Prices
Scrap Metal Prices and Buying Guide Rates
Buying guide rates: rates and estimates on this page refer to scrap we buy. To purchase metal, request a separate sales quote and stock confirmation.
See current scrap metal prices per kg for copper, brass, aluminium, steel, cars and e-waste. We weigh on a verified weighbridge and pay by EFT.
Quick answer
We buy scrap metal at current rates, weighed on our own digital weighbridge and paid by EFT. Clean copper pays R105–R177/kg, aluminium R5–R45/kg, brass R25–R75/kg and heavy steel R2.50–R4.00/kg. We also purchase complete scrap cars, catalytic converters and e-waste, collecting.
On this page
Calculate what your load is worth
Pick the grade, enter the weight, and get an indicative rand range from our current rates — then email or WhatsApp the estimate to us for a verified, weighbridge-confirmed quote.
Estimate your value
What's your scrap load worth?
Add a row for each metal and grade in your load, enter the weight in kilograms or tonnes, set the condition and your area — the tool totals the whole load into an indicative rand range.
Indicative range using current mid-market rates × condition and area.Not a binding offer — the final price is confirmed by weight at a registered weighbridge.
What affects your price
- Add a row for each metal and grade — the tool totals the whole load into one rand range.
- Clean, sorted metal pays the most; mixed or contaminated loads are graded down.
- Copper and brass pay the most per kg; steel and iron are lower but make it up in volume (quoted per ton).
- Rates track the London Metal Exchange and the rand daily; the final figure is set by weight at a registered weighbridge.
Example: 100 kg of clean bright copper wire at about R150–R177/kg is roughly R15 000–R17 700, before condition and area adjustments.
Tracking accurate scrap metal prices helps local businesses and independent collectors maximize their recycling returns. Our pricing guide reflects real-time market rates based on transparent digital weighbridge scales. We provide up-to-date payouts for all recyclable materials, from copper and steel to complete scrap cars.
- Average payouts: Copper pays R105 - R177/kg, while clean Aluminium fetches R42 - R45/kg.
- Auto salvage: We weigh and purchase complete scrap cars, engine blocks, and catalytic converters.
- Legal compliance: Sellers must present a valid SA ID or Driver's License and Proof of Address.
- Payment terms: Strict compliance with the Second-Hand Goods Act means we make all high-value payments via EFT (no cash).
- Areas serviced: We collect from engineering workshops and public yards across .
Scrap metal prices per kg — at a glance
Here is what we are paying across every metal we buy. Each figure is an indicative per-kilogram range for clean, sorted material; we confirm the exact rate when we weigh your load on a verified weighbridge. Tap a metal for the full grade-by-grade breakdown.
| Metal | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Copper | R105 – R177/kg |
| Aluminium | R5 – R45/kg |
| Steel & iron | R1.20 – R4.00/kg |
| Brass | R25 – R75/kg |
| Stainless steel | R5 – R32/kg |
| Batteries & lead | R8 – R24/kg |
| Cable & motors | See page |
| E-waste & PC boards | R1.50 – R90/kg |
| Catalytic converters | See page |
| Lithium & solar batteries | R8 – R15/kg |
| Tungsten carbide | See page |
Rates move daily with the London Metal Exchange and the rand — we review them regularly and confirm the price at the weighbridge.
Average Scrap Metal Prices (2026)
Current market rates determine exactly what we pay. Global commodity demand combined with local foundry requirements creates daily price shifts. Below is an accurate baseline for commercial factory clearances and residential recycling.
Average Scrap Metal Prices
| Metal Type | Price (R per kg) | Example Payout (10kg) |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Copper (Bare Bright) | R150 – R177 | R1500 – R1770 |
| Clean Aluminium (Extrusion/Profile) | R42 – R45 | R420 – R450 |
| Mixed Brass (Plumbing/Fittings) | R40 – R60 | R400 – R600 |
| Stainless Steel (316 Grade) | R25 – R32 | R250 – R320 |
| Heavy Steel (HMS 1 & 2) | R2.50 – R4.00 | R25 – R40 |
| Light Steel / Sub-Grade (Tin) | R1.20 – R2.40 | R12 – R24 |
| Complete Scrap Cars (ELVs) | R2.50 – R3.50 | R2500 – R3500 (1000kg car) |
| Catalytic Converters (OEM) | R500 – R4500+ each | R500 – R4500 (per unit) |
| Aluminium/Copper Radiators (ACR) | R13 – R15 | R130 – R150 |
| High-Grade E-Waste (Motherboards) | R40 – R90 | R400 – R900 |
| Tungsten Carbide (Industrial) | R200 – R270 | R2000 – R2700 |
| Titanium Scrap (Clean) | R35 – R60 | R350 – R600 |
Current scrap metal prices change weekly based on demand. Today's copper scrap prices are currently the highest paying, followed by brass and aluminium. Steel prices remain lower but are consistent for bulk loads.
