It might not be one of the first things you’d consider when you’re thinking of ways to bring in some extra income, but if you have unwanted scrap metal sitting around your home, job site or business, you could be holding onto easy money for scrap metal without even realising it.
From old white goods and auto parts to copper wire, electric motors and renovation offcuts, scrap metal recycling is one of the simplest ways to turn waste into real money – while also supporting responsible recycling.
With current scrap metal prices remaining steady in Brisbane and strong demand across industrial, construction and household sectors, there’s never been a better time to understand how much money do you get for scrap metal, what’s worth collecting, and where to get money for scrap metal without the hassle.
Below, we break down how to make money with scrap metal, what to scrap, and how to get the best prices from trusted scrap metal dealers and scrap metal recyclers.
Why Scrap Metal Recycling Pays Off
Recycling metal isn’t just good for your wallet – it helps conserve natural resources, reduces pressure on landfill and supports Australia’s growing metal recycling industry.
Most scrap metal recyclers base their prices on global supply and demand, including benchmarks set by the London Metal Exchange. That means scrap metal prices can change regularly, but high-value non-ferrous metals consistently deliver top dollar.
When you choose a reputable scrap metal recycling services provider, you’re also ensuring your material is processed safely, efficiently and legally.
Places to Find Scrap Metal
You may already be sitting on a surprisingly valuable collection of scrap metal without even realising it! Garages, sheds and backyards across Brisbane often contain unwanted bikes, tools, auto parts, and appliances that can be recycled instead of ending up in landfill.
If it’s been a while since you cleared out your shed, you might uncover engines, engine parts, blunt saws, broken equipment, dead computers – or even that old beer fridge that stopped working years ago.
Renovation and demolition projects are another great source of scrap metal. Plumbing and electrical work often produces offcuts of copper, pipes, wiring and fittings. Holding onto these materials can help offset renovation costs and reduce waste at the same time.
If you’re actively looking to collect scrap, consider speaking with neighbours, local businesses, or small factories. Many people are happy for you to remove unwanted metal for free – and in some cases, you may even build repeat collection arrangements.
Common Scrap Metal Items
Scrap metal is often hidden in everyday items you wouldn’t immediately think to recycle.
Cars, engines and engine parts contain a wide range of recyclable metal, including steel, iron, aluminium and copper. When a vehicle reaches the end of its life, selling it through a licensed recycler helps recover valuable natural resources while protecting the environment.
Smaller materials also add up. Nuts, bolts, screws and fasteners – particularly those from plumbing or industrial jobs – can significantly increase the total weight of your load.
Electronic waste is another often-overlooked source. Dead microwaves, televisions and computers all contain valuable metals, and copper wire from power cords is often worth collecting on its own.
Other common items include:
- Bikes and bike frames
- Brass taps and plumbing joins
- Insulated cable and wiring
- Gas bottles and hot water systems
- Rainwater tanks
- Musical instruments
- Window and door frames
- Construction offcuts and beams
So, what are the best things to scrap for money?
Want to clean up your backyard? Make some money? Help the environment? Knowing what materials are worth the highest value makes all the difference.
At Tall Ingots, we purchase both ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals, paying cash for scrap based on weight, quality and current market prices.
A simple magnet test helps identify what you’re dealing with:
- If the magnet sticks, it’s ferrous
- If it doesn’t, it’s non-ferrous
Ferrous
Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic. While they generally attract lower prices than non-ferrous materials, they are still widely recycled and worthwhile in bulk.
Light steel & white goods
Roofing iron, washing machines, fridges that have been de-gassed, air-conditioning units that have been de-gassed, microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, and any other lightweight metallic product.
Heavy Steel
Items over 6 mm thick, like beam off-cuts, angle, RHS, car rims, truck rims and other heavier gauge metallic products. We are happy to accept any size steel offered.
Cast Iron
Old bathtubs, cast iron cookware, valves, pipes, BBQ plates and engine blocks.
Specialty ferrous
Includes manganese steel, ESCO, Ni-Hard, carbon steels and any other exotic mix of ferrous materials.
Non-Ferrous
Non ferrous metals do not contain iron and are not magnetic. These materials are in high global demand and typically return top dollar.
Copper
- Bright & shiny (Millberry): clean household wiring
- Bare copper tube (Candy): no paint or solder
- Burnt copper (Birch Cliff): painted or soldered copper
- Insulated cable (Druid): copper with insulation still attached
Electric Motors
Electric motors from any appliance or machine. Excessive attachments will reduce the price paid for the motor.
Stainless Steel & Nickel
Old kitchen sinks, kitchen utensils, piping, plate, nuts & bolts. Many items related to food preparation are made from stainless steel.
Lead
- Sheet lead, sinkers, wheel weights and lead roof nails.
- Used lead acid batteries are also accepted and should be recycled responsibly.Brass
Brass
Taps, valves, plumbing joins, locks, keys and musical instruments. Brass turnings and gunmetal are also valuable.
Aluminium
Includes cans, window frames, extrusions, wheels, cast aluminium, zinc components and aluminium-copper radiators. Sorting by grade improves prices.
Which Metals Are Worth the Most?
In general, non-ferrous metals are far more valuable than ferrous ones – sometimes worth up to 100 times more. Copper and brass consistently attract strong prices, followed by aluminium and stainless steel.
Copper is one of the most valuable metals to recycle. If it’s in good condition, it’ll be red in colour, and if it’s worn or old, you will notice brown with greenish areas of rust. It’s often found in plumbing pipes, roofing gutters, air conditioners, and electrical wires, so if you’re renovating, make sure to set these materials aside for recycling.
Brass can also fetch a good price and can be found in decorative items like lamps and bed frames, musical instruments, locks and keys, door handles, light and bathroom fixtures, and some plumbing materials.
Although you won’t get a high price for ferrous metals, you’ll still usually make some money because scrap yards can recycle them and take them off your hands.
Sorting and collecting scrap metal
Selling scrap metal takes time and effort, so it pays to do it properly.
You’ll generally receive best prices when:
- Scrap is separated by metal type
- High-value items are kept apart
- Excess materials like rubber, plastic or wood are removed
- Scrap is stored neatly in labelled bins
- Loads are brought in bulk
Selling Scrap at a Reputable Facility
Not all metal recyclers operate to the same standards. Choosing a trusted recycler ensures you’re paid fairly and that materials are processed safely.
Tall Ingots operates in line with strict industry regulations, supporting legitimate scrap metal recycling services and responsible recycling. Our experienced team works with households, trade, industrial and business customers across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, offering competitive prices, efficient service and convenient collection options.
Whether you’re clearing out a shed or managing ongoing scrap from a site, we’re here to help you turn unused scrap into reliable cash.