Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out the shed or a tradie with leftover fittings, knowing the scrap brass price in Melbourne can turn your pile of junk into a payday. Brass, in particular, is one of the more valuable scrap metals out there. But the real trick? Knowing how, when, and where to sell it to get the best return.
This easy-to-follow guide will help you understand the market, prepare your scrap, and pick the right buyer — all while doing your bit for the environment.
1. Why Scrap Metal Recycling Makes Sense in Melbourne
Scrap metal Melbourne recycling in isn’t just about earning a few extra bucks — it’s also about protecting the planet. Every year, thousands of tonnes of metal are recycled here, keeping it out of landfills and reducing the need to mine new resources.
It’s a win-win: you earn money, and the Earth gets a breather.
2. Common Scrap Metals in Melbourne
These are the usual suspects found in garages, renovation sites, and construction leftovers:
- Brass: taps, fittings, door handles
- Copper: wires, pipes
- Aluminium: cans, window frames
- Steel & Stainless Steel: appliances, furniture
- Lead: batteries
If it’s metal, chances are someone will buy it — especially if it’s clean and sorted.
3. What Makes Brass Valuable?
Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc. It’s strong, corrosion-resistant, and used in everything from plumbing fixtures and locks to musical instruments and electrical parts. Its high copper content is what gives it its value.
Why brass is worth collecting:
- Used heavily in construction and manufacturing
- Can be recycled multiple times without losing quality
- High density = more weight = more cash per item
Fun Fact: Brass is heavier than aluminium and lighter than pure copper — but sits right in the sweet spot when it comes to value and volume.
4. Scrap Brass Price in Melbourne: What You Should Know
The price of brass scrap in Melbourne varies depending on several factors:
- Market demand (often tied to global copper prices)
- Type of brass (yellow, red, mixed, or contaminated)
- Condition (clean brass vs dirty, painted, or soldered brass)
- Quantity (selling in bulk usually gets a better rate)
Typical scrap brass price Melbourne range between $4.50 and $6.00 per kg, but this can change quickly based on the above.
Tip: Call around before heading out. Some dealers offer price-matching or better rates for larger loads.
5. Where to Sell Scrap Metal in Melbourne
Melbourne has plenty of scrap yards and recycling centres. But choosing the right one can make a big difference in what you earn.
What to look for in a dealer:
- Licensed and certified (important for legal reasons)
- Transparent pricing (no hidden fees or vague quotes)
- Digital scales (for accurate weights)
- Same-day payments (cash or bank transfer)
- Environmentally compliant (your scrap gets recycled properly)
Top suburbs with busy scrap yards include:
- Dandenong
- Sunshine
- Thomastown
- Campbellfield
- Clayton
Many scrap yards also offer pickup services if you’ve got a large load — just ask when you call.
6. How to Maximise the Brass Scrap Value
Want top dollar for your scrap brass? Follow these steps:
- Sort your metals – Separate brass from copper, steel, and aluminium
- Clean it up – Remove any paint, screws, rubber or plastic
- Weigh it yourself – Have a rough idea before arriving
- Bundle it safely – Prevent rust or damage
- Track prices – Prices fluctuate daily, so watch the market
Even spending 30 minutes cleaning and sorting can add up to hundreds in extra value over time.
7. Other Scrap Metals Worth Watching
- Copper – Often earns more per kilo than brass
- Aluminium – Light, but valuable in bulk
- Lead – Found in car batteries and plumbing
- Stainless Steel – Common in kitchen appliances and fixtures
Pro Tip: If you’re already collecting brass, keep an eye out for these as well — you might have more value lying around than you think.
8. Legal and Environmental Issues
In Victoria, scrap metal sales are regulated to prevent theft and illegal dumping. Be prepared:
- Bring photo ID when selling
- Provide proof of ownership if you’re offloading large quantities
- Only sell to registered dealers
Also, make sure the scrap yard disposes of any toxic materials (like lead acid or mercury) the right way — this protects you, the workers, and the environment.
9. Smart Tips for First-Time Scrap Sellers
If it’s your first time selling scrap metal, don’t worry — the process is easier than you think. Just follow these beginner-friendly tips:
- Call ahead – Ask for current prices and any requirements (ID, sorting, etc.)
- Bring gloves – Scrap can be sharp and dirty
- Label your bags or bins – Sorted scrap often gets paid at a higher rate
- Keep receipts – Handy for record-keeping or if you plan to scrap regularly
Some yards even offer loyalty programs or bonuses for repeat sellers.
10. Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Scrap Brass
Even experienced sellers make mistakes. Here are the most common ones to watch out for:
- Not cleaning the brass – Paint, solder, or steel parts reduce your payout
- Mixing metals – Unsure whether it’s brass or copper? Get a magnet: brass isn’t magnetic, steel is.
- Ignoring market trends – If copper prices spike, brass usually follows. Hold off if prices are down.
- Selling to unlicensed dealers – You risk being underpaid or facing legal trouble
Getting paid fairly is about being informed. If something feels off — it probably is. Trust your gut.
11. Conclusion
Old taps, pipes, door handles, or even broken trumpets – scrap brass might be more valuable than you think. If you take a little time to clean it up, weigh it properly, and sell it to the right place, you can walk away with a good chunk of change.
And while you’re at it, you’re also helping reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, and support a circular economy in Melbourne.
So, next time you’re clearing out the garage or wrapping up a job site, don’t throw that brass away — cash it in.