Scrap metal can bring in some handy extra money. But if you’re not prepared, it can also be a hassle—messy piles, mixed materials, and wasted time trying to sort it all when you get there. The better organised you are before the drop-off, the quicker the process is. And that means faster cash in your hands.
First, Understand What You’ve Got
Don’t just load everything into a trailer and hope for the best. Take a few minutes to look through what you’re dealing with, especially if you want decent money for scrap metal. Are you clearing out an old shed? Have you been collecting leftover bits from renovation jobs? Maybe it’s appliances, car parts, or bits of wire. Each type of metal matters, and the price you get will depend on how well it’s sorted.
The main types to look out for:
Ferrous metals – These include steel and iron. You can usually test them with a magnet; if it sticks, it’s likely ferrous.
Non-ferrous metals – These are the ones that don’t stick to magnets. Think copper, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, and lead. They tend to fetch a higher price.
If you’re not sure what’s what, do a quick magnet test and group them accordingly. That small step makes a big difference later.
Sort by Type and Keep it Clean
Once you’ve identified what you have, it’s time to sort it properly. Separate everything by metal type. If you mix copper with aluminium or throw brass in with steel, you’ll likely get paid the lowest rate across the lot. Scrap yards won’t spend time sorting it for you—they’ll just offer a bulk price.
Also, remove any excess rubbish. That includes:
- Plastic coatings on wires
- Screws, nails, or wood attached to metal frames
- Rubber parts on old appliances
- Dirt or grease on mechanical parts
Clean metal not only gets better rates, but it also makes your drop-off much quicker. Less stuff to weigh. Less stuff to argue about.
Know What Can and Can’t Be Accepted
Not everything metal is good to go. Certain items might be restricted, either due to safety regulations or the processing required.
Common no-go items include:
- Gas bottles or pressurised containers
- Paint tins with residue
- Electronics with batteries still inside
- Items containing asbestos
- Contaminated fuel tanks
It’s best to check ahead if you’re unsure. Showing up with a load of unusable or unsafe material wastes everyone’s time, including yours.
Remove Hazardous Components
Some scrap might have hidden dangers. Think fridges, air conditioners, or car parts with oil still in them. These can contain refrigerants, oils, or other chemicals that need to be drained properly before drop-off.
Removing those parts doesn’t just protect the environment; it also makes sure you’re not turned away.
If you’re dealing with anything that once held fuel, fluids, or gas, double-check that it’s been emptied. Wipe off excess grease or grime. It’s worth the small effort now to avoid being sent home with it later.
Break Things Down Where Possible
The more compact your load, the more you can fit in, and the easier it is to unload.
Old appliances or equipment with multiple materials are best stripped down. Pull out the wires, unscrew the panels, and remove any non-metallic parts.
It’s not always essential, but it’s helpful. Especially if you’ve got a large amount and want the highest return. You don’t have to go overboard, but anything that separates clean metal from junk is a win.
Weigh It Up Before You Go
This step is optional, but if you’ve got a lot of scrap, it can help to weigh it yourself beforehand.
Even a rough estimate using a home scale or trailer weight gives you an idea of what to expect. That way, you’ll know if the payout seems off or if something’s been missed.
You don’t need to guess exact numbers, but having a ballpark figure in mind never hurts.
Pack It Smart
How you load up your trailer or ute makes a difference. Not just for your back, but for the staff who are going to help unload it.
- Put heavier metals like steel or engines at the bottom
- Keep copper, brass, or aluminium in separate containers
- Use tubs or crates for smaller items (like wires or fittings)
- Label things if you’ve pre-sorted – it saves back-and-forth later
A tidy load is faster to deal with. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time getting paid.
Have ID Ready
Most scrap yards will ask for ID when you drop off your load. It’s a legal requirement in many places, especially when dealing with non-ferrous metals like copper and brass. Make sure you’ve got your licence or some form of government-issued ID on you. No ID often means no payment.
Be Realistic About Value
Yes, scrap can make decent money, but don’t expect gold for a pile of rusty steel. Prices vary depending on metal type, weight, and market rates. Copper and brass usually pay the most. Aluminium and stainless steel come next. Steel and iron tend to fetch the lowest rate.
But here’s the thing: the cleaner and better sorted your scrap is, the more likely you are to get the best price for what you’ve got. So while you might not walk away with a fortune, taking a bit of time to prep can make it worth your while.
Don’t Skip the Paperwork
After the drop-off, you should get a receipt or transaction record. Don’t just shove it in the glovebox and forget about it. It’s useful for tracking what you’ve sold, especially if you scrap regularly. And if there’s ever a mix-up or you want to cross-check weights and payments, you’ve got the proof right there. Even if it’s a one-off cleanout, having that paper trail is always a good idea.
Make It Count
Scrapping metal isn’t complicated, but it’s easy to get wrong if you’re not prepared. A few smart steps before you head to the yard can save you time, hassle, and money. Sort it properly. Keep it clean. Know what’s accepted. And always load up with a bit of care.