Common Items That You Can Sell as Scrap Metal in Sydney

When it comes to scrap metal, many people think of large industrial machinery or construction debris. However, everyday household items, old appliances, and even certain electronics can also be valuable sources of scrap metal. If you’re looking to declutter your home, make some extra cash, or simply dispose of items in an eco-friendly way, selling scrap metal is a great option. In Sydney, where recycling and sustainability are increasingly important, scrap metal collection and recycling businesses are thriving. In this post, we’ll discuss common items you can sell as scrap metal in Sydney, highlighting what types of metals are valuable and what items are commonly accepted by scrap yards.

What is Scrap Metal?

Scrap metal refers to any kind of metal that has been discarded or is no longer useful. It can come from various sources, including old cars, construction waste, household appliances, and electronic devices. Scrap metal can generally be divided into two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

• Ferrous Metals: These contain iron and are magnetic. Examples include stainless steel scrap, cast iron, and wrought iron.
• Non-Ferrous Metals: These do not contain iron and are non-magnetic. Examples include aluminum, copper, brass, and lead.

Both types of metal can be valuable when sold as scrap, but non-ferrous metals typically fetch higher prices due to their scarcity and higher recycling demand.

1. Old Appliances and Household Items

Many household appliances, particularly those that are broken or no longer in use, are made from a variety of metals that can be recycled. These appliances are typically composed of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and their value can depend on the material they contain.

Common Appliances You Can Sell as Scrap Metal:

• Fridges and Freezers: Made from steel, copper scrap, and aluminum, these can often be broken down for their valuable metal content.
• Washing Machines and Dryers: These contain a lot of steel, copper, and sometimes aluminum. The motors and other components may also contain valuable materials.
• Dishwashers: Usually made of stainless steel, these can be broken down into valuable components.
• Microwaves: Often made of steel, copper, and aluminum, microwaves are great for scrapping.
• Ovens and Stoves: These appliances are typically made from stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum.
• Toasters, Coffee Makers, and Blenders: Small appliances like these are made from steel, copper, and other valuable metals.
• Solar Panel: You can sell old and broken solar panel scrap.
• Aircon: Get extra money by selling your Air Conditioner Scrap

Before selling these items, it’s important to remove any non-metal components, such as plastic or glass, as scrap yards generally only accept pure metal items.

2. Old Cars and Vehicles

One of the most common sources of scrap metal is old or junked cars. Whether it’s a rusted out sedan, a crashed motorcycle, or a battered truck, your vehicle is often worth money as scrap metal. In fact, selling scrap metal from vehicles is one of the most profitable ways to cash in on your old car.

What Parts of a Car Are Worth Scrapping?

• Body Panels: The steel or aluminum panels of the vehicle are valuable.
• Engine Parts: These parts contain valuable metals like aluminum, steel, and copper. Even the engine block itself can be sold for scrap.
• Transmission: This is often made of steel, aluminum, and copper.
• Radiators: Usually made from aluminum, radiators are highly recyclable.
• Wheels and Tires: The steel rims of your car’s wheels are valuable, although some scrap yards may not accept tires.
• Catalytic Converters: These are small but valuable components that contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Many scrapyards in Sydney will pay a premium for catalytic converters due to their high precious metal content.
• Batteries: Car batteries contain lead, which is valuable as scrap.

If you have a junk car, contact a local scrap metal yard or scrap car removal service in Sydney to get an estimate and schedule a pickup.

3. Metal Furniture

Old furniture, especially metal furniture, can often be sold as scrap metal in Sydney. Many older furniture items are constructed from steel, aluminum scrap, or other metals that can be recycled for a good price.

Furniture Items to Scrap:

• Steel and Aluminum Bed Frames: These can be sold as scrap once disassembled.
• Metal Tables and Chairs: Many outdoor furniture sets, especially those made from wrought iron, steel, or aluminum, can be recycled for scrap.
• Filing Cabinets: These are typically made from steel and can be sold for scrap metal.
• Metal Cabinets and Shelves: These items, often found in offices or garages, can be broken down into valuable scrap metal.

4. Old or Broken Electronics (E-Waste)

Although electronics are generally considered hazardous waste due to the chemicals they contain, many electronic devices are made with valuable metals that can be recycled. Electronics such as televisions, computers, and phones are packed with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals that can be sold as scrap.

