If you have 1,000 kg of steel, or roughly one tonne, sitting at a property, construction site, workshop or business, you may be wondering how much it is worth as scrap. The answer depends on the type of steel, its condition, quantity, location and current scrap metal market. Steel generally has a lower value per kilogram than metals such as copper, brass and aluminium, but large quantities can still be worth collecting and selling. As a general 2026 guide, 1,000 kg of ordinary scrap steel could be worth approximately $150 to $350, depending on the grade and the price available from the recycler. Some types of prepared or higher-grade steel can attract more, while light or mixed steel may be worth less. The best way to determine the actual value is to have the material assessed based on what you have rather than relying on a general price per kilogram.
The value of one tonne of steel can vary considerably depending on the material. For example, using indicative scrap steel rates:
| Approximate Price | Value of 1,000 kg |
| $0.15/kg | $150 |
| $0.20/kg | $200 |
| $0.25/kg | $250 |
| $0.30/kg | $300 |
| $0.35/kg | $350 |
Current Sydney market information places several common steel categories around the 0.17–0.31 per kg range, although actual prices vary between buyers and grades. Structural steel, heavy melting steel, sheet metal and prepared scrap can all receive different rates. So, if you have a tonne of ordinary structural steel, a realistic starting point may be around 200-300, but you should obtain a current quote for the exact material.
One of the most important factors affecting the value of your scrap is the type of steel.
Common types include:
Heavy structural sections such as beams, channels and plates can be handled differently from thin sheet metal because of their weight, thickness and processing requirements. For example, current indicative Sydney pricing puts structural steel around $0.22 per kg, while sheet metal is around $0.17 per kg. This means 1,000 kg of structural steel could have an indicative value of around $220, while the same weight of sheet metal could be around $170, before any other considerations.
Heavy steel is often more desirable because it provides a greater amount of metal relative to its volume and can be more straightforward to process.
Examples include:
If you have a large amount of structural steel from a demolition, construction or fabrication project, it can be worthwhile arranging a proper scrap assessment rather than treating it as general waste.
Thin sheet steel, old appliances, light-gauge steel and similar materials can attract a lower rate. This is because these materials may require more processing relative to their weight and can contain other materials or contaminants. For example, old steel products may include:
If you’re dealing with a large quantity of mixed material, the recycler may need to assess the load before confirming the final price.
Sorting your scrap can make a difference. If you have a large load containing several different types of metal, separating the obvious categories can make it easier for the recycler to identify and price the material correctly. For example, if your load contains steel, aluminium and copper, keeping the metals separate can prevent valuable non-ferrous materials from being treated as part of a general steel load. You should also remove obvious general rubbish where practical. However, there is no need to spend significant time dismantling or processing material unless the additional value is likely to justify the labour involved.
Structural steel is commonly found in construction, demolition and fabrication work. Examples include beams, columns, channels and other structural sections. Current indicative Sydney pricing places structural steel at around $0.22 per kg, although actual buying prices can change with market conditions and the specific load. At $0.22 per kg:
1,000 kg × $0.22 = approximately $220
This is an example only, rather than a guaranteed payout. If you have a large quantity, the best approach is to send photos and details to a scrap metal buyer for a current assessment.
Reinforcing steel, or rebar, is another common type of scrap generated from construction and demolition work.
It can be found in:
Current Sydney pricing information lists rebar at a higher indicative rate than some general steel categories. However, the actual amount you receive can depend on the condition, quantity, preparation and buyer. If you have a significant quantity of reinforcement steel, it’s worth getting a specific quote rather than assuming it will be paid at the same rate as ordinary mixed steel.
Several factors can affect the final amount you receive.
These can include:
For example, steel that is heavily mixed with concrete may require additional processing before it can be recycled. If you’re preparing a large load for sale, separating obvious waste and keeping different metals apart can make the process easier.
Yes. Scrap metal prices can vary between locations because of differences in local demand, transport costs, processing facilities and market conditions. A tonne of steel in Sydney may not receive exactly the same price as a tonne of steel in Melbourne, Brisbane or a regional area. The cost of collecting and transporting the material can also affect the overall economics of the transaction. This is particularly important when you have a large but relatively low-value load. A tonne of steel may have a reasonable gross scrap value, but transporting it a long distance can reduce the amount you ultimately receive.
In most cases, one tonne is enough steel to make selling it worthwhile, particularly if the material is already accessible and ready for collection. For businesses and contractors, scrap steel can be generated regularly from:
Rather than paying to dispose of the material, selling it to a scrap metal recycler can turn an unwanted waste stream into additional revenue.
This depends on the quantity, location and accessibility of the steel. If you have suitable transport and loading equipment, taking the material to a recycling facility may be an option. For larger loads, however, scrap metal collection can be much more convenient. A collection service can be particularly useful if the steel is:
Before arranging collection, provide the recycler with photos, approximate weight and location so they can assess the requirements.
If you want to maximise the value of your scrap steel, start with a few simple steps.
So, how much is 1,000 kg of steel worth in Australia? As a general guide, one tonne of ordinary scrap steel could be worth around 150–350, with the actual amount depending on the grade, condition, location and current market price. For common steel grades in Sydney, current indicative pricing can fall around 0.17–0.31 per kg, putting 1,000 kg at approximately 170–310. However, these figures should be treated as a guide rather than a guaranteed price. The actual value of your steel can only be determined properly after considering what the material is, how clean it is, how much you have and whether collection is required. If you have a tonne or more of steel sitting at your property or worksite, it is worth getting a current quote rather than sending it to general waste.
We help businesses, contractors, tradespeople and property owners across Sydney turn unwanted steel and other scrap metals into value. Send us photos, your location and an approximate quantity, and we’ll assess your material and let you know the available options. Contact us today for a competitive scrap steel quote or collection enquiry.
