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Licensed · NSW · ACT · VictoriaMetal Recycling in Sydney & NSW
Efficient collection and recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal — steel, aluminium, copper, brass, and stainless steel — from construction sites, workshops, and manufacturers. Bin, cage, and bulk on-site collection, with competitive rates for volume scrap. No lock-in contracts.
Sorted, weighed, and recycled — turning scrap metal into a resource, not a cost
What Is Metal Recycling?
Metal recycling is the collection, sorting, and reprocessing of ferrous metals (steel and iron, which contain iron and are magnetic) and non-ferrous metals (aluminium, copper, brass, lead, and stainless steel) so they can be melted down and remanufactured into new products. Unlike many other materials, metal can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality — which is why scrap metal has genuine commercial value rather than just being a waste stream to dispose of. Recycling metal also uses significantly less energy and water than mining and processing virgin ore, making it one of the most environmentally beneficial recycling activities available to businesses.
Construction sites, manufacturers, automotive workshops, electricians, and demolition contractors all generate scrap metal as a matter of course. Zero Waste Services manages the full process — sorting guidance, bin or bulk collection, weighing, and payment or invoicing depending on volume and metal type — so your scrap becomes a resource rather than a cost.
⚠️ Copper & Cabling Theft — A Known Industry Risk
Copper and other valuable metals are a common target for theft from construction sites, switchboards, and demolition works. When engaging a scrap metal buyer or recycler, use a licensed, reputable operator — legitimate scrap metal dealers are required to verify seller identity for higher-value metals, which helps keep stolen material out of the recycling chain. Call 1300 0WASTE for a compliant, traceable metal recycling service.
Metal Types & Sources We Collect
We handle every common ferrous and non-ferrous metal, from a single trade job to bulk demolition volumes, across commercial, industrial, and institutional sites in NSW, ACT, and Victoria.
Steel & Iron
Structural steel, reinforcement bar, sheet steel offcuts, and cast iron from construction, manufacturing, and demolition sites.
Aluminium
Aluminium framing, sheeting, cans, and extrusion offcuts from construction, packaging, and manufacturing.
Copper & Copper Cabling
Copper wire, pipe, and cabling from electrical work, demolition, and equipment decommissioning — among the highest-value scrap metals.
Brass & Bronze
Fittings, fixtures, and machined components from plumbing, manufacturing, and industrial equipment.
Stainless Steel
Commercial kitchen equipment, fabrication offcuts, and industrial fixtures from hospitality and manufacturing sites.
Whitegoods & Appliances
Washing machines, fridges, and other appliances dismantled for metal recovery — refrigerants and hazardous components removed separately.
Vehicle & Machinery Parts
Auto parts, engine blocks, and decommissioned machinery from workshops, fleets, and industrial sites.
Demolition & Structural Metal
Bulk structural steel and mixed metal recovered during demolition, sorted on-site or post-collection for maximum recovery.
Three Ways We Collect Scrap Metal
The right method depends on volume, metal type, and how scrap is currently generated or stored on your site.
Scrap Bins & Cages
Dedicated bins or cages for workshops, fabricators, and sites generating regular volumes of mixed or sorted scrap.
One-Off Pickup
Single collection for whitegoods, machinery, vehicle parts, or a one-time clean-out of accumulated scrap.
Bulk On-Site Collection
Direct site collection for demolition contractors and large manufacturers generating high-volume structural or mixed metal.
Metal Recycling in 5 Steps
From your first contact to your final payment or collection record — Zero Waste Services manages every step of the process.
Contact & Describe Your Scrap
Call 1300 0WASTE or complete our online quote form. Tell us the metal type, approximate volume, and site access.
Assessment & Itemised Quote
We assess volume and metal mix and recommend the right collection method. A transparent, itemised quote — or rate for high-value scrap — follows within 24 hours.
Collection & Weighing
Our vehicle collects from your site on the agreed date. Metal is weighed and sorted by type to determine final value or cost.
