As Australia continues to move towards a more circular economy and sustainable practices, the scrap metal industry is one of the rapidly growing industries. For dealers, recyclers, and sellers, 2025 is expected to present a promising landscape. It is shaped by shifts in governmental policy, global demand, and technological innovation.
Here is a detailed market outlook that will guide you through the major trends and forecasts. Australian sellers need to be aware of, particularly those seeking commercial scrap specialists.
Whether you are an industrial recycler or a small-scale collector, information is a must. Understanding what is ahead in the scrap metal prices, along with the dynamics of metal recycling in Perth, will always be beneficial to remain competitive and profitable in the years to come.
The scrap metal industry in 2024
The Australian scrap metal industry in 2024 has experienced steady growth. Global inflation pressure, along with the resurgence in post-pandemic infrastructural projects, has increased the demand for metals like aluminium, copper, and steel. Even when the steel scrap prices in Perth remain volatile due to fluctuations in construction activities, non-ferrous metals have seen strong pricing trends.
Scrap metal in Perth prices have steadily increased as it is driven by demand from manufacturing hubs in Asia. In addition to this, Australian exports have benefited from trade partnerships with several countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and India, which have increased the availability of high-quality recycled materials. Many companies involved in scrap metal recycling in Perth also reported increased volume of commercial scrap from the automotive and mining sectors, which contributed to a more robust domestic supply chain.
Major trends shaping the scrap metal market in 2025
Green manufacturing and sustainability mandates
The climate goals of Australia are the driving force for industries to source more sustainable raw materials. Recycled metals have been at the forefront of green manufacturing, especially in certain sectors like construction, automotive, and electronics. Such a shift can be expected to intensify in 2025, as companies are looking for environmentally responsible suppliers, which makes the commercial scrap specialists the ideal partner.
Sellers who can demonstrate proper sorting, clean sourcing, and a certified recycling process will undoubtedly have a competitive advantage over others. In addition to this, government support and rebates for using recycled metals have further become a reason to increase demand.
Smart and automated scrapyards
As technological advancement has been a common name, it is also changing the way scrap metal processing and collection were done earlier. There are many operators with scrapyards in Perth now using intelligent systems for tracking volumes, automating the sorting process, and calculating prices with precision. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools can be helpful in reducing contamination, improving efficiency, and identifying high-value areas.
As automation has become the norm in 2025, scrap metal businesses will require investing heavily in technology or partnering with tech-enabled processes in order to stay competitive.
Increasing demand for non-ferrous metals
Aluminium and copper can be anticipated to be among the most sought-after metals in 2025. The reason is due to the higher use of winter winds, solar panels, data centres, and electric vehicle batteries. Sellers who can provide high-quality copper scrap will find consistent buyers, both internationally and locally.
As Scrap metal recycling in Perth is gaining global recognition, it requires quality processing. Therefore, choosing the right scrap metal recycler with proper processing and a scrapyard will have significantly greater demand in the market.
What to expect in 2025? Price forecast.
In 2025, there can be a promising return for scrap sellers.
- Copper is expected to rise by 6 to 9% as there is high infrastructural investment and continued expansion of green energy.
- Aluminium is more likely to experience a 3 to 5% increase due to steady demand from the aerospace and construction industries.
- Steel prices might stabilise with moderate growth based on the infrastructure development and domestic housing.
Scrap metal Perth prices are anticipated to remain competitive this year. Sellers are mostly advised to monitor the global commodity indices and coordinate with reputable scrap metal dealers in Perth to get the best deals.
Opportunities for Australian scrap sellers in 2025
The Australian scrap metal industry can be expected to have strong growth as 2025 offers a multitude of opportunities for sale. By aligning with industrial leaders like commercial scrap specialists and leveraging their facilities, sellers can position themselves strategically and gain a multitude of benefits in a rapidly evolving market.
Industrial waste streams
Industries like manufacturing, mining, and construction are more likely to generate a significant portion of metal waste in Australia. With many sectors expanding due to renewed infrastructure, investment, and resource exploration, there is a growing requirement for reliable scrap management services. Sellers who collect, sort, and supply industrial-grade bulk scrap metals can find Partnerships for waste metal handling. Collaborating with a commercial scrap metal specialist will provide sellers with access to expert guidance, bulk pricing agreements, and compliance support. Whether it is copper wiring or a demolition site, steel beams, the value rises due to increasing scrap metal prices.
Export channels
Countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India have boosted industrial output, which increases the demand for imported scrap metals. Australian scrap is particularly more valuable in the industrial market because of compliance and quality with environmental standards. Exporting will provide a powerful way to scale businesses and intensify income sources. Sellers will gain access to a scrapyard in Perth, situated near a shipping port, to streamline and support logistics requirements. High-grade steel, aluminium, and copper are particularly more demanding in manufacturing, electronics, and Green infrastructure projects.
Eco-certified partnerships
Sustainability has become a major requirement in the construction and manufacturing industries, and many buyers are now preferring or need eco-certified scrap metal. Sellers choosing the top commercial scrap specialist that meets ISO standards or Australian regulatory benchmarks will attract environmentally conscious buyers. Working with a certified recycler and investing in proper tracking and sorting can help to meet the green supply chain requirement.
Tips to maximise scrap value in 2025?
- Sorting efficiently is pivotal, as it separates ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
- You need to monitor daily scrap metal Perth prices and understand the right time for sales
- Protect your scrap from contamination or rest to preserve quality and get the best prices in return.
- Choose a trusted scrapyard in Perth and a team of experienced commercial scrap specialists.
- Documentation adds value, especially when it comes to bulk industrial scrap.
Why choose Runabout Metals?
No denying that the Australian scrap market is continuously experiencing dynamic growth in 2025. Sustainability-driven incentives, global demand, and evolving technology would help sellers to remain strategic and informed. Leveraging the expertise of commercial scrap specialists, working with scrapyards and aligning with market movements to maximise returns, while contributing to a greener future.
Runabout Metals can be a partner if you’re looking for a trusted name for metal recycling. We provide up-to-date scrap metal Perth prices with transparent dealings and give access to an eco-conscious and fully equipped scrapyard in Perth. With the team of commercial scrap specialists available to help you sort, weigh, and sell metals, we maximise efficiency. Our certified operations meet Australian environmental standards and comply with international export requirements. Feel free to contact us for bulk commercial or household clearance.


