When you’re selling copper, brass, aluminium, or other scrap metal in Sydney, chances are you’ll ask yourself, like thousands of other sellers do each year: “Can scrap metal dealers pay cash in NSW?”

The answer is no, and not because they don’t want to or because it’s their policy. It’s against the law.

Since 2016, scrap metal dealers have been banned from paying cash to sellers across NSW. If someone offers to pay you cash for scrap metal, walk away.

Here’s what you need to know about cash payments for scrap metal in NSW.

Can Scrap Metal Dealers Legally Pay Cash in NSW?

According to the Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016, scrap metal dealers cannot pay cash for scrap metal in NSW. This rule applies to every single licensed dealer operating anywhere in the state, including all across Sydney.

The law was introduced because metal theft had become rampant all over Australia. Copper cables were being stolen from factories and construction sites; catalytic converters were ripped off cars to order; air-conditioning units were being stolen from homes; and public fixtures were ripped from public areas to sell to dealers for cash.

By eliminating cash payments, the government effectively made it much harder for stolen metal to be sold on.

As a result, all scrap metal dealers are required to pay via traceable means.

How Do Scrap Metal Dealers Pay Sellers in NSW?

With traceable methods of payment.

All cash transactions have been eliminated, so all licensed dealers pay scrap metal sellers in ways that leave a paper trail. Common payment methods include:

• Electronic funds transfer, also known as EFT — transferred directly to your bank account
• Cheque — an old-fashioned but still traceable method of payment
• Any other verifiable electronic payment method

At Urban Copper Recycling, we pay all our sellers via bank transfer, which means you get fast payment with none of the legal risks associated with accepting cash from potentially dodgy sellers.

Sell Your Scrap Metal to Urban Copper Recycling Today

Give our team a call on 0412 500 063 for a cashless quote you can count on, and same-day payment where possible.

What Was the Purpose of Banning Cash for Scrap Metal in NSW?

The aim wasn’t to inconvenience honest sellers, although that may be how it feels if you’re used to selling scrap metal for cash.

Instead, it was designed to improve community safety by:

Combatting Metal Theft

By ensuring all transactions can be traced right back to the seller who sold the metal, stolen goods become much harder to sell on.

Creating Accountability

Now dealers have to keep paperwork tracing where all of their scrap metal comes from, and stolen goods become easier to trace.

If someone does manage to sell stolen metal, there will be a record of who they sold it to. This helps protect honest sellers and honest dealers by cracking down on those who choose to break the rules.

Protecting Honest Sellers

By regulating the industry properly, honest sellers are able to operate in a safer marketplace.

This also helps ensure all genuine sellers receive better and more consistent pricing for their scrap metal.

As a seller, all this legislation means is that when you go to sell your old copper piping, leftover aluminium sheeting or unused brass fittings, you’ll be required to show ID.

Otherwise, there isn’t much that these laws change about how and why you sell scrap metal in Sydney.

Do I Need to Bring ID to Sell Scrap Metal in NSW?

When you sell scrap metal in NSW, you’ll be asked to show valid photo ID. This has been a requirement for scrap metal sellers since the laws came into place.

Forms of identification usually include an Australian driver’s licence, passport, Proof of Age card, or any other Australian Government-issued photo ID.

Urban Copper Recycling Will Help You Sell Scrap Metal

We love helping everyday Sydney tradies and homeowners sell their scrap.

Whether you’ve finished a renovation or you’re cleaning out a toolbox, we buy copper, brass, aluminium and more all over Sydney.

Call us today on 0412 500 063 to get selling.

Can You Buy Scrap Metal for Cash in NSW?

Under current NSW laws, all scrap metal dealers must pay sellers via traceable methods. Cash payments have been banned.

Will You Visit Me to Buy Scrap Metal in Sydney?

If you have a large amount of scrap metal, 500 kg or more, we’re happy to come to you.

Our scrap metal pickup service is available all over Sydney.

Give us a call on 0412 500 063 to arrange your free, no-obligation pickup.

I Have Other Scrap Metal. What Do You Buy?

We buy lots of scrap metal in Sydney, including copper wire, aluminium sheeting, pipe, and unused brass fittings.

We work with tradies, renovators, landlords, and homeowners just like you.

Call today to see what we can buy from you.

Can I Sell Scrap Metal to Urban Copper Recycling Without ID?

While we always welcome you to visit us to discuss your needs, we can’t buy scrap metal from anyone who hasn’t provided valid photo ID.

This is a legal requirement for all scrap metal sellers in NSW.