Processing & Recycling
Scrap is transported to a licensed metal recycling facility, where it's shredded, sorted, and melted down for remanufacture.
Payment or Collection Record Issued
Depending on volume and metal type, you receive payment for scrap value or a collection record confirming compliant disposal.
Local Metal Recycling Experts You Can Trust
With 70 years of combined industry expertise, our team knows how to sort, value, and move scrap metal efficiently — from a single trade job to a full demolition site.
Licensed Waste Contractor
Fully licensed for scrap metal collection and transport, with every load tracked to a licensed recycling destination.
Competitive Scrap Rates
Fair, transparent pricing on ferrous and non-ferrous metal, with rates reflecting current market value for higher-worth scrap.
70 Years Combined Expertise
Our specialists have managed metal recycling across every relevant NSW industry sector — from workshops to major demolitions.
Collection Documentation
Collection and weighing records provided after every service — supporting your site records and compliance.
Genuine Resource Recovery
Metal is 100% recyclable, so recovered scrap goes straight back into manufacturing — not landfill.
Flexible Scheduling
One-off pickups, regular scheduled bin service, or on-call bulk collection — we adapt to your generation rate.
All Business Sizes
From a single ute-load of scrap to bulk structural steel from a demolition site — services scale to your volume.
No Lock-In Contracts
Straightforward, transparent agreements — we earn your ongoing business on service quality, not contract length.
How to Prepare Scrap Metal for Recycling
A little preparation goes a long way toward faster collection and better value for your scrap.
- Separate different metal types where practical — mixed loads are harder to value accurately
- Remove non-metallic attachments like plastic, rubber, wood, or insulation where possible
- Keep copper cabling and other high-value scrap secured until collection
- Drain fluids from vehicle parts, machinery, and appliances before collection
- Bundle or palletise smaller pieces to make handling and weighing easier
- Use a licensed, reputable metal recycler for anything beyond small household quantities
- Keep collection records for larger commercial or demolition volumes
- Sell or accept scrap metal without verifying it's legitimately sourced
- Dump scrap metal illegally on vacant land, in bushland, or on the roadside
- Mix hazardous items (batteries, gas cylinders, chemical drums) in with general scrap
- Use unlicensed "cash job" scrap collectors for larger commercial volumes
- Leave sharp or unstable scrap piles unsecured where they pose a safety risk
- Assume appliances are safe to scrap without removing refrigerants or hazardous components first
Why Metal Recycling Makes Environmental & Business Sense
Recycling metal isn't just good practice — it's one of the few waste streams where doing the right thing can also put money back in your pocket.
Metal Recycling — Sydney Metro Rates
Scrap metal prices fluctuate with market conditions. Rates below are indicative for Sydney Metro — contact us for a confirmed, current-rate quote.
Steel & Iron (Ferrous)
$0.10–$0.40 per kgStructural steel, reinforcement, and mixed ferrous scrap from construction and demolition.
Aluminium
$0.80–$1.60 per kgClean aluminium framing, sheeting, and extrusion offcuts.
Copper
$8–$10 per kgClean copper wire, pipe, and cabling — among the highest-value scrap metals.
Brass, Bronze & Stainless
$1.50–$4.00 per kgFittings, fixtures, and fabrication offcuts — pricing depends on grade and purity.
| Metal Type | Category | Indicative Rate | Collection | Recycling Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Steel | Ferrous | $0.10–$0.40/kg | On-site bulk / bin | Shredding & remelting |
| Aluminium | Non-ferrous | $0.80–$1.60/kg | Bin / bulk | Remelting |
| Copper Wire / Pipe | High-value | $8–$10/kg | Secured collection | Refining & remelting |
| Brass / Bronze | Non-ferrous | $1.50–$3.00/kg | Bin / bulk | Remelting |
| Stainless Steel | Non-ferrous | $1.50–$4.00/kg | Bin / bulk | Remelting |
| Whitegoods / Appliances | Mixed | POA | One-off pickup | Dismantling & metal recovery |
POA = Price on Application. Scrap metal rates fluctuate daily with commodity markets and are indicative only. Final rates depend on volume, purity, and current market conditions. Contact us for a confirmed, current quote.
