Got a rusted-out Hilux in the paddock or a bombed-out sedan that hasn’t seen a green light since Gillard was PM? You’re not alone. “What is the highest paying scrap price?” is something we get asked almost daily, usually by someone standing next to a cactus car with a dead battery, flat tyres, and a family of spiders living under the bonnet.
Whether you’re hoarding old scrap metals out the back or finally letting go of a long-dead car, this guide will break down where the real value lies — and how to cash in without being taken for a ride. If you’re based in Victoria, especially around Melbourne, there’s no shortage of old car removal services ready to help.
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The Gold Hiding in Your Old Banger
One time, we got a call about an abandoned ute in Preston. Thought it was just another fire-damaged shell — until we spotted copper wiring coiled near the firewall and a still-intact cat converter. Turns out it’d been off the road for years, but still packed over $600 in scrap value once we cleaned it out.
We’ve seen plenty of old car removal jobs that looked worthless on the surface but held decent coin in the guts. That’s why it’s worth having someone experienced take a proper look.
Not All Scrap Metals Pay Equally
So, what determines the scrap value of a car or its parts? It comes down to:
- Type of metal – Ferrous metals like steel pay less than non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, or aluminium
- Current scrap metal prices – influenced by global demand, market conditions, and metal mining supply
- Purity and grade – Clean Copper or grade 1 scrap metal fetches more than dirty, mixed materials
- Quality of scrap metal – Damaged, rusted, or mixed with other materials can lower your payout
- Market demand – High demand for scrap catalytic converters or battery scrap means higher returns
We’ve handled scrap car removal in Melbourne long enough to know that even cars that look rooted can still be worth a tidy sum if the metal’s good.
What Scrap Metal Pays the Most?
If you want to make the most from your old vehicle or metal waste, here’s what’s worth the most right now at scrap metal dealers and recycling centres across Victoria.
| Scrap Metal Type | Current Price (AUD/kg) | Common Sources in Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $10.50 – $11.30 | Wiring harnesses, alternators, starter motors |
| Scrap Copper Tubing | $8.80 – $9.60 | Air con units, radiators |
| Insulated Copper Wire | $3.00 – $5.50 | Electrical looms, engine sensors |
| Brass (Alloy of Copper & Zinc) | $4.80 – $6.50 | Radiators, locks, fittings |
| Aluminium Scrap | $1.20 – $1.80 | Wheels, engine blocks, aluminium radiators |
| Lead (Battery Scrap) | $1.00 – $1.50 | Car batteries, wheel weights |
| Stainless Steel | $1.30 – $1.70 | Exhausts, clamps, steel rod supports |
| Steel Scrap | $0.10 – $0.25 | Car panels, frames, and bodywork |
| Catalytic Converters | $100 – $450 each | Found in exhaust systems – values vary wildly |
Prices vary daily based on scrap metal market conditions and your location. Melbourne figures are accurate as of June 2025.
Catalytic Converters Top the Payout Chart
These babies are small but mighty. Loaded with precious metals like platinum, rhodium and palladium, catalytic converters are the VIPs of cash for scrap metal deals.
We’ve done old car removals Melbourne wide where the only valuable part left was the cat — but that alone made the whole trip worthwhile.
Copper: Red Gold for Scrappers
Copper scrap is the darling of the recycling scrap metal game. Especially bare bright copper and clean copper wire.
You’ll find copper wires inside:
- Alternators
- Starter motors
- Heater fans
- Insulated copper wire under the dash
- Old aftermarket stereo systems
Strip it properly (or let us do it), and you could pocket more from the wiring than the car’s steel shell. It’s one reason why our unwanted car removal team always double-checks what’s inside before giving a final quote.
Car Parts Worth More Than You Think
Before your rust bucket heads off to the recycling facility, here are a few bits that could bump up your payout:
- Battery – Even if it’s dead, it’s still valuable as battery scrap
- Alloy wheels – Fetch more than steel scrap
- Air con systems – Often have copper or aluminium tubing
- Infotainment modules – Can contain rare earths and have resale value
- Aluminium roller shutters – Seen on tradie utes, they add weight and value
Even the dustiest pickup can turn into a surprise payout with the right crew handling your old car removals.
Why Metal Grades Matter
Think all scrap is the same? Think again. Metal grades affect price big time:
- Grade 1 scrap metal – Pure, clean, and separated = top dollar
- Mixed or dirty scrap – Lower value, especially with paint, rubber or oils
- Contaminated metals – May be rejected by buyers or attract lower prices
We’ve pulled apart vehicles during old car removals that had pristine copper tubing under the hood — hidden treasure, basically.
How Market Changes Impact Scrap Prices
Like fuel or avocados, scrap metal prices change weekly — sometimes daily.
Right now, scrap copper, car batteries, and catalytic converters are riding high due to tight supply and surging demand. If you’re sitting on a vehicle that’s no longer roadworthy, it might be time to call in an unwanted car removal team and cash in.
Don’t Forget Pick-Up Convenience
If your clunker’s not moving (or is halfway sunk in a mud patch in Werribee), let a crew with a tilt tray handle it. We’ll grab it, pay on the spot, and sort the waste metal pickup paperwork later. That’s the sort of service we offer every day with scrap car removal in Melbourne and surrounding areas.
Final Takeaway: Know What You’ve Got — and Who You’re Selling To
So, what is the highest paying scrap price? It’s usually bare bright copper per kilo, or catalytic converters per unit. But the real value? That comes from knowing what’s worth stripping, understanding market demand, and choosing the right buyer.
If you’re stuck with a busted ute, hail-damaged hatchback, or just a heap of regret on four wheels, give us a shout. Our Old Cars Removed in Melbourne crew will let you know what’s valuable, what’s cactus, and what’ll put cash in your hand fast.
FAQ
What’s the most valuable scrap metal per kilo in Australia?
Bare bright copper leads the pack at over $11/kg, followed by scrap copper tubing and clean brass alloys.
Are catalytic converters worth more than copper?
Per unit, yes — depending on make and condition, some converters can pay $300–$450 each.
What parts of a car should I remove for scrap value?
High-return parts include catalytic converters, car batteries, alloy wheels, copper wire looms, and AC compressors.
Do scrap prices change daily?
They can. Factors like global demand, fuel prices, and mining output shift metal prices regularly. Always check current scrap metal prices before selling.
Is it legal to sell scrap metal in Victoria?
Yes, but you need to provide ID, and payments must be digital — cash trades are banned for scrap under Victorian law.
