Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal: Which Is Worth More?
Ever cleared out a garage or backyard shed, pulled up an old kitchen, or ripped out the appliances from an old house? Stripped out an old car?
No matter how big or small your DIY project was, chances are you ended up with a heap of metal, wondering what the heck it’s worth.
Here’s something most Sydneysiders don’t know — not all scrap metal is created equal. Some barely pay cents on the kilo, while others you’ll actually take notice of on your bank statement.
We Buy Scrap Metal Every Day at Urban Copper Recycling
We recycle both ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal throughout Sydney every day.
But the question we get asked most is which pays more?
In this article, we’ll explain exactly why, so you know what you’re sitting on before you bring it down.
The Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
What’s the actual difference between the two anyway?
Ferrous metals contain iron. Things like steel, cast iron, wrought iron, and most other metals are used in construction. These metals are magnetic. They will rust. They account for most of the volume when it comes to scrap metal across Australia.
They don’t rust the same way ferrous metals do. They’re not magnetic. They’re significantly worth more per kilo.
Quick Tip: Tell the Difference With a Magnet
An easy way to distinguish between the two RIGHT NOW is to use a magnet.
If your metal fragments or objects stick to the magnet, they’re FERROUS.
If they don’t, congratulations! You’re already sitting on more valuable scrap than you realised.
Examples of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal
Here are some common examples of the types of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal we find around people’s homes, businesses, and sites.
Ferrous:
- Old fridges, washing machines & dryers (steel boxes)
- Structural steel from renovations
- Car bodies and vehicle chassis
- Garden tools, gates, and furniture (wrought iron)
- Cast iron bathtubs, pipes, and other fittings
Non-Ferrous:
- Copper wiring, pipes & hot water cylinders
- Aluminium cans, window frames, and car door panels
- Brass taps, fittings, and door handles
- Lead-acid batteries and other lead building products
- Stainless steel sinks, benches, and wiring
Got some old copper piping replaced recently? Don’t throw that away, folks. That’s straight-up cash.
Which Pays More: Ferrous or Non-Ferrous?Non-ferrous metals far outvalue ferrous metals.
Here’s why:Non-ferrous metals are less common and more difficult to mine and process from raw ore.
They can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing their chemical properties. Copper, for example, can be recycled indefinitely and never loses its conductivity. This makes non-ferrous scrap incredibly valuable to manufacturers who need reliable materials for construction projects – particularly in the booming Australian construction, electrical, and automotive sectors.
You’ll still make money from ferrous metals. Hell, steel is the most recycled material on earth by volume. There’s money in metric tonnes of scrap metal — we deal with it every day.
Non-ferrous metals just plain outrival ferrous metals on a per-kilo basis.
Ballpark Scrap Metal Prices in Sydney
Here’s a ballpark idea of what scrap metal currently pays in the Sydney area. (These prices vary with the global commodity market, so always check the rate yourself!)
- — Tops of the list at anywhere from $8–$12+ per kilo, depending on grade
- — Around $5–$8 per kilo
- — Approximately $1–$3 per kilo
- — About $1–$2 per kilo
- Steel and iron (ferrous) — Cents per kilo, weighed out by the tonne
Got all that?
A bundle of clean copper wire could easily beat you in depositing a whole truckload of steel scraps.
Why Non-Ferrous Metals Are Worth More
They may be relatively rare compared to iron and steel, but there are a few other reasons non-ferrous metals consistently command such strong prices throughout the Sydney scrap metal industry.
Global demand
Mining companies can only mine so much copper and aluminium ore before it runs out or becomes too difficult or expensive to access. Many manufacturers rely on recycled non-ferrous scrap metals as an affordable alternative to raw materials.
Energy efficiency
Non-ferrous metals are extremely energy-efficient to recycle.
Did you know it takes approximately 95% less energy to recycle aluminium than to extract it fresh from bauxite ore?
Recyclers are often prepared to pay more for scrap they can process quickly and efficiently.
Purity matters
Non-ferrous scrap metals are graded according to condition and purity. The cleaner and less-contaminated a load is, the more you’ll get paid per kilo.
Is Ferrous Scrap Worth Recycling?
Ferrous metals make up the majority of Australia’s scrap industry for good reason. They still pay money.
If you’re undertaking a large demolition job or clearing a major worksite of scrap steel and iron, don’t worry about sorting it. It all adds up, and if you chuck it in the skip, it’s gone, plus you still have to pay for dumping fees.
The trick is to sort your metals before arriving at our yard.
Mixed loads take longer to sort on arrival, and as the saying goes, “a mixed price never sits right.”
Get the Most Money for Your Sydney Scrap Metal
Been saving up a load of scrap metal and want to know how to get the best price when you sell?
Here at Urban Copper Recycling, we’ve been in the game for 15+ years and have collected some useful tips along the way.
We don’t charge ‘finders fees’ and don’t mark up our prices, so this advice is coming from a genuine place that wants to help you get the best out of your Sydney scrap metal.
5 Tips to Maximise Your Return on Scrap
1. SORT YOUR METAL BEFOREHAND
Yep, we said it before, but it’s true.
Separate your copper from your brass, your aluminium from your steel. Spend 10 minutes sorting your metals before arriving, and you’ll notice a serious jump in your payout.
The same goes for stripping as much waste as you can from your scrap copper and aluminium.
- Copper wire without insulation stripped back? More money.
- Brass taps with the steel bolts separated? More money.
Keep it clean; rust, dirt, and contamination don’t fetch as high a price. Take 5 minutes and give it a good clean before selling.
Know what grade your copper is.
Bare bright? Number 1 copper?
Different grades pay different prices. If you’re unsure, ask a good scrap metal yard will gladly educate you.
Buy in bulk — Got a big clean-up job planned? Hold onto your scraps and bring them down ALL at once. We all love a good payday, but larger volumes = better prices per kilo.
Go to a yard you trust.There are a lot of scrap metal operators across Sydney, and whilst most are good guys, some are not so honest. Avoid businesses that won’t show you the weighbridge before you sell. Ask questions if something doesn’t feel right.
Scrap Metal Rules in NSW
Scrap metal sales in NSW are governed by State legislation under the Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016.
Basically, this means you’ll need to provide photo ID when selling your scrap metal (and we’ll ask which details will be used for your electronic transfer payment), and you won’t receive cash from your local scrap metal recycling yard.
This is for your protection as much as it is for theirs.
Metal theft continues to be a problem across New South Wales, and these processes help deter criminals trying to turn a quick buck.
Urban Copper Recycling has had this licence for years — as long as we’ve been in business.
If you ever have any concerns about the legality of your local scrap metal yard, ask to see their licence details.
It’s that easy.
Final Thoughts: Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals
The short answer is non-ferrous if you’re after the biggest payout.
Copper, brass, and aluminium consistently pay much higher per-kilo prices than ferrous metals.
But this doesn’t mean ferrous metals aren’t worth recycling.
Stack enough scrap metal high, and it all adds up to serious money.
Our advice?
Don’t throw any metal away.
Sort it. Keep it dry. Store it until you’ve got enough to bring it down to your local scrap yard.
Either way, Urban Copper Recycling buys both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Bring it down, we’ll sort it, weigh it, and pay you on the spot.
Got questions?
Give us a call. We’re always happy to take a look at your scraps for free and give you an honest answer.