What’s the Best Thing to Scrap for Cash?

Let’s be honest — we’ve all got something collecting dust in the shed, backyard, or under a tarp. Whether it’s a rusted-out Fa

lcon, a busted washing machine, or a pile of copper wiring from your last reno, the question on every tradie’s lips is: what’s the best thing to scrap for cash?

At Old Cars Removed, we deal with scrap metal, bomb cars, and all sorts of broken-down bits every day. And over the years, we’ve learned what puts the most coin in your pocket with the least hassle. So if you’re looking to cash in on scrap, here’s our straight-talking guide to what’s worth your time — and what’s better off left in the tip.

Metals That Fetch Top Dollar

Some metals are absolute money-makers when scrapped. If you’ve got any of these lying around, don’t delay — get them weighed! Scrap metal prices shift weekly, so keeping tabs on your local scrap yard’s rates is key.

1. Copper — The King of Scrap

Copper is like the gold of the scrap yard. It’s in everything from electrical wire to plumbing offcuts, and it pays handsomely. Stripped copper wiring (called “bright and shiny”) can fetch over $9 per kilo in Melbourne, while lower-grade mixed copper still sells for around $5–6/kg.

Best sources:

• Electrical cables (especially thick gauge)
• Hot water systems
• Old air con units
• Plumbing pipes and copper piping

Pro tip: Strip insulation off copper wiring to increase value. Copper is a top-tier non-ferrous metal, which means it’s not magnetic and holds strong market value.

2. Brass — Heavy, Yellow, and Worth It

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, so it pulls good weight and value. Think old taps, door handles, and fittings.

Price: Around $5–6/kg.

3. Aluminium — Lightweight But Lucrative

While not as valuable per kilo, aluminium adds up fast. It’s in window frames, car parts, and appliances. Many scrap metal businesses encourage separating types: cast, extrusion, and sheet.

Best sources:

• Cans
• Window frames
• Engine parts
• Metal components in tools and furniture

4. Lead — Often Forgotten, Still Profitable

Lead is heavy and pays well. Old car batteries and lead batteries, roof flashing, and fishing sinkers are common sources. It’s important to dispose of lead through proper metal recovery channels.

Note: Most scrap yards will only take car batteries with proper disposal protocols.

5. Stainless Steel — Especially 304 & 316 Grades

Kitchen sinks, BBQs, commercial kitchen gear — stainless steel is everywhere. Clean stainless (with no plastic or other metals) can go for $1.50–2/kg.

6. Cast Iron — Hefty and Worth the Haul

Think old baths, hotplates, and barbies. Cast iron is a solid scrap contender. While heavy and not as lucrative as copper or brass, it adds up quickly when scrapped in bulk.

7. Precious Metals — Hidden Value in Small Bits

Though rare, don’t overlook electronics or broken jewellery. Platinum jewellery, gold-plated electronics, and silver pieces can contain small but valuable amounts of precious metals. You’ll find these in:

• Catalytic converters
• CPU chips
• Old jewellery boxes

Is Your Old Car a Scrap Goldmine?

One of the best things to scrap for cash in Melbourne? Your unwanted, unregistered, or dead car. At Old Cars Removed, we pay top cash for old cars Melbourne-wide — and we do the towing too.

You can get cash for scrap car Melbourne residents have left sitting for years. We also pay solid cash for car Melbourne vehicles in any condition — registered or not.

The amount depends on:

• Metal weight (steel/aluminium content)
• Presence of valuable metal components (catalytic converter, alloys, steel wheels)
• Age and make (some models fetch more)
• Distance for towing

We often pay more than your average metal provider or scrap yard because we reuse and recycle parts. And yes, you can still sell it even if the rego’s expired.

Example: We once paid $1,000 for a hail-damaged HiAce with a cracked engine but intact catalytic converter and alloy wheels. Not bad for a van that hadn’t moved since 2017.

Table: Average Scrap Metal Prices in Melbourne (June 2025)

(Prices are estimates only. Scrap metal prices change weekly based on market demand.)

Scrap Stuff Most Blokes Miss

Some items aren’t pure metal, but they’re worth scrapping for parts or material value.

Whitegoods (Fridges, Washing Machines)

Often free to dump but contain:

• Electric motors (copper)
• Steel frames
• Aluminium components

Great for entry-level scrappers looking to get into the scrap metal business.

Computers and Electronics (E-Waste)

Tech gear contains precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum in small amounts.

Worth scrapping:

• CPUs and RAM
• Circuit boards
• Power supplies

Some Melbourne e-waste recyclers pay per kilo or per unit. Worth asking!

Catalytic Converters

These contain rare metals like rhodium and platinum. Even old cats can fetch $200–700 depending on make and condition. Their role in metal recovery makes them highly sought after.

Not Worth the Trouble (Usually)

• Worth about 5 cents per can. You’ll need a mountain to make decent money.
• Painted or Contaminated Metals – If it’s covered in plastic, rusted through, or mixed with other materials, expect a lower price.
• Fibreglass or Wood – These don’t qualify as scrap. Some councils require special disposal.

Final Word

So, what’s the best thing to scrap for cash? Simple: anything with copper, old cars with parts intact, and anything metal-heavy that isn’t mixed with junk.

If you’ve got a bomb car taking up space or a pile of offcuts from the last job site, don’t let it sit. Give Old Cars Removed a ring. We handle the scrap, the towing, and even the paperwork. Fast cash, no dramas.

Not sure if your old car’s worth anything? Send us a photo — we’ll let you know straight up.

Need it gone fast? Reach out and we’ll lock in a same-day pickup where we can.

FAQ

Do I need an ID to scrap metal in Victoria?

Yep. It’s the law. Scrap metal dealers must sight your photo ID before any cash transaction.

How do I get the best price for scrap?

Separate metals, strip insulation, clean the parts, and compare local yards. Or call us — we’ll give you a fair quote up front.

Can I scrap a car without rego or a title?

You bet. We just need proof of ownership. Licence and a photo of the VIN is usually enough.

What’s better — yard drop-off or pickup?

Pickup saves you fuel and hassle. We offer free car removal and cash for used cars Melbourne-wide.

Are car parts worth selling separately?

Sometimes. If you’ve got working parts (like alternators or rims), list them online. But if it’s all cactus, sell the whole lot as scrap. You’ll still get cash for scrap cars through Old Cars Removed.