Topic: Value Guides
Scrap steel is worth roughly A$0.10—$0.25 per kilogram in Adelaide — heavier prepared steel at the top of that range, light mixed steel at the bottom. That is cents, not dollars, which makes steel the one metal where the honest question is often whether the trip is worth it.
This guide covers the steel grades, why stainless is worth far more than people expect, and how to judge a load before you load the trailer.
Current steel scrap rates
| Steel grade | Indicative rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy steel / prepared | Upper end of A$0.10-$0.25/kg | Thick plate, beams, structural sections |
| Light gauge steel | Lower end of A$0.10-$0.25/kg | Sheet, roofing iron, appliances, car panels |
| Cast iron | Assessed in store | Old baths, pipe, machinery bases |
| Stainless steel | Well above mild steel | Sinks, benchtops, food equipment |
Rates reviewed 3 November 2026. See steel scrap prices for the current in-store figures, or call 08 7225 9998.
Why steel is worth so little
Steel is the most recycled material on earth and the most abundant. It is produced in enormous volumes and the base material is cheap. A scrap yard also has to transport and process a large weight to recover relatively little value.
That is why steel is priced in cents per kilo while copper is priced in dollars. It does not make steel worthless — it makes it a volume business. A tonne of steel is worth having. A bucket of it rarely justifies the fuel.
Heavy versus light gauge
Steel is priced largely by thickness, because thicker steel is denser and cleaner to process.
Heavy steel
Thick structural material — beams, plate, heavy angle, machinery frames. Dense, clean and efficient to process, so it earns the upper end of the rate.
Light gauge steel
Thin material — roofing iron, sheet, car body panels, appliance casings, shelving. Bulky for its weight and often coated or painted, so it earns the lower end.
Roofing iron and Colorbond sheet are among the most common steel loads we see. They are accepted, but they sit firmly in light gauge. A large volume is worth bringing; a few sheets rarely are.
Stainless steel: the one people undervalue
Stainless is frequently thrown in with ordinary steel by mistake, and it is worth considerably more. It contains nickel and chromium, both valuable alloying metals, which is what gives it corrosion resistance — and a much higher scrap rate.
How to tell stainless from mild steel
Magnet test — most common stainless grades are only faintly magnetic or not magnetic at all. Mild steel is strongly magnetic.
Rust — mild steel rusts orange. Stainless stays bright.
Appearance — stainless has a bright, often brushed silver finish.
Weight — heavy, which distinguishes it from aluminium.
Common sources: kitchen sinks, benchtops, commercial food equipment, dairy and brewery fittings, and marine hardware. If you are unsure whether a silvery piece is stainless or aluminium, our aluminium guide covers the difference.
Is your steel load worth the trip?
A practical way to decide:
| Load | Worth bringing? |
|---|---|
| A trailer of structural steel or plate | Yes |
| A large roof replacement's worth of iron | Usually yes |
| An old car body or heavy machinery | Yes – call first |
| A few sheets of roofing iron | Rarely, on its own |
| A bucket of mixed small steel | Only if you are coming anyway |
| Steel mixed with copper or brass | Yes – sort it and bring both |
The best approach is to combine steel with other metals. If you are already bringing copper or aluminium, add the steel. On its own, a small steel load rarely justifies the drive.
What lowers the value of steel
Non-metal attachments — timber, concrete, plastic and rubber all add weight that is not steel.
Heavy rust — surface rust is normal; steel rusted through loses weight and grade.
Mixed metals — copper or brass bolted to steel should be separated, since both are worth far more on their own.
Hazardous contents — gas bottles, sealed tanks and anything that held fuel or chemicals need to be declared before arrival.
Gas bottles and sealed containers must never be brought in without calling first. Sealed tanks can hold residual pressure or flammable vapour.
Selling steel in Adelaide
Bring steel to SA Copper Scraps at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. Heavy and light gauge are weighed separately, stainless is graded on its own, and you are paid before you leave.
For large volumes, call 08 7225 9998 first. If your load is mixed, see our guide to sorting scrap metal before selling or our scrap metal buying service.
Read our guides: old roofing iron and Colorbond fencing · old farm machinery scrap in regional SA
Frequently asked questions
What is scrap steel worth per kg in Adelaide?
Steel and ferrous scrap sits around A$0.10—$0.25 per kilogram on current Adelaide benchmarks. Heavy prepared steel earns the upper end of that range and light gauge steel the lower end.
Is stainless steel worth more than regular steel?
Yes, considerably. Stainless contains nickel and chromium, which makes it far more valuable than mild steel. It is often thrown in with ordinary steel by mistake.
How do I tell stainless steel from mild steel?
Use a magnet — most common stainless is only faintly magnetic or not magnetic, while mild steel is strongly magnetic. Mild steel rusts orange; stainless stays bright.
What is the difference between heavy and light gauge steel?
Heavy steel is thick structural material like beams and plate, and earns the higher rate. Light gauge is thin material like roofing iron and sheet, which is bulky for its weight and earns the lower rate.
Is it worth bringing in a small amount of steel?
Usually not on its own, because steel is priced in cents per kilo. It is worth adding to a load that already includes copper, brass or aluminium.
Do you take roofing iron and Colorbond?
Yes. Roofing sheet is accepted and grades as light gauge steel. Large volumes are worth bringing; a few sheets rarely are.
Do you buy cast iron?
Yes. Cast iron such as old baths, pipe and machinery bases is accepted and assessed in store.
Does rust reduce what steel is worth?
Surface rust is normal and accepted. Steel that has rusted through loses weight and may grade lower.
Can I bring gas bottles or tanks?
Not without calling first. Sealed tanks and gas bottles can hold residual pressure or flammable vapour and must be declared before arrival.
Where can I sell scrap steel in Adelaide?
SA Copper Scraps buys steel at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. Heavy, light and stainless are graded separately and paid before you leave.
Final word
Steel is a volume game. Separate the heavy from the light, pull the stainless out, and combine it with other metals rather than making a trip for steel alone.
Call 08 7225 9998, or see current steel scrap prices.
