Melbourne’s northern suburbs are a hive of industrial, commercial, and residential activity, and with that activity comes a steady, valuable stream of scrap metal. Far from being simple waste, this discarded metal is a critical resource, powering a robust local recycling industry that offers both economic returns and vital environmental benefits.
The scrap metal sector in this region is competitive, convenient, and focused on sustainability, providing essential services for tradespeople, manufacturers, and homeowners alike.
A Hub for Recycling: Services in the North
Recycling scrap metal is essential for environmental protection, reducing the need for new mining and processing, which are energy-intensive processes. Local scrap metal merchants in the northern suburbs—including areas like Campbellfield, Thomastown, Coburg, Epping, Lalor, and Reservoir—are key players in this green economy.
Key Services Offered by Northern Suburbs Recyclers:
- Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling: They accept a comprehensive range of materials.1
- Ferrous: Iron, steel, and scrap vehicles (cars, trucks).2
- Non-Ferrous (Higher Value): Copper, brass, aluminium (including wheels and cuttings), stainless steel, and lead.3
- Convenient Collection and Pick-up: Many companies offer free scrap metal pick-up services, often with minimum weight requirements (sometimes as low as 4$500 \text{kg}$ or 5$1 \text{ton}$ for industrial loads).6 This is especially beneficial for large-scale clean-ups or bulky items like old cars and industrial machinery.
- Drop-off Options: For smaller quantities, numerous yards allow for direct drop-offs, giving customers the flexibility to maximise their potential revenue.
- Commercial and Industrial Solutions: They often supply secure, lockable bins and cages (from $6\text{ m}^3$ to $40\text{ m}^3$) for ongoing site use, catering to builders, plumbers, electricians, and manufacturers for efficient waste management.
- Instant Payment: Competitive dealers provide fast payment options, including instant bank transfers (EFT), ensuring clients receive cash for their scrap quickly.7
The Economic Upside: Getting Paid for Your Metal
The scrap metal market is dynamic, with prices fluctuating daily based on global commodity markets like the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the strength of the Australian dollar. However, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, competition ensures that local residents and businesses can secure top-dollar rates for their materials.
Typical Scrap Metal Types and Estimated Values (Per Kilogram):
| Metal Type | Price Range (AUD per kg – Estimates) | Best Sources |
| Copper (Millberry/Clean) | High: $10.00 – $13.00 | Wiring, plumbing pipes, electrical fittings |
| Brass (Clean) | Medium-High: $6.00 – $8.00 | Taps, fittings, decorative items |
| Aluminium (Extruded/Wheels) | Low-Medium: $1.50 – $2.80 | Window frames, car parts, alloy wheels |
| Stainless Steel (316 Grade) | Low-Medium: $1.40 – $2.20 | Kitchenware, industrial equipment |
| Steel (Heavy/Cars) | Low: $0.17 – $0.36 | Structural steel, old appliances, car bodies |
Note: These prices are for informational purposes only and are subject to change. Always contact a scrap metal dealer directly for the most current quote.
Top Tip for Maximising Returns:
The value of your scrap is heavily dependent on its quality. Separating and cleaning your materials—for instance, removing insulation from copper wire (a process called “stripping”) or non-metal attachments from appliances—can significantly increase the price per kilogram offered by recyclers.
🌿 A Commitment to a Cleaner Future
The scrap metal industry in the Northern Suburbs plays a crucial role in Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability. By purchasing and processing end-of-life materials, these companies ensure that valuable resources are fed back into the manufacturing cycle, saving energy and dramatically reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill.
Whether you’re a major commercial enterprise decommissioning a factory or a local resident cleaning out a garage, the numerous, experienced, and environmentally conscious scrap metal dealers in Melbourne’s northern suburbs offer a reliable way to turn discarded metal into tangible cash while supporting the circular economy.