Metal Recycling Across Every NSW Industry
Zero Waste Services provides metal recycling for commercial, industrial, and trade clients across NSW, ACT, and Victoria.
Metal Recycling Service Areas
Zero Waste Services collects scrap metal across Greater Sydney, regional NSW, Canberra, and Melbourne — with offices in Bankstown, Canberra, and Melbourne CBD.
Explore More Waste & Recycling Services
Metal recycling often sits alongside other site and workshop waste streams. Explore our other specialist collection and recycling services.
Related Reading on Metal Recycling
Guides from the Zero Waste Services blog covering metal types, scrap values, and recycling processes across our service regions.
Metal Recycling
Our core guide to how metal recycling works, current scrap prices, and how it benefits businesses and the environment.
Read the guide → Blog GuideMetal Recycling Services in Sydney
An overview of how professional metal recycling services handle steel, aluminium, copper, and more.
Read the guide → Apr. 22, 2026Steel Recycling Sydney
How to prepare scrap steel for recycling and where to find reliable steel recycling services in Sydney.
Read the guide → Blog GuideCopper Recycling in Sydney
Why copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals, and how to recycle it responsibly and profitably.
Read the guide → Nov. 13, 2025Copper Recycling Melbourne
Current copper scrap rates, licensed recyclers, and how to avoid dealing in stolen copper.
Read the guide → May. 21, 2025Is Metal Recycling Profitable?
A look at the economics of metal recycling — costs, revenue streams, and why it's worthwhile for businesses.
Read the guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What metal types does Zero Waste Services collect?
We collect steel and iron, aluminium, copper, brass and bronze, stainless steel, and mixed metal from whitegoods, vehicles, and machinery. Call 1300 0WASTE for metal types or volumes not listed.
Do you pay for scrap metal?
Depending on volume and metal type, higher-value scrap like copper, brass, and aluminium may attract payment, while general mixed scrap or small volumes may be collected at a standard service rate. We'll confirm which applies during your free quote assessment.
What's the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal?
Ferrous metals (steel, iron) contain iron and are magnetic — they're generally lower value but recycled in high volume. Non-ferrous metals (aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel) don't contain iron, aren't magnetic, and typically carry higher scrap value.
How should I prepare scrap metal before collection?
Separate different metal types where practical, remove non-metallic attachments like plastic or rubber, drain fluids from vehicle parts and appliances, and bundle smaller pieces together. This speeds up collection and can improve the value of your scrap.
How much is scrap metal worth in Sydney?
Prices fluctuate with commodity markets. As a rough guide: steel and iron $0.10–$0.40/kg, aluminium $0.80–$1.60/kg, copper $8–$10/kg, and brass, bronze, or stainless steel $1.50–$4.00/kg. Contact Zero Waste Services for a confirmed, current-rate quote.
Can you collect scrap metal from a demolition site?
Yes. We provide bulk on-site collection for demolition contractors and large manufacturers, sorting structural steel and mixed metal for maximum recovery value.
Do you collect whitegoods and appliances for metal recovery?
Yes. Washing machines, fridges, and other appliances are collected and dismantled for metal recovery, with refrigerants and other hazardous components removed and handled separately and compliantly.
What areas does Zero Waste Services cover for metal recycling?
Zero Waste Services provides metal recycling across NSW (including all Greater Sydney LGAs, Western Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Illawarra, Blue Mountains, and regional NSW), ACT (Canberra), and Victoria (Melbourne). Our offices are at Bankstown NSW, Canberra ACT, and Melbourne VIC. Hotline: 1300 0WASTE (1300 092 783).
Request Your Free Metal Recycling Quote Today
Licensed. Competitive rates. Fully documented. Bin, cage, or bulk on-site collection. No lock-in. Response within 24 hours — across NSW, ACT, and Victoria.