METAL SCRAP IN AUSTRALIA — BUYING, SELLING AND RECYCLING GUIDE

Australia generates millions of tonnes of scrap metal every year from households, construction sites, manufacturing plants, and end-of-life vehicles. Rather than going to landfill, this scrap metal has real, realisable value — and a well-established recycling industry that converts it into raw material for domestic manufacturing and international export.

Manhari Recycling has been part of Australia's scrap metal recycling chain since 2007, operating from its base in Tottenham, Victoria as one of the state's largest scrap metal exporters. This guide explains how the Australian scrap metal market works, what your scrap is worth, and how to get the best value from your metal.

HOW DOES THE SCRAP METAL
MARKET WORK IN AUSTRALIA?

Australia's scrap metal market is closely tied to global commodity prices, particularly the LME (London Metal Exchange) for non-ferrous metals and regional Asian steel mill demand for ferrous scrap. Prices fluctuate weekly and sometimes daily based on steel production volumes in China and India, global supply of virgin ore, shipping costs, and the Australian dollar exchange rate.

The domestic scrap chain typically flows from generators (households, businesses, demolition sites) to collectors and dealers (like Manhari), then to processors who sort and grade the material, and finally to end users — either domestic steel mills, Australian secondary processors, or international export markets.

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Free Bins

We supply free bins for your recyclable metal scrap. Various sizes are available according to your needs.

Industry Cleanup

Cleaning up! don't worry we remove all industrial metal waste from your site and you get paid for it.

Free Local Pickup

We pick up your recyclable scrap metal for free, give us a call to get a quick quote.

Eco Friendly

We care about the mother nature and uphold the correct way of disposing of metal waste to ensure a greener future for all of us.

WHAT WE OFFER

MANHARI endeavours to offer excellent service and build long-term associations with all our clients, offering them the best scrap metal prices near all of Yards, Victoria.

Currently, we are one of the biggest exporters of steel & aluminium near Yards, Victoria and exporting most of the scrap metal products all around the world including the biggest manufacturing giants like India, China and other countries all around the world.

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TURN SCRAP INTO SAVINGS

Want to stop paying to dispose your scrap metal and earn from it instead? At MANHARI, we redefine scrap waste management with our free scrap metal pickups. Our mission is simple: to help your business save money while contributing to a more sustainable place for Victorians and the world.

FREE BINS FOR EFFICIENT SCRAP METAL MANAGEMENT

Managing metal waste shouldn’t be a hassle. That’s why we offer a streamlined bin service at no cost to you. Whether you need compact bins or larger capacity options, our bin sizes range from 4'x4', 6'x4', and 8'x4', designed to fit your specific requirements. At MANHARI, our team has you covered so there’s no need to worry about bin rental fees. Focus on what you do best while we handle your recycling of scrap metal.

SIMPLIFIED VEHICLE DISPOSAL

Got old car or truck bodies taking up space? MANHARI offers a no-cost solution for the removal of old cars and trucks. From a single vehicle to an entire fleet, we provide efficient, environmentally responsible removal services. Whether it's a single vehicle or a fleet, we will collect and responsibly recycle it, ensuring that your unwanted scrap ends up where it belongs.

COMPREHENSIVE FACTORY CLEANUPS

Running a business is hard enough without having to worry about the mess left behind by your scrap. At MANHARI, we specialise in complete factory clean-ups that free up your workspace while supporting your sustainability goals. Our complete team of metal recyclers will efficiently remove all scrap and waste from your site at no cost. Trust us to help create a safer, more organised environment.

PRODUCTS

WE TRADE INTERNATIONALLY

MANHARI is one of the largest exporters of scrap metal and a renowned name in Metal Recycling Industry of Victoria as well in International Export Market. MANHARI is currently exporting scrap to more than 26 countries across the globe including manufacturing giants like India & China.

Here are some of the products we export

  • BERRY
  • CANDY
  • DRUID
  • BIRCH
  • ELMO
  • HONEY
  • TREAD
  • TROMA
  • TAINT TABOR
  • TOUGH TABOR
  • UBC
  • HMS 1 & 2
  • LMS
  • CAR BUNDLES
  • STAINLESS

SCRAP METAL PRICES IN AUSTRALIA
— WHAT DETERMINES VALUE?

