If you’ve ever looked at a pile of old window frames, car rims, or even just a bag full of drink cans and thought, “Is this worth anything?”, you’re not alone. Aluminium is one of the most commonly recycled metals in Australia, and in 2025 it’s still holding strong as a valuable material for both households and businesses. Let’s break down what it’s worth right now, why the price keeps changing, and how you can make the most out of your scrap.
Current Scrap Aluminium Prices in 2025
Across Australia in 2025, aluminium scrap prices typically range between $0.90 to $3.50 per kilogram, depending on the type and quality of the metal.
- Cast aluminium (like engine parts and heavy pieces) generally sits around the lower to mid-range.
- Extruded aluminium (think window frames and clean profiles) often fetches higher prices, especially if it’s clean and free from paint or fittings.
- Aluminium wheels and rims can also earn a good return, particularly when stripped of tyres and other attachments.
- Cans and domestic scrap tend to be on the lighter side of pricing, but they add up quickly if you’ve got a large quantity.
These numbers shift often, influenced by international demand, the Australian dollar, and even the energy market.
Why Prices Fluctuate
The aluminium market is a bit like the stock market—it’s always moving. Global demand, especially from construction and manufacturing, pushes prices up and down. Currency shifts also play a big role. If the Australian dollar weakens, exports become more attractive, which can push scrap prices higher locally.
Closer to home, what you’re paid depends on how clean the scrap is, how much you’ve got, and whether it’s sorted into categories. Aluminium mixed with steel screws or plastic fittings will always bring in less than clean, separated scrap.
A Quick Real-World Example
Imagine clearing out your garage and coming across a pile of old window frames, a couple of alloy wheels, and a bin bag of cans. If you separated and cleaned those pieces, you might walk away with $150–200, depending on the weight and the day’s rates. On the other hand, if you tossed it all together, uncleaned, you’d probably earn quite a bit less.
That little bit of extra effort in sorting and stripping can make a noticeable difference.
Tips to Get the Best Price
- Sort it properly: Keep wheels, extrusions, cans, and cast pieces separate.
- Clean it up: Remove screws, bolts, tyres, and any plastic parts.
- Sell in bulk: Larger loads can sometimes secure a better rate per kilogram.
- Check prices often: Rates move week to week, so it’s worth a quick phone call before dropping off your load.
Why Recycling Aluminium Matters
Recycling aluminium isn’t just about the cash in your pocket. It takes around 95% less energy to recycle aluminium than it does to produce new metal from raw materials. That’s a huge saving in electricity, water, and emissions. Every kilogram recycled helps reduce landfill and keeps resources in use longer, which benefits both the environment and the economy.
Keeping It Simple
Scrap aluminium in 2025 is still a reliable money-maker in Australia. While prices shift, a bit of sorting, cleaning, and timing can really add up. Whether it’s cans from the weekend, old frames from a renovation, or leftover wheels in the shed, it all has value. The more you know about what affects aluminium pricing, the easier it is to turn scrap into cash—while also doing something positive for the planet.
Now we provide our metal recycling service in Northcote Victoria 3070.
Contact Us
Galaxy Metals
9 Mezzo Walk, Greenvale VIC 3059
0413 176 223
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