Most people assume scrap metal is only for tradies and builders. It is not. Everyday Brisbane households are sitting on sellable metal without knowing it. Old appliances, broken tools, copper wiring, aluminium frames. Instead of paying for a skip bin or a council pickup, you bring it in and get paid.
Here is what you need to know.
Common Household Items You Can Sell for Scrap
You do not need a trailer full of industrial steel to make it worthwhile. United Scrap Metal Traders buys a wide range of items that most homes accumulate over time, including:
- Washing machines and dryers
- Fridges and freezers
- Stoves and ovens
- Hot water systems
- Air conditioning units
- Copper plumbing and household wiring
- Aluminium window frames and door frames
- Metal shelving and file cabinets
- Downpipes and guttering
- Lawn mowers and garden equipment with metal components
- Exercise equipment with steel or aluminium frames
- Pots, pans, and cast iron cookware
If it has metal in it, it is worth asking about.
How the Process Works at a Scrap Yard
Selling scrap metal is straightforward. Here is what to expect when you arrive at United Scrap Metal Traders in Murarrie:
Step 1. Weigh In
Staff record the weight of your load on arrival. This is the gross weight.
Step 2. Unload
You unload your material. Staff direct you to the correct area based on what you have brought in.
Step 3. Weigh Out
Your vehicle is weighed again once empty. The difference is the weight of your scrap.
Step 4. Get Paid
You receive payment based on the weight and type of metal. Bring a current photo ID, as Queensland regulations require it for most transactions.
What Affects the Price You Receive
Scrap metal prices move with global commodity markets. Copper and aluminium prices, for example, are influenced by international demand from manufacturing sectors in Asia and Europe. Prices fluctuate week to week.
The best way to get a current price is to call ahead and describe what you have. That way you know what to expect before you make the trip.
Tips to Get More for Your Scrap
- Sort your metals before arriving. Separate copper from steel, and aluminium from mixed metals.
- Remove non-metal components where possible. A washing machine with the plastic drum removed is cleaner to process and may attract a better rate.
- Call ahead for bulky items. Staff will let you know the best time to bring in large loads.
Bring Your Scrap to United Scrap Metal Traders in Brisbane
United Scrap Metal Traders has been buying scrap from Brisbane households and businesses since 1987. The yard is in Murarrie, central to Brisbane and close to the Gateway Bridge.
Trading Hours Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 4:30pm Saturday: 7:30am to 11:30am
Service Areas Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redland, Logan
Call 07 3890 2637 or bring your load in during trading hours.