There are many reputable scrap metal buyers in Melbourne, each with their own specialities and services. Some of the leading companies include:
- Manhari Recycling: Known for its competitive pricing, especially for aluminum and copper. They offer streamlined services with a focus on business clients and offer free bin hire and collection.
- Scrappys Metal Recycling: A large, privately owned company with a reputation for honesty and accurate pricing. They cater to both industrial and residential clients, offering drop-off and collection services.
- Southern Cross Metal Recyclers: This company has been in the business since 1957 and is known for its quick and convenient service, including drop-off and pick-up options for a variety of scrap.
- Danny Scrap Metal: A family-owned business that specializes in collecting and recycling all types of scrap, from old cars to industrial machinery. They pride themselves on offering competitive prices and efficient service.
These buyers make it easy to sell your scrap by providing free quotes, drop-off locations, and often, free pick-up services for larger quantities.
Understanding Scrap Metal Pricing 💰
The price you get for your scrap metal depends on several factors, with the most important being the type of metal. Prices fluctuate daily based on global market demand and supply. Generally, metals are categorized into two main groups:
- Non-Ferrous Metals: These metals do not contain iron, are not magnetic, and are generally more valuable. Examples include copper, aluminum, brass, and lead. Copper, in particular, fetches the highest prices due to its high demand in various industries.
- Ferrous Metals: These metals contain iron, are magnetic, and are less valuable than non-ferrous metals because they are abundant. This group includes steel and cast iron. While they have a lower price per kilogram, the sheer volume often makes them profitable to sell.
Tips for Selling Scrap Metal
To get the best price for your scrap, follow these tips:
- Separate your metals: Sort your scrap into different types (e.g., copper, steel, aluminum) before you take it to the buyer. Clean, sorted, and uncontaminated metal will earn you a much better price.
- Remove non-metal parts: Take off any plastic, rubber, or other non-metal components from your scrap. For example, strip the plastic insulation from copper wires to sell the more valuable bare copper.
- Check prices: Call or check the websites of a few different buyers in Melbourne to compare current prices before you sell.
- Know the laws: In Victoria, it’s illegal for scrap metal buyers to pay in cash. Transactions must be made via cheque or electronic funds transfer, and you’ll need to provide a valid photo ID.