If you’ve got some old stainless lying around, thinking about selling it, you may be wondering how much it is worth. Scrap stainless steel in Australia varies quite a lot, depending on things like what type of stainless you have and where you sell it.
Herein, we will discuss what impacts the price and how to get the best deal.
How Much is Scrap Stainless Steel Worth?
You can expect to get a price for scrap stainless steel in Australia of between $1.00 to $2.00 per kilogram. Put simply, this means that if you have 10 kilograms of stainless steel, you could achieve anywhere from $10 to $20.
Exactly how much you might be able to get, however, will depend on several different factors—like what type of stainless it is and where you sell it. Here’s the breakdown of the prices you can get for various kinds of stainless steel scrap:
- General Stainless Steel Scrap
For most types of stainless steel, you’d want to get somewhere between $1.00 and $2.00 per kg. - 304 Stainless Steel
General-grade stainless steel users will find applied in most kitchen equipment, pipes, and auto parts. Values a little more, at $1.20 to $2.00 per kg. - High-end Grades
Some high-grade steels, such as 316 stainless steel, command a price – well up into the $3.00 per kg range. This type is used specifically in very corrosive environments, for example in a marine or chemical application.
Prices by Location
The price of stainless steel scrap can vary depending on where you are within Australia. Here are some examples of what you might expect in different cities:
Sydney
In Sydney, scrap stainless steel prices usually range between $1.00 to $1.50 per kg. That comes to about $1,000 to $1,500 per tonne.
Because many industries make use of stainless steel in Sydney, the prices become pretty competitive.
Adelaide
You can get up to $1.30 per kg for your scrap stainless steel in Adelaide. The market here is stable, with the demand constant.
Western Australia (WA)
In case you are in WA—particularly in Mandurah, prices would be within $0.98-$1.08 per kg. In Perth, local scrap dealers like King Scrap Metals and Collins Recycling say that prices may vary every day because of changes in the industry.
For reliable services, contact Dream Lucky Scrap Metal for scrap metal recyclers Perth.
What Impacts Stainless Steel Scrap Price?
The price you get for your stainless steel scrap is never constant and will fluctuate based on various factors. Here are the major ones:
1. Grade of Stainless Steel
The largest variable that might impact the cost would be the type of stainless steel in your possession. In this case, higher-grade stainless steels, such as 316, stand a better chance of attracting better prices since they are more resistant to rust and corrosion.
Lower grades or mixed materials may fetch a lower price.
2. Scrap Condition
Clean, uncontaminated stainless steel is more valuable. If your scrap is alloyed with materials like plastic or paint, or it is rusty or dirty, that would reduce the cost.
Often, cleaning your scrap can pay off on your time.
3. Market Conditions
The prices of stainless steel scrap vary depending on the market conditions. That means the price goes up if there is a high demand for stainless steel.
On the contrary, it goes down when there is an abundance of scrap or low demand.
4. Location
The location where you sell your scrap can also make a difference, as prices may vary from one city to another based on local demand. To get a better idea, check the current scrap metal prices chart in Perth, as different scrap yards compete for business.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
Want to get the most for your scrap stainless steel? Here are a few tips:
1. Know Your Stainless Steel
Knowing your stainless steel can help in getting a better price out of it. This might mean that 304 stainless steel is more valued than general scrap stainless, and 316 stainless steel could be even more so.
2. Price comparison
Never take the first price quoted to you. Different scrap yards can quote different prices.
Calling around is therefore worth your time for sure. Other yards may pay better prices if you have larger scrap quantities.
3. Keep Your Scrap Clean
Cleaning scraps of contaminants such as dirt, plastic, or other metals may yield you a better price. Scrap dealers are more attracted to clean, pure stainless steel and may pay more for it.
4. Stay Informed
Keep a close and watchful eye on the market conditions. If the prices of scrap are low, maybe it is worth holding onto it for a little while till the market improves.
And if the prices are high—right then and there is a good time to sell.
5. Check Local Scrap Yards
Looking around local scrap yards in your location, perhaps in Perth, Sydney, or Adelaide, they can provide the best prices on the current market and extra services like pickups in case of bulk scrap. Selling scrap stainless steel can be a good way to pocket extra cash.
But there’s more to understanding the price. The value of stainless steel scrap in Australia varies by the type of stainless steel, the condition of the scrap, and where it is sold.
Understanding your materials, finding the best prices, and keeping your scrap clean are key to getting the most value for your stainless steel. If you’re ready to sell, contact us for scrap metal removal in Perth and get the most up-to-date pricing from a local scrap yard.
Whether you are in Sydney, Adelaide, or WA, getting multiple quotes will let you search for the best deal and make top dollar for your scrap stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Omer Bekhit
The dedicated owner and operator of Dream Lucky Scrap Metal. He has been at the forefront of ethical scrap metal recycling, exporting, and dealing. With a hands-on approach to the business, Omer ensures that every transaction is conducted with transparency and sustainability in mind.