Perth households are sitting on air conditioning goldmines collecting dust in their backyards. That forgotten split-system isn’t just clutter – it’s a copper treasure chest worth $11-14 per kilogram, with aluminium components fetching $1.70-2.00 per kilogram and brass fittings commanding $3.50-7 per kilogram.
How much money are Perth homeowners throwing away? Hundreds of dollars per unit when they dump these copper-rich appliances instead of recycling them.
Metal recycling transforms Perth’s environmental footprint while delivering serious cash returns to smart homeowners. Every kilogram of recycled copper prevents energy-intensive mining operations and reduces manufacturing energy consumption by up to 95%, making household cleanouts powerful environmental statements.
Beyond copper-rich air conditioners, Perth homes harbour valuable scrap in aluminium window frames, brass plumbing fixtures, stainless steel appliances, and copper wiring – with clean copper commanding the highest market prices.
Why struggle with heavy lifting when scrap metal pick up in Perth does everything? Professional collectors handle dismantling, sorting, and transportation, turning weekend cleanups into effortless profit for busy households.
Common Household Items That Contain Recyclable Metals
Perth households contain valuable scrap metal hiding in plain sight, with proper identification and current market prices making the difference between profit and missed opportunities. Understanding which items contain the most valuable metals and their specific pricing helps homeowners maximise returns from scrap metal pick-up in Perth.
Large Appliances
- Washing machines are steel powerhouses containing 30-45kg of valuable metal plus copper motor windings worth extracting.
- Refrigerators hold approximately 50-70kg of steel casing and 3-5kg of copper tubing in cooling systems.
- Dishwashers and dryers follow similar patterns with stainless steel shells and copper heating elements.
- Hot water systems contain substantial copper piping and brass fittings that command premium prices.
Dismantling increases payouts significantly. Hence, removing copper wiring and compressor components from appliances can double returns compared to selling whole units.
Small Appliances & Electronics
- Microwaves typically contain 2-3kg of steel plus valuable copper transformers and brass magnetron components.
- Electric kettles house brass heating elements, while toasters contain nichrome wire and steel chassis.
- Old computers are goldmines with aluminium frames, copper wiring, and circuit board materials.
- Coffee machines contain copper tubing and brass valve assemblies that Perth recyclers actively seek.
Furniture & Fixtures
- Steel bed frames typically weigh 15-25kg and provide steady recycling income.
- Brass door handles, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen taps command premium prices due to copper content.
- Aluminium window frames from older Perth homes weigh 30-50kg per set.
- Steel office furniture, including filing cabinets and desks, generates consistent returns during renovations.
Outdoor & Garage Items
- Bicycles contain steel frames (5-8kg) plus aluminium and brass components.
- Lawnmowers feature steel decks and valuable aluminium engine blocks. BBQs combine stainless steel grates, aluminium bodies, and brass gas fittings.
- Aluminium guttering and roofing materials from Perth renovations often weigh hundreds of kilograms per house.
| Metal Type | Perth Price Range (per kg) | Common Household Sources |
| Copper (clean) | $11.00 – $14.00 | Air conditioner coils, plumbing pipes, and electrical wiring |
| Brass | $3.50 – $7.00 | Door handles, taps, kettle elements, BBQ fittings |
| Aluminium (clean) | $1.70 – $2.00 | Window frames, guttering, bike parts, BBQ bodies |
| Stainless Steel | $1.20 – $1.80 | Appliance shells, BBQ grates, kitchen fixtures |
| Steel (heavy) | $0.20 – $0.40 | Washing machines, bed frames, and filing cabinets |
How to Prepare Before You Recycle Scrap Metal in Perth?
Proper preparation maximises scrap metal value and ensures smooth transactions with Perth recyclers, with well-prepped materials earning significantly higher payouts than unsorted mixed metals.
Sort by Metal Type
Separate ferrous from non-ferrous metals using a simple magnet test – ferrous metals containing iron stick to magnets, while valuable non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminium, and brass do not. Non-ferrous metals command premium prices, so accurate sorting directly impacts profits.
Categorise non-ferrous metals by specific type since copper, aluminium, brass, and stainless steel each have different Perth market values. Clean copper fetches $11-14 per kilogram, while mixed metals receive lower grades and reduced payouts.
Clean and Strip Materials
Remove all non-metal components, including plastic, rubber, wood, insulation, and fabric attachments. Contaminated metals receive lower grades and reduced pricing from Perth recyclers.
Strip insulation from copper wiring to maximise value – bare copper wire commands premium prices compared to insulated wire. Use proper wire stripping tools to avoid damage and maintain clean copper grades.
Prepare for Transport
Cut large items into manageable pieces using appropriate safety equipment, including gloves and safety glasses. Smaller, organised loads are easier for scrap metal pick-up in Perth to handle and process. Bundle smaller items in containers or bins, keeping different metal types separated and clearly labelled.
Pre-weighing and labelling large quantities streamlines the recycling process and ensures accurate pricing. Gather proof of ownership and valid personal identification, as Perth scrap yards require documentation before accepting materials.
Choose Runabout Metals for The Best Scrap Metal Prices in Perth
Everyday household items represent untapped treasure troves worth hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. From that forgotten air conditioner containing $200+ worth of copper coils to aluminium window frames holding $85+ in recyclable value, homes across
Perth are literally sitting on goldmines. Copper fetches $11-14 per kilogram, brass commands $3.50-7 per kilogram, aluminium brings $1.70-2.00 per kilogram, and even heavy steel generates steady returns at $0.20-0.40 per kilogram.
Smart Perth residents check current scrap metal prices before selling to maximise returns from their household cleanouts. Market prices fluctuate regularly, making timing crucial for profitable recycling. Professional scrap metal pick-up in Perth eliminates the hassle while ensuring proper sorting and maximum payouts.
Ready to transform household clutter into instant cash? Contact Runabout Metals or visit their Canning Vale scrap yard at 9 Martin Place. Perth’s go-to metal merchants offer competitive rates, professional service, and free commercial bin hire for larger quantities.
Don’t let valuable metals gather dust – declutter, recycle, and get paid today with Runabout Metals







