10 Common Items You Can Scrap for Cash
Got junk lying around? You might be sitting on a goldmine—literally. Scrapping unwanted items is a great way to earn quick cash while decluttering your home, garage, or workshop. From metals to old car parts, many common materials can be sold to local scrap yards or recycling centers for a decent payout.
10 items you can scrap for cash
Here are 10 items you can scrap for cash, starting with the heavy hitters like copper and aluminum, all the way to often-overlooked sources of value like old batteries.
1. Copper Scrap
Copper scrap is one of the most valuable metals to scrap. It’s commonly found in old electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, motors, and appliances. Bright, clean copper (often called “bare bright”) fetches the highest price, followed by #1 and #2 copper grades.
Pro Tip: Strip the insulation off copper wires to get a better price.
2. Aluminum Scrap
Lightweight and everywhere, aluminum scrap is another high-demand metal. You’ll find it in cans, window frames, car parts, and even kitchenware. Although it’s not worth as much as copper, its abundance makes it a top contender for bulk scrapping.
3. Stainless Steel
Often used in appliances, kitchen sinks, and auto parts, stainless steel scrap contains valuable alloys like nickel and chromium. It’s heavier and more durable than regular steel, and most scrap yards will pay more for it.
4. Batteries
Old car batteries and large industrial batteries contain lead and other materials that can be recycled for cash. Most auto parts stores and recycling centers will pay for used batteries—just make sure they’re not leaking!
Safety Note: Handle used batteries with care and store them upright to prevent acid spills.
5. Catalytic Converters
These exhaust system components contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Because of this, catalytic converters can be very valuable—even if they’re no longer functioning.
Note: Only sell converters from vehicles you own legally. Selling stolen or questionable parts is a serious offense.
6. Brass Items
Brass scrap is commonly found in plumbing fixtures, keys, door handles, and musical instruments. It’s heavier and more valuable than aluminum and can bring in a decent amount of money depending on its condition.
7. Appliances
Old washing machines, dryers, microwaves, and fridges often contain multiple scrap-worthy metals like copper, steel, and aluminum. Some scrap yards pay by weight, while others may offer more if you disassemble the appliance first.
8. Computer and Electronic Components
E-waste is a rising source of scrap value. Items like CPUs, circuit boards, and RAM contain small amounts of gold, silver, and other precious metals. While not high in weight, these can fetch good money per pound if collected in bulk.
9. Lead
Found in items like wheel weights, bullets, and old pipes, lead is dense and valuable. It’s toxic, so make sure you’re handling and storing it safely. Some scrap yards specialise in lead recycling and will offer competitive prices.
10. Junk Cars
A non-running vehicle may be more valuable in pieces. Car bodies, engines, transmissions, wheels, and catalytic converters can all be scrapped individually for a greater return than selling the car whole.
Bonus Tip: Remove fluids and separate materials before taking parts to the yard—some yards may pay more for pre-sorted scrap.
Final Thoughts
Scrapping is an eco-friendly way to turn clutter into cash. Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out the garage or a contractor clearing a job site, these ten items can help you make money from materials you might otherwise toss.
Before heading to the scrap yard:
- Call ahead to check prices
- Sort and clean your metals
- Bring valid ID (required in many states
Searching for top scrap metal dealers in Sydney? Scrap Metal Experts are your trusted partner for all your scrap needs in Sydney,