you have larger quantities of higher-value metals such as copper, brass and aluminium. However, the amount you can make depends on the type of metal, quantity, condition and current market prices.
For businesses, tradespeople and people clearing properties, selling unwanted metal can be a practical way to recover some value from materials that would otherwise take up space or cost money to dispose of.
Not all scrap metal has the same value.
Generally, non-ferrous metals tend to be more valuable than common ferrous metals. Some of the metals commonly purchased by scrap metal recyclers include:
Copper and brass are often among the more valuable common scrap metals, while steel is generally lower in value per kilogram but can still generate a worthwhile return when you have a large quantity. The exact price changes with market conditions and the grade of the material.
There is no fixed amount that applies to every load of scrap metal. For example, someone with a small quantity of mixed steel may only receive a modest payment, while a business clearing several tonnes of metal could potentially receive a much larger amount. Your return is generally influenced by:
Metal type × quantity × applicable scrap price
However, the actual payout can also be affected by contamination, sorting, processing requirements and whether collection or transport is involved. This is why it is better to have your actual material assessed rather than relying on a generic scrap metal price.
Some people collect unwanted metal from legitimate sources and sell it to scrap metal recyclers.
This can include metal from:
However, you should always make sure you have permission to take the material. Scrap metal should never be removed from private property, construction sites, businesses or public areas without the owner’s permission.
Copper is one of the metals that can make a significant difference to the value of a scrap load.
It is commonly found in:
The value of copper can vary depending on its grade and condition. Clean copper generally has a different value from insulated cable or copper that is mixed with other materials. If you have copper cable, don’t assume that removing insulation will automatically increase your profit. The time, tools and labour involved should also be considered.
Aluminium is another commonly recycled metal. It can be found in:
Large quantities of aluminium can add up quickly, particularly for businesses and contractors that regularly generate metal offcuts. Keeping aluminium separate from steel and other materials can make the assessment and recycling process easier.
It can. If different metals are mixed together, the entire load may be assessed according to the appropriate mixed or lower-value category. Where practical, separating materials such as copper, brass, aluminium and steel can make it easier for the recycler to identify the different grades. For example, a load containing clean aluminium frames and steel components can be sorted into separate categories rather than being treated as one mixed load. However, you should not dismantle items if doing so creates a safety risk or involves hazardous materials.
Businesses can potentially recover a meaningful amount from scrap metal because they often generate material continuously. Industries and businesses that may have recyclable metal include:
Instead of paying to dispose of unwanted metal, businesses may be able to sell it and recover some of its value. For businesses producing scrap regularly, establishing a collection arrangement with a recycler can also make the process easier.
If you have a large amount of scrap, taking it to a recycling yard yourself isn’t always the most practical option.
You may need:
A scrap metal collection service can remove some of this hassle by collecting the material directly from your premises, subject to the quantity and type of scrap metal. This can be particularly useful for commercial customers with large or bulky loads.
Several factors can reduce the amount you receive. These can include:
For example, a load containing valuable metal mixed with large amounts of general rubbish may require additional sorting and handling. If possible, keep scrap metal separate from general waste.
If you want to maximise the value of your scrap metal, start with a few simple steps.
It can be, but expectations should be realistic. Making money from scrap metal is generally easier when you have access to legitimate sources of material, sufficient volume and a reliable recycling outlet. Small quantities of low-value steel may not generate much money once fuel and transport are considered. On the other hand, regularly generated non-ferrous scrap from a business can potentially provide a useful additional return. The key is to understand your costs and the value of the material before spending time collecting or transporting it.
So, can you make money from scrap metal? Yes, but the amount depends heavily on what you have and how much of it you have. Higher-value metals such as copper and brass can be particularly worthwhile, while large quantities of lower-value metals such as steel can also add up. Sorting your scrap, keeping materials clean where practical and comparing your collection or delivery options can help you get better value. For businesses and tradespeople, regularly selling scrap metal can also turn an ongoing waste stream into an additional source of income.
We help businesses, tradespeople and property owners across Sydney turn unwanted metal into value. Send us photos, your location and an approximate quantity, and we’ll assess your scrap and let you know what options are available. Contact us today for a scrap metal quote or collection enquiry in Sydney.