Common Electronic Devices to Scrap:

• Televisions: Older CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions, in particular, have a lot of metals, including copper and steel. Flat-screen TVs also contain valuable materials.
• Computers and Laptops: Desktop PCs, laptops, monitors, and printers contain valuable metals like copper, aluminum, and steel. The internal circuits, processors, and hard drives are also worth scrapping.
• Smartphones and Tablets: These devices contain small amounts of precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper.
• Radios and Stereos: Made of steel, copper, and aluminum, old radios can be sold for scrap.
• Game Consoles: These devices, including old gaming systems and controllers, have components made from metals like copper, steel, and aluminum.

Before you dispose of any electronics, ensure they are free of batteries and other hazardous components. Many scrap metal yards in Sydney do not accept electronics that still contain harmful materials.

5. Scrap Metal from Home Renovations

Home renovations often result in a significant amount of scrap metal. Whether you’re tearing down walls, replacing old plumbing, or installing new electrical systems, there are many materials in your home that can be sold as scrap.

Common Renovation Items to Scrap:

• Copper Wiring: One of the most valuable non-ferrous metals, copper is commonly found in older homes. If you are replacing old wiring, be sure to collect and sell the copper.
• Steel or Aluminum Pipes: If you’re replacing plumbing, old pipes, particularly those made of copper or aluminum, are valuable scrap metal.
• Aluminum Window Frames: Many older windows are framed in aluminum, which can be sold for scrap.
• Metal Roofing: If you’re re-roofing your house, aluminum, steel, or copper roofing materials can be recycled for a price.
• Old Tools and Hardware: Screws, nuts, bolts, and other metal components from renovation projects are often worth scrapping, especially if made of steel or aluminum.

6. Scrap Metal from Yard Maintenance

If you’ve been working in your garden or yard, you may have scrap metal lying around that could be valuable. Many garden tools and equipment are made from metal and can be sold as scrap.

Yard Items to Sell as Scrap Metal:

• Old Lawn Mowers: These contain aluminum, steel, and copper components.
• Metal Fencing: Old, rusted metal fences or gates, often made from steel, can be recycled.
• Garden Tools: Tools like shovels, hoes, rakes, and spades, especially those made of steel or iron, are great for selling as scrap.
• Barbecues: Older, worn-out barbecues can be sold for scrap metal, particularly if they are made from steel or aluminum.
• Iron or Steel Rods: Any scrap metal left over from yard projects, like iron or steel rods, should be collected for recycling.

7. Scrap Metal from Construction & Demolition

Construction and demolition sites are often full of scrap metal, ranging from broken equipment to leftover materials. If you’re working on a building project, there may be valuable metals that can be sold as scrap.

Common Construction Materials to Scrap:

• Steel Beams and Rebar: Steel beams used in construction are heavy and valuable. If you’re breaking down a structure or working on a building project, be sure to collect any steel reinforcement bars (rebar) or beams for recycling.
• Copper Wiring and Piping: Copper is often used in construction for plumbing and electrical wiring, and is one of the most valuable materials for scrap.
• Metal Roofing and Siding: If you’re involved in construction or demolition, old metal roofing or siding can be recycled.
• Aluminum Scaffolding: Some scaffolding is made of aluminum, which can be sold as scrap.

8. Scrap Metal from Old Tools and Machinery

Old tools and machinery, whether they are still functional or broken, can also be sold for scrap. Many of these items contain a mixture of ferrous and non-ferrous metals that can be recycled.

Tools and Machinery to Sell as Scrap:

• Power Tools: Old drills, saws, and other power tools often contain valuable metals, including copper, steel, and aluminum.
• Gardening Equipment: Old hedge trimmers, chainsaws, or tillers can be broken down for their metal content.
• Heavy Machinery: Construction or industrial machinery that is no longer in use can be sold for scrap metal. These machines contain large amounts of steel, iron, copper, and aluminum.
• Bicycles and Motorcycles: Old bicycles and motorbikes often contain a lot of metal that can be sold for scrap. The frame, wheels, and various components are typically made of steel, aluminum, or other valuable metals.

Conclusion

There is a wealth of common items in and around your home, garage, and yard that can be sold as scrap metal in Sydney. Whether it’s old appliances, vehicles, electronics, or tools, scrap metal is a valuable resource that can be recycled and repurposed, benefiting both you and the environment. Always check with local scrap yards for their specific requirements, as some materials or items might need to be sorted or prepped before being accepted. By selling scrap metal, you not only make some extra cash but also contribute to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management.

If you have a large amount of scrap metal or need assistance removing items, many scrap metal buyers in Sydney offer free pick-up services. Get in touch with local scrap metal buyers to learn more and take advantage of this easy way to turn your unwanted items into cash!