If you’ve got a pile of old metal lying around — maybe it’s a shed full of rusted tools, a garage corner packed with broken appliances, or even a dismantled car in the backyard — chances are you’ve thought about cashing it in. But here’s the tricky part: how do you know if the price you’re getting for your scrap metal is actually fair?
The scrap metal market can feel a bit like the stock market — prices change all the time based on demand, supply, and even the global economy. Let’s break it down in plain English so you can walk into a scrap yard in Australia with confidence, knowing what your metal is really worth.
Why Scrap Metal Prices Change So Often
Scrap metal prices aren’t set in stone. They move around for a few main reasons:
- Global demand – If overseas manufacturing is booming, especially in places like China or India, demand for recycled metal can push prices up.
- Local supply – If there’s a lot of scrap coming in from construction projects or clean-outs, prices might dip a little.
- Metal type – Copper, aluminium, brass, and stainless steel all have different market values. For example, copper is usually one of the most valuable metals because it’s in high demand for wiring and electronics.
- Condition and purity – Clean, sorted metal will always get you more than mixed, dirty, or contaminated material.
Think of it like selling fruit at a market: a box of fresh, perfect apples will sell for more than a mixed box of bruised ones.
Typical Scrap Metal Price Ranges in Australia
While prices can change weekly (or even daily), here’s a ballpark idea of what you might expect in Australia right now:
- Copper: $8 – $10 per kg (clean, bright copper is at the top end)
- Brass: $4 – $6 per kg
- Aluminium: $1 – $2 per kg (sheet aluminium usually at the lower end, extrusion at the higher end)
- Stainless Steel: $1 – $1.50 per kg
- Steel: Around $0.10 – $0.25 per kg (heavy steel is more valuable than light gauge)
Example: If you’ve got 20 kg of copper wiring stripped clean, you could be looking at over $150 in your pocket — not bad for something that might have been sitting unused for years.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting a Fair Deal
Just like you wouldn’t sell your car without checking its market value, you shouldn’t sell your scrap without a bit of homework.
- Check the current market rates – Many scrap yards list their prices online, or you can give them a quick call.
- Weigh your metal first – If you can, weigh your scrap before heading in. That way you know if the numbers line up.
- Separate your metals – Mixed loads can be priced at the lowest-grade metal in the bunch. Sorting can mean more cash.
- Ask questions – A reputable scrap dealer won’t be cagey about their pricing process.
- Get more than one quote – Especially if you’ve got a large load. A few phone calls could mean hundreds more in your payout.
Real-World Example: Why Sorting Matters
A customer came to us with a ute full of mixed metal from a shed clean-out. There was copper piping, aluminium sheets, some steel beams, and a few old tools.
When we weighed it as a mixed load, the value came in at just under $200. But after spending an hour separating it into individual metals, that same load was worth over $350. A little extra effort more than paid off.
When’s the Best Time to Sell?
While it’s tempting to hold onto your metal until prices peak, predicting the market can be tricky. If you’ve got a decent load and the current prices are reasonable, it’s often worth selling sooner rather than later — especially if the metal is taking up space.
That said, if you notice copper prices have taken a sudden dip, it might be worth waiting a few weeks for them to bounce back.
The Bottom Line
Scrap metal can be more valuable than you think, especially if you know the going rates and take a little time to prepare it properly. Whether it’s a handful of copper wiring, a garage full of aluminium, or a full car body ready for recycling, knowing the fair price helps you make the most of what you’ve got.
Your Next Load Could Be Worth More Than You Expect
If you’ve been holding onto old metal, now’s the time to see what it’s worth. Even a small amount can put extra cash in your pocket, and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment too. Give us a call or drop by with your load — we’ll weigh it, price it honestly, and make sure you walk away happy.
Now we provide our metal recycling service in Somerton, Victoria 3062.
Contact Us
Galaxy Metals
9 Mezzo Walk, Greenvale VIC 3059
0413 176 223
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