What Is the Best Scrap Metal to Sell? A Friendly Guide for Anyone Looking to Earn More from Recycling

 


If you’ve ever wondered which scrap metals fetch the best prices, you’re not alone. Many people—from tradies and workshop owners to homeowners cleaning out old sheds—are discovering the value hidden in everyday metal waste. With the growing demand for recycled materials in Australia, especially in places like Perth, scrap metal has become more than just waste; it’s a real opportunity to make money while helping the environment.

Whether you're new to metal recycling or simply want to maximise your return, this guide breaks down the best metals to sell, how to sort them, and where to take them. With trusted Scrap metal yards Perth and modern recycling facilities, earning from your old metals has never been easier.

Why Scrap Metal Is Worth Selling

Scrap metal recycling isn’t just about getting paid. It’s also an important part of supporting sustainability. Metals can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, meaning every piece you sell helps reduce mining, save energy, and cut down waste. And with higher demand for recycled steel, copper, aluminium, and stainless steel across different industries, scrap prices in Perth remain strong.

If you're dealing with Scrap metal Perth, you’ll find no shortage of yards ready to buy and responsibly recycle your metals. The key is knowing which metals are most valuable.

Top Scrap Metals That Pay the Most

While prices change based on global market conditions, some metals consistently bring higher value. Let’s explore the top scrap metals worth selling.

1. Copper – The King of Scrap Metals

Copper almost always ranks as the highest-paying scrap metal. It’s used in electrical wiring, plumbing, motors, roofing, electronics, and even household appliances.

Why It’s Valuable

  • Excellent electrical conductivity

  • High demand from construction and manufacturing

  • Easy to recycle without quality loss

Where to Find It

  • Old pipes

  • Extension cords and wiring

  • Electric motors

  • Air conditioners

  • Dishwashers and fridges

If you’ve got copper, even in small amounts, it’s worth collecting.

2. Aluminium – Lightweight but Profitable

Aluminium is everywhere—from drink cans to vehicle parts—and while it pays less per kilo than copper, it’s easy to find in bulk.

Common Sources

  • Window frames

  • Car rims

  • Old roofing sheets

  • Cans

  • Bike frames

Many Scrap metal Perth sellers get strong returns by bringing in mixed aluminium from renovation or metal fabrication projects.

3. Brass – A Solid Payout for Yellow Metal

Brass is a copper and zinc alloy commonly found in plumbing and decorative items. It’s heavier than aluminium and often pays well.

Where to Find Brass

  • Taps and faucets

  • Door handles

  • Plumbing fixtures

  • Musical instruments

4. Stainless Steel – Especially Grade 304 and 316

Stainless steel might not be as valuable as copper or brass, but high-grade stainless—especially 304 and 316—can bring good money due to its nickel content.

This is where Stainless steel recycling Perth has grown significantly, thanks to the mining, industrial, and construction sectors in Western Australia.

Where to Find Stainless Steel

  • Commercial kitchen equipment

  • Sinks

  • Industrial tanks

  • Tools and machinery

  • Exhaust systems

If you have large quantities (like restaurant or workshop clean-outs), stainless steel can be very profitable.

5. Steel and Heavy Steel – Bulk Makes the Money

Mild steel and heavy steel are among the most common materials brought to Scrap metal yards Perth. While the price per kilo is lower, the weight adds up quickly.

Sources of Steel

  • Car bodies

  • Structural beams

  • Old appliances

  • Farm machinery

  • Washers and dryers

If you’re cleaning out a shed, farm, or construction site, steel is usually the bulk of your load.

6. Lead – Heavy and Worth Collecting

Lead is found in:

  • Car batteries

  • Wheel weights

  • Old pipes

  • Boat anchors

Due to safety reasons, not all yards accept all forms of lead, but batteries often pay well.

Which Scrap Metal Is the Best to Sell?

If your goal is highest value per kilo, the ranking generally looks like this:

  1. Copper (Top Money)

  2. Brass

  3. Aluminium (Extrusion, Rims)

  4. Stainless Steel (304, 316)

  5. Lead

  6. Steel (Great for bulk loads)

But if your goal is fast collection and easy selling, steel and aluminium usually win because they’re everywhere.

For most people in Perth, the best metals to sell are:

  • Copper from wiring and plumbing

  • Stainless steel from kitchen or industrial waste

  • Aluminium window frames and rims

  • Bulk steel from appliances or renovation debris

Tips to Get the Best Price for Scrap Metal

✔ Sort your metals by type

Mixed loads may sell for less. Separate steel, copper, brass, and stainless steel for better pricing.

✔ Clean your scrap when possible

Removing plastic, rubber, or attachments can increase value.

✔ Use a magnet

A simple magnet helps identify ferrous metals (magnetic) from non-ferrous (usually more valuable).

✔ Collect scrap over time

The more weight you bring in, the better your payout.

✔ Visit reputable scrap yards

Good yards offer fair pricing and fast processing. If you're in Perth, trusted options like West Coast Metals make the process easy and transparent.

Why Perth Is a Great Place to Sell Scrap Metal

Perth’s strong mining, construction, and industrial sectors mean there's always demand for recycled materials. This keeps prices competitive and ensures a steady flow of buyers. Whether you're bringing in stainless steel, aluminium, or bulk steel, Scrap metal yards Perth offer some of the best recycling systems in the country.

On top of that, local businesses like West Coast Metals support responsible recycling practices and help reduce landfill waste—making it a win for your wallet and the environment.

FAQs

1. What scrap metal pays the most?

Copper is usually the highest-paying scrap metal, especially clean copper wire or bright copper.

2. Is stainless steel worth selling?

Yes. High-grade stainless steel can fetch good prices, especially when selling in bulk. Stainless steel recycling Perth is in strong demand.

3. Where is the best place to sell scrap metal in Perth?

Reputable scrap yards like West Coast Metals offer fair prices, fast service, and responsible recycling.

4. Do scrap yards pay cash?

Most now use bank transfer due to regulations, but some still offer cash within the legal limits.

5. What everyday items contain valuable metals?

Electrical wires, plumbing pipes, old appliances, rims, taps, kitchen equipment, motors, and car parts often contain valuable scrap.


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