Did you know that Sydney throws away enough metal each year to rebuild the Harbour Bridge twice? Over 200,000 tonnes of scrap metal—from old appliances and car parts to construction waste and e-waste—ends up in landfills or sits forgotten in garages and worksites. But what if that “junk” could put cash in your pocket while helping Sydney become a cleaner, greener city?
At Sydney Metal Corp, we turn industrial scrap into strategic value. Whether you’re managing large-scale manufacturing waste in Alexandria, overseeing construction debris in Parramatta, or streamlining operations across Greater Sydney, metal recycling isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s smart business.
Scrap metal from Sydney’s industrial sectors is far from waste—it’s a valuable resource stream. Obsolete machinery, offcuts from fabrication, and surplus structural steel all contain recoverable materials like aluminium, copper, and stainless steel. Even e-waste from commercial operations holds precious metals that can be extracted and reused without degrading quality.
Yet, too many Sydney siders still treat metal waste as rubbish, paying council fees to dispose of what could actually earn them money. The truth? Recycling metal is one of the easiest ways to boost your budget while doing something positive for the environment.
Key Takeaways
- Sydney recycles 72% of its scrap metal, but 28% still ends up in landfills—don’t miss out!
- Clean, sorted metals fetch up to 300% higher prices at Sydney recycling centres.
- Our advanced processing recovers 98% of materials, exceeding NSW EPA standards.
- Instant payments & free pickups across Sydney.
- Support Sydney’s 2030 goal to become a zero-waste city.
Why Metal Recycling Matters for Sydney
Environmental Impact in NSW
Recycling metal slashes Sydney’s carbon footprint dramatically:
- Energy Savings:Recycling aluminium saves 95% energy vs. mining.
- Landfill Reduction:Every tonne recycled frees 4m³ of landfill space.
- Water Conservation:Steel recycling uses 40% less water than virgin production.
Source: NSW Environment Protection Authority, 2023
Economic Benefits for Sydney Residents & Businesses
- Trades:Construction sites save $1,500+/project via scrap returns.
- Corporate:Manufacturers cut material costs by 30% using recycled metals.
Types of Metal We Recycle in Sydney
1. Ferrous Metals (Magnetic)
- Common Items:Steel beams (Barangaroo developments), old tram tracks (CBD), machinery.
- Sydney Hotspots:Construction waste from Green Square, Alexandria industrial zones.
2. Non-Ferrous Metals (Higher Value)
| Metal | Sydney Sources | Current Price/kg |
| Copper | Plumbing (Heritage terrace renovations) | 8.50–8.50–10.20 |
| Aluminium | Window frames (Western Sydney homes) | 2.10–2.10–3.80 |
| Brass | Marine fittings (Boat owners, Circular Quay) | 5.90–5.90–7.40 |
3. E-Waste Goldmines
- Circuit Boards:iPhones discarded in CBD offices contain 0.034g gold each.
- Batteries:EV batteries from Sydney’s growing electric fleet (30,000+ vehicles).
Pro Tip: Remove rubber/plastic from copper wires—contaminated batches pay 40% less!
Our Metal Recycling Services
For Businesses
- Construction Sites: On-site skip bin services available for major developments across Barangaroo, Parramatta, and Sydney Olympic Park.
- Corporate Partnerships:Monthly audits to maximise returns from factory floor scrap.
Specialist Processing
- XRF Analyzers:Instant metal grading facility.
- Eco-Smelting:Zero-emission recovery of precious metals from e-waste.
Maximizing Your Scrap Value in Sydney’s Market
Smart Sorting
- Magnet Test:Separate ferrous (steel) from non-ferrous (copper/aluminium).
- Cleanliness Matters:Degrease engine parts; strip PVC from cables.
Timing Your Sale
- Seasonal Trends:Copper peaks in Q3 (pre-Christmas manufacturing rush).
Choose Your Payment
- Instant Cash:Walk into our locations (20 Links Rd, St Marys NSW 2760, 24 Whitaker St, Yennora NSW 2161) for same-day payments.
- Bulk Direct Deposits:For commercial clients with 500kg+ loads.
Recycling Infrastructure: How We Lead
Technology Edge
- AI Sorting Robots:99% accuracy in metal identification.
- Mobile Apps:Track your scrap’s journey from collection to refinery.
Compliance & Safety
- Licences:NSW EPA Approved
- Asbestos Handling:Certified removal for pre-1990s Sydney building materials.
Case Study: Inner West Council Partnership
We processed 82 tonnes of scrap from 2023 demolition projects:
- Recovered:53t steel, 12t copper, 8t aluminium.
Conclusion: Expert Metal Recycling Solutions in Sydney
When you choose to recycle with Sydney Metal Corp, you’re setting in motion a powerful cycle of environmental and economic benefits that extend far beyond your immediate cash payout. Every washing machine, copper pipe, or steel beam you bring to us undergoes a remarkable transformation – what was once considered waste becomes valuable raw material for new products, reducing Sydney’s reliance on environmentally destructive mining operations.
Our advanced recycling process recovers up to 98% of materials, meaning nearly every component of your scrap gets repurposed rather than languishing in landfill. This creates a circular economy where metals can be reused indefinitely without quality loss. For Sydney residents and businesses, this translates to tangible impacts: reduced council waste charges, lower production costs for local manufacturers using recycled materials, and cleaner neighborhoods free from metal waste.
By choosing us, you’re not just getting the best prices in NSW—you’re joining a movement:
- Earn instantly with same-day payments & free pickups
- Cut landfill costs and avoid council disposal fees
- Boost Sydney’s sustainability—every tonne recycled saves energy, water, and raw materials
Ready to make your scrap work for you?
Call (02) 9623 7380 or (02) 8730 8709
Visit metalrecyclings.com.au for a no-obligation quote
Together, let’s hit Sydney’s 2030 zero-waste target—one recycled metal at a time.
FAQ: Metal Recycling in Sydney
Q1: Do you accept old cars or car parts?
A: Yes! We take engines, batteries, catalytic converters, and even entire vehicles (conditions apply). Sydney’s 2M+ cars mean huge recycling potential.
Q2: What’s prohibited?
A: Gas bottles (contact council) and radioactive materials (medical waste).
Q3: Best suburbs for scrap hunting?
A: At Sydney Metal Corp, we’ve found that the most promising suburbs for scrap hunting are Parramatta, Alexandria, Silverwater, and Wetherill Park. These industrial and commercial hubs regularly generate high volumes of recyclable metal from construction, manufacturing, and warehouse activity. For the best finds, look out for renovation projects, business relocations, and industrial clean-ups.
Q4: Payment for mixed metals?
A: We pay based on lowest-grade metal—always sort first!
Q5: COVID-safe practices?
A: Contactless pickups; sanitised payment terminals.
Q6: What’s the most valuable scrap metal in Sydney?
A: Copper (up to $10.20/kg) from wiring and plumbing, followed by aluminium and brass. E-waste like circuit boards also contain trace gold/silver.
Q7: What items CAN’T be recycled?
A: Gas bottles, asbestos-containing materials, and hazardous waste (e.g., medical/radioactive items). Check with your local council for safe disposal.