Scrap metal recycling is one of the most rewarding ways to make extra cash while helping the environment. Whether you’re a tradie with leftover materials, a DIY renovator, or someone looking to clean out the shed, knowing which scrap metals are the most valuable can seriously boost your profits.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top-paying scrap metals in Australia, where to find them, how to identify them, and some expert tips to get the most money when you head to the scrap yard.
A few key factors determine how much you’ll earn for scrap metal:
Now, let’s look at the most valuable metals in the Aussie scrap game.
Current Average Price in Australia: $7 to $11 per kilogram
Copper is in high demand across construction, plumbing, and electrical industries. It’s highly conductive, corrosion-resistant, and 100% recyclable—making it the top earner at almost any scrap yard in Australia.
Pro Tip: Strip insulation off wires before selling. It may double your earnings.
Current Average Price in Australia: $5 to $7.50 per kilogram
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, giving it good weight and a decent return. It’s used heavily in plumbing, making it easy to find in renovation waste.
Pro Tip: Check the weight—brass is heavier than it looks. Use a magnet (brass isn’t magnetic) to help distinguish it from steel.
Current Average Price in Australia: $0.80 to $1.50 per kilogram
Aluminium is everywhere—from drink cans to window frames—and though it’s light, the volume can add up quickly.
Pro Tip: Keep aluminium separate and clean to fetch higher rates.
Current Average Price in Australia: $0.80 to $1.50 per kilogram
Stainless steel is commonly found in kitchens, hospitals, and factories. While not the highest-paying metal, it’s durable and widely accepted at scrap yards.
Pro Tip: If the stainless steel contains nickel or molybdenum, it may be worth significantly more. Check the grade.
Current Average Price in Australia: $1.20 to $1.50 per kilogram
Lead is dense, recyclable, and often used in batteries. Due to its toxicity, it’s tightly regulated, but scrap yards still pay well for it.
Safety Tip: Wear gloves when handling lead and avoid breathing in any dust. Wash hands thoroughly after contact.
Current Average Price in Australia: $0.20 to $0.70 per kilogram
Pure tin is rare, but tin-coated steel (like food cans) is common. Though not worth much, large volumes are recyclable.
Pro Tip: Steel cans with tin coating are usually sold as light gauge steel—don’t expect pure tin prices.
Current Average Price in Australia: $1.80 to $3.50 per kilogram
Titanium is used in aerospace, sporting goods, and medical implants. It’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and not as common—so yards pay well when you find it.
Pro Tip: If it looks like aluminium but is heavier and more durable, it could be titanium. Worth checking!
Current Average Price in Australia: $7.50 to $15 per kilogram
Tungsten carbide is extremely dense and used in industrial-grade tools. If you work in construction, mining, or machining, this is gold.
Pro Tip: Carbide is very heavy and usually magnetic. Keep it separate and sell to specialised metal recyclers for top dollar.
| Metal | Average Price (AUD/kg) |
| Copper (Bare Bright) | $10 – $11 |
| Carbide | $7.50 – $15 |
| Brass | $5 – $7.50 |
| Titanium | $1.80 – $3.50 |
| Lead | $1.20 – $1.50 |
| Aluminium | $0.80 – $1.50 |
| Stainless Steel | $0.80 – $1.50 |
| Tin (Cans) | $0.20 – $0.70 |
Sort Before You Sell: Always separate metals by type and grade. Clean metals get higher rates.
Strip Cables and Wires: Bare copper wire pays significantly more than insulated wire.
Check Prices Weekly: Prices can change fast. Contact local scrap metal dealer .
Avoid Mixing Metals: Mixed loads often get paid at the lowest price per kilo.
Find the Right Buyer: Some yards specialise in copper or industrial metals. Call around for quotes.
Scrap metal recycling in Australia is not only good for the planet—it can also put serious cash in your pocket. Whether you’re a regular seller or just cleaning up your shed, focusing on high-value metals like copper, brass, and carbide can make your efforts worthwhile.
Always stay safe when handling metals, wear gloves, and use proper tools. And remember: the cleaner and better sorted your scrap, the better your payday.