The value of scrap metal in Australia is determined by several key factors:

  • Metal type: Copper, aluminium and brass attract significantly higher prices per kilogram than steel
  • Grade and purity: Clean, sorted metal is always worth more than contaminated or mixed scrap
  • Weight: Larger volumes attract better per-kilogram rates from most dealers
  • Location: Transport costs affect net prices, particularly in regional and remote areas
  • Market conditions: Global steel and non-ferrous prices move weekly, affecting local dealer rates
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MOST COMMON TYPES OF SCRAP METAL IN AUSTRALIA

Ferrous Metals (Iron-Based)

Ferrous metals are magnetic and include all forms of steel and iron. In Australia, ferrous scrap is the highest volume category by weight. Common sources include old cars, demolished buildings, agricultural equipment, and manufacturing offcuts. Steel recycling saves approximately 74% of the energy required to produce new steel from iron ore.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are non-magnetic and typically more valuable per kilogram than steel. Key non-ferrous metals in Australia's scrap stream include copper (from electrical wiring, plumbing, and industrial equipment), aluminium (from packaging, construction, and transportation), brass (from plumbing fittings and industrial components), and lead (from batteries and roofing).

HOW TO SELL
SCRAP METAL IN AUSTRALIA

  • Identify and sort your metals — keep copper, aluminium, brass and steel separate
  • Remove non-metal attachments (plastic insulation, rubber, wood) where practical
  • Contact a licensed scrap metal dealer for a quote — provide metal type, approximate weight and location
  • Arrange for pickup or transport to the dealer's yard
  • Present valid photo ID — a legal requirement for scrap metal sellers in Victoria under the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2014
  • Receive payment — typically by bank transfer for commercial loads, or cash for small residential loads
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SCRAP METAL LAWS IN AUSTRALIA

Australia's scrap metal industry is regulated at the state level. In Victoria, the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2014 requires licensed scrap metal dealers to record the identity of sellers. Sellers are required to present valid photo ID. Certain categories of metal — such as copper wire stripped from live infrastructure or metals bearing utility markings — cannot be accepted. This legislation is designed to deter metal theft and ensure responsible sourcing.

MANHARI — AUSTRALIA'S TRUSTED
SCRAP METAL BUYER AND RECYCLER

If you are in Victoria and looking to sell scrap metal, Manhari Recycling offers competitive prices, free pickup, and a fully licensed, transparent service. We buy all grades of ferrous and non-ferrous metals from households, businesses, and industrial facilities. Our export connections in over 26 countries mean we consistently offer some of the best scrap metal prices available in Victoria. Call us on 1300 397 678 or visit our yard at 414 Somerville Road, Tottenham.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is scrap metal worth in Australia?
Scrap metal prices in Australia vary by metal type. Copper wire can be worth several dollars per kilogram, while steel typically ranges from cents to low dollars per kilogram. Prices fluctuate with global commodity markets. Contact a local scrap dealer such as Manhari Recycling on 1300 397 678 for current rates in your region.
What scrap metals are worth the most money in Australia?
The most valuable scrap metals in Australia by price per kilogram are copper (bare bright wire and copper pipe), brass, and high-grade aluminium. Stainless steel and lead are mid-tier. Mild steel and cast iron are the lowest value ferrous metals. Separating your metals by type ensures you receive the correct price for each.
Do I need ID to sell scrap metal in Australia?
Yes. In Victoria and most Australian states, licensed scrap metal dealers are legally required to verify and record the seller's identity. You must present valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's licence or passport when selling scrap metal, regardless of the amount. This is required under the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2014.
How does scrap metal recycling work in Australia?
In Australia, scrap metal recycling begins when collectors and dealers purchase scrap from households and businesses. Dealers sort and process the metal, then sell it to domestic steel mills or export it internationally. Ferrous scrap is melted and recast as new steel, while non-ferrous metals are refined and reused in manufacturing.
Can Manhari collect scrap metal from anywhere in Australia?
Manhari Recycling primarily services Victoria, with regular collection routes across metropolitan Melbourne and regional centres including Shepparton, Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Latrobe Valley. For locations outside Victoria, Manhari can arrange logistics for large commercial or industrial loads. Contact 1300 397 678 to discuss your location.
What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal?
Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic — this category includes all grades of steel, cast iron and tin plate. Non-ferrous metals contain no iron, are not magnetic, and are typically more valuable per kilogram. Non-ferrous scrap includes copper, aluminium, brass, lead, zinc, nickel and stainless steel.