Selling scrap metal as an individual in Melbourne is a great way to earn some extra cash while helping the environment. Here’s a quick guide on how it works for the general public, based on current regulations and common practices.
Finding and Sorting Your Scrap Metal
The first step is to identify and collect any metal items you have that are no longer in use. You can find scrap metal in many places, including old appliances, broken electronics, car parts, and even old plumbing or wiring from home renovations.
Once you have your materials, it’s essential to sort them. Scrap yards pay different prices for different types of metal, and separating them can significantly increase your earnings. A good way to start is by using a magnet to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals:
- Ferrous Metals: These contain iron and are magnetic. They include steel and cast iron, which are common in things like old car bodies, steel beams, and white goods like washing machines and refrigerators. These metals generally have a lower value per kilogram.
- Non-Ferrous Metals: These do not contain iron and are not magnetic. This category includes more valuable metals like copper, aluminum, brass, and lead. You can find them in electrical wiring (copper), drink cans (aluminum), and plumbing fixtures (brass).
Selling Your Scrap
After sorting, you’ll need to take your scrap to a licensed recycling facility or scrap yard in Melbourne. Keep in mind that due to Victorian laws designed to combat metal theft, all transactions for scrap metal must be cashless. You will be paid via electronic funds transfer (EFT) or a non-transferable cheque. You will also be required to provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
Some recycling companies may offer a pickup service for large quantities of scrap, which can be a great option if you have a lot of heavy items like an old car or a large appliance. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to different scrap yards to get an idea of their current prices for the types of metal you have. Prices can fluctuate daily based on global market conditions.
The process is straightforward: you arrive with your sorted scrap, the yard weighs your material, and you receive your payment via a traceable method. This simple process allows anyone to participate in Melbourne’s circular economy, turning unwanted items into a valuable resource and helping the planet.