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    Premier Metals Perth

    Cash for Scrap: How Much You Can Get for Your Car, Batteries, and Machinery

    Posted on May 5th, 2025

    The scrap metal industry in Australia is thriving, and if you’ve got an old car, scrap batteries, or machinery gathering dust, you could be sitting on a goldmine — or at least some serious cash.

    Whether you’re an individual trying to get rid of a dead vehicle or a business looking to offload outdated industrial equipment, understanding the cash value of scrap can help you make informed decisions and maximise your return.

    In this guide, we’ll cover how much you can get for different types of scrap — including cars, batteries, and scrap machinery — and why Premier Metals is the best-paying Scrap Metal buyer in Australia.

    Contact Premier Metals today to sell your scrap metals at the best price at 08 6252 8500

    how much scrap cars metal

    Why Scrap Metal is Valuable

    Scrap metal isn’t junk — it’s a reusable raw material. When you sell your scrap, you’re contributing to a sustainable recycling economy and helping manufacturers save energy, reduce waste, and cut emissions.

    Metals such as steel, copper, aluminium, lead, and brass are in high demand. Instead of mining for new material, companies turn to recyclers like Premier Metals to supply clean, sorted scrap.

    Premier Metals processes thousands of tonnes of:

    • Automotive scrap
    • Batteries
    • Heavy industrial machinery
    • Construction and demolition scrap
    • White goods and appliances

    And we pay top dollar for them — consistently.

    how much get scrap cars

    How Scrap Car Prices Work

    Scrapping your car is one of the easiest ways to turn waste into wealth. Here’s how pricing typically works:

    What Determines a Car’s Scrap Value?

    1. Vehicle Weight
      The heavier your car, the more scrap metal it contains — and the more it’s worth.
    2. Metal Type
      Most cars are primarily steel, but they also contain aluminium, copper, and lead, especially in wiring, engines, and batteries.
    3. Resaleable Parts
      Premier Metals also trades in used auto parts, meaning you can get more for a car with recoverable components (engines, gearboxes, rims, catalytic converters).
    4. Market Rates
      Scrap metal prices fluctuate with global demand. Premier Metals ensures you get the most current, highest rates.
    5. Price Variation Notice

    Please note that all prices shown in this guide are indicative only and based on market conditions at the time of publication. Scrap metal rates can fluctuate rapidly due to changes in global commodity markets, supply chain factors, and regional demand. Premier Metals reserves the right to adjust these rates at any time without prior notice. For the most up-to-date pricing, always check our website or contact your local Premier Metals yard directly.

    2025 Scrap Car Price Estimates (With Premier Metals)

    Vehicle Type Average Payout Range
    Small Cars (e.g., Yaris, Corolla) $250 – $450
    Sedans (e.g., Camry, Mazda 6) $400 – $600
    SUVs & 4WDs (e.g., Prado, Forester) $600 – $850
    Vans & Utes (e.g., Hiace, Ranger) $700 – $1,000+
    Trucks & Commercial Vehicles $1,000 – $5,000+

    Note: Prices are for complete cars. Stripped vehicles or shells are paid by weight.

    Used Car Batteries: More Value Than You Think

    Car batteries are often overlooked, but they’re one of the most valuable recyclable items due to their lead content and acid components.

    What Are Car Batteries Worth in 2025?

    Battery Type Per Unit (Premier Metals) Local Yards
    Standard Lead-Acid (Car) $8 – $15 $4 – $10
    Truck/Heavy Duty Battery $15 – $30 $10 – $20
    Industrial Battery (UPS, Forklift) $25 – $50 $20 – $35

    Premier Metals accepts single units and bulk quantities, and we offer pick-up for business clients who recycle regularly.

    Old Machinery: Don’t Let It Rust — Recycle It

    Got broken tools, dismantled machinery, or aging farm equipment? You might be surprised how much scrap value is hidden inside.

    🏗 Types of Machinery We Buy:

    • Excavators, dozers, forklifts
    • Industrial machines (presses, lathes, mills)
    • Farming equipment (tractors, harvesters)
    • Manufacturing offcuts and tool scrap

    Most of these are heavy-duty steel mixed with valuable metals like copper wiring, aluminium, or lead.

    What You Can Expect

    Type of Machinery Estimated Payout Range
    Small Machinery (e.g. generators) $50 – $300
    Medium (e.g. forklifts, bobcats) $500 – $1,500
    Large (e.g. excavators, cranes) $1,500 – $10,000+

    Prices depend on size, condition, and components. Premier Metals can organise on-site assessment and pickup for large machinery.

    Premier Metals Price Guide 2025

    We regularly update our prices based on international market trends. Here’s a sample of our standard rates for high-volume materials:

    Material Rate (per KG)
    Copper (Bright) $9.00
    Brass $6.00
    Aluminium (Clean) $1.80
    Stainless Steel $1.30
    Steel $0.25
    Lead $1.50
    Batteries (by weight) $0.30 

    We offer special pricing for bulk sellers and long-term commercial partners. Contact us for current rates and account setup.

    Price Variation Notice

    Please note that all prices shown in this guide are indicative only and based on market conditions at the time of publication. Scrap metal rates can fluctuate rapidly due to changes in global commodity markets, supply chain factors, and regional demand. Premier Metals reserves the right to adjust these rates at any time without prior notice. For the most up-to-date pricing, always check our website or contact your local Premier Metals yard directly.

    How to Prepare Your Scrap for Maximum Payout

    To get the most out of your scrap, follow these simple preparation tips:

    Scrap Car Preparation

    • Leave the engine, transmission, wheels, and battery intact
    • Remove personal belongings and rubbish
    • Provide registration/cancellation proof if needed

    Battery Preparation

    • Keep batteries upright to prevent leaks
    • Store on pallets for easy collection
    • Separate by type if possible (car, truck, industrial)

    Machinery Preparation

    • Disconnect fluids and electricals if possible
    • Clean excess dirt, oil, and debris
    • Disassemble into manageable components for faster assessment

    Premier Metals can also assist with decommissioning and provide skip bins or lifting equipment when required.

    Why Choose Premier Metals Over Local Yards

    Here’s what you get with Premier Metals that local yards can’t match:

    Better Prices

    We pay above average market rates, especially for complete vehicles and high-grade materials.

    Used Parts Value

    We assess the resale value of auto parts and include that in your quote — something most scrap yards ignore.

    Pick-Up Services

    Whether it’s a dead car in your driveway or a warehouse full of machinery, we come to you.

    Environmental Integrity

    We handle waste ethically — fluids, plastics, and e-waste are all processed in line with environmental standards.

    Long-Term Relationships

    For regular sellers, we offer:

    • Locked-in rates
    • Priority pickups
    • Monthly account statements
    • Personalised service

    FAQs

    1. How much can I get for a non-running car?

    Non-running cars can still be worth $300 – $800+, depending on size and parts. Premier Metals pays based on weight and components.

    2. Do you pick up scrap vehicles and machinery?

    Yes, Premier Metals offers free or low-cost towing and transport, depending on your location and the material’s value.

    3. Can businesses set up a scrap collection account?

    Absolutely. We work with mechanics, car wreckers, mining operators, factories, and more. Get in touch for bulk rates and collection services.

    4. Do you accept stripped or partially dismantled items?

    Yes, though prices will be based strictly on weight. Fully intact items often fetch higher prices due to component resale.