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 scrap into opportunity. Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out a garage in Bondi, a tradie handling demolition in Parramatta, or a business managing industrial waste in Alexandria, recycling metal isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s a smart financial decision.
Sydney’s scrap metal is far from worthless—it’s a resource goldmine waiting to be tapped. That old fridge in your garage? It contains valuable aluminium and copper. Those leftover steel beams from a construction site? They can be melted down and reused indefinitely without losing quality. Even discarded electronics, from smartphones to laptops, contain precious metals worth recovering.
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 Greater 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 aluminum 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 |
| Aluminum | 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 Homes
- Kerbside Pickups: Book our ute for fridge/washing machine collections across 30+ suburbs.
- DIY Kits: Free sorting bags with colour codes for easy separation (red=copper, blue=aluminium).
For Businesses
- Construction Sites: Drop-off skips at Barangaroo, Parramatta, & Olympic Park projects.
- Corporate Partnerships: Monthly audits to maximise returns from factory floor scrap.
Specialist Processing
- XRF Analyzers: Instant metal grading at our Mascot 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).
- Global Links: Monitor LME prices via our free SMS alerts.
Choose Your Payment
- Instant Cash: Walk into our Seven Hills yard 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 at our Chullora plant.
- 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.
- Council Earnings: $68,000 reinvested into community parks.
Conclusion – Expert Metal Recycling Solutions in Sydney
When you choose to metal 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:
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: Redfern (renovations), Bankstown (manufacturing), Mosman (luxury home upgrades).
Q4: Payment for mixed metals?
A: We pay based on lowest-grade metal—always sort first!
Q5: Data security for e-waste?
A: Certified data destruction for Sydney corporate clients.
Q6: COVID-safe practices?
A: Contactless pickups; sanitised payment terminals.
Q7: Charity partnerships?
A: Donate your scrap earnings to Sydney Food Bank via our portal.
Q8: 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.
Q9: 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.