03 Feb 2022

Which Types of Scrap Metal Are The Most Valuable?

Many people are surprised to learn that selling scrap metal in Melbourne can be a fantastic way of making some extra cash. Whether you’re performing some renovations on our house and ripping a bunch of materials out or you work in an industry that otherwise sees a lot of waste, there are plenty of ways to get your hands on some valuable scrap. Plus, collecting unwanted metal is a fantastic way to make these invaluable materials constantly available to manufacturers.

Were you aware that not all scrap is created equal? Each metal has a different value – so if your goal is to make money, you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting your hands on the most valuable materials available to you.

  • Steel
    Besides the fact that it’s quite valuable, steel is also very common so it’s fairly easy to source and collect. It’s found in items like coat hangers, ladders or even pipes. Automotive parts are also a rich source. Chrome, a material that sees steel combined with various other metals, is particularly valuable and is commonly used in the manufacture of kitchen equipment. Even a small load is going to fetch a hefty sum at the recycling yard.
     
  • Aluminium
    Contrary to popular belief, aluminium soft drinks aren’t just valuable in certain states – they can be collected and recycled in any state, granting you a pretty penny for your efforts. Other areas to source aluminium include awnings, gutters, furniture and even old bike frames. You won’t need to look any further than your own property to find copious amounts of unwanted aluminium that can be recycled for scrap.
     
  • Brass
    Whilst it’s less popular than some of the other metals on this list, brass can actually be quite easy to find in many households. Common sources include lamp fittings, taps and even doorknobs. It’s also used in old-school plumbing – if you’re renovating your bathroom or replacing your dishwasher, pull out the brass pipes and replace them with more modern alternatives. Then sell them for a fairly high price.
     
  • Titanium
    Another scrap metal in Melbourne that should fall high on your list is titanium. Lightweight and strong, it’s commonly used in applications like electronics and sports equipment. Whilst it’s less common, titanium is definitely worth trying to get your hands on as it has quite a high price point for recycling businesses all over Australia. In fact, as it is harder to find, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a good deal.
     
  • Copper
    There can be no denying that copper is one of the most valuable types of scrap on this list, which is also why it’s the one that is stolen most often. Selling copper pipes and wires can turn out to be quite the lucrative business – just be aware that you may have to jump through a few additional hoops, as there are protocols in place to try and deter theft. The great thing about this metal is that you don’t need much to make a lot.
     
  • Lead
    One of the least common metals in this day and age due to the associated health risks, lead is also quite valuable in its own right. Some of the areas where it might still be found include large car batteries and old pipes – besides the fact that you’ll make some extra cash, it’s recommended that you remove these sorts of objects for your own safety. It’s also a good idea to do some research into the safest way to do this.
     
  • Gold
    When most people think of valuable metals, gold tends to be the first one that springs to mind. Whilst it certainly is valuable, it tends to be harder to come by than the other types of scrap outlined above. Common sources include old jewellery, coins or even antiques. Just keep in mind that not all recycling yards will accept gold, you may have to find one that specialises in this particular precious material.

Whether you have some old scrap metal in Melbourne that you’re looking to dispose of or you’re looking for a lucrative business venture, we hope that the above list has given you an idea of which materials you should be keeping an eye out for. Plus, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done something great for the environment – as recycling metal prevents more raw ore from being mined from the earth. It’s a win-win for everyone!