High-Yield Non-Ferrous Metals & Radiators
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and will not attract a magnet. We pay top market prices for these elements because they require massive energy to refine. Clean grading ensures you receive maximum value.
Copper and Brass Grading
Copper consistently drives the recycling industry. Bare bright wire fetches the absolute premium, while heavy copper tubing usually sells for R140 to R150 per kg. Insulated copper cable pricing varies widely because we must mechanically strip the PVC casing.
Mixed yellow brass from water meters and taps generally pays between R40 and R60 per kg. Phosphor bronze and industrial gunmetal are sought after by local foundries. These heavy machinery gears trade between R65 and R75 per kg.
Radiators and Heat Exchangers
Aluminium and copper radiators stripped from air conditioning units command excellent rates between R13 and R15 per kg. Standard automotive radiators must be completely free of steel mounts to secure the best clean price.
Aluminium, Lead, Zinc & Magnesium
Clean aluminium extrusion from window frames commands top rates between R42 and R45 per kg. Cast aluminium from engine blocks and used beverage cans trade slightly lower. Clean soft lead recovered from old pipework sells for R18 to R24 per kg.
Scrap lead-acid batteries from cars and solar banks are priced as complete units. They trade at R8 to R12 per kg based on overall weight. Zinc scrap often found in roofing anodes pays roughly R30 to R40 per kg.
Magnesium is a flammable but ultra-light metal used in performance automotive parts. It requires careful handling but offers strong payouts at our specialized yard.
Ferrous Metals: Heavy Steel, Iron & Mining Scrap
Ferrous metals contain iron and are easily identified. While their price per kilogram is lower, they are generated in massive volumes during structural demolition across .
Heavy Steel, Light Steel, and Turnings
Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 1 & 2) includes thick I-beams and trades between R2.50 and R4.00 per kg. Light steel or sub-grade scrap like corrugated iron roofing sells for R1.20 to R2.40 per kg. We buy steel turnings generated by CNC lathes in engineering workshops in bulk bins.
Cast Iron and Manganese Wear Parts
Cast iron from industrial pipework and machinery bases sells for R1.50 to R2.50 per kg. Manganese steel is often utilized mining sector for crusher jaws. This tough alloy fetches premium rates depending on current foundry demand.
Selling Scrap Cars & Auto Parts
Complete scrap cars typically sell for R2.50 to R3.50 per kg as mixed automotive salvage. End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) must be legally deregistered before processing. We weigh entire rolling vehicles on our industrial weighbridge to calculate the payout, but you can estimate your load with our calculator first.
Catalytic Converters and Auto Components
Authentic OEM catalytic converters are valuable because they contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium. They often pay between R500 and R4500+ each, depending strictly on the serial number. Other auto scrap like aluminium gearboxes and lead wheel weights pay a blended rate of R12.00 to R40.00 per kg.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste) & Precious Metals
We actively process e-waste at our yard to recover trace precious metals. High-yield green computer motherboards and telecom server boards fetch between R40 and R90 per kg. We also buy CPU chips, RAM sticks, and hard drives in bulk.
Industrial Alloys & Specialty Aerospace Metals
The is home to complex manufacturing and aviation engineering. Because of this, specialized industrial alloys are frequently traded.
- Stainless Steel: Grade 316 (R25 – R32/kg) pays more than Grade 304. Magnetic Grade 430 fetches a lower ferrous rate.
- Tungsten Carbide: Dense machine tooling and drill bits trade between R200 and R270/kg.
- Titanium & Inconel: Clean titanium scrap trades at R35 to R60/kg and requires precise chemical analysis.
- Monel & Cupronickel: We buy high-nickel alloys used in marine engineering at specialized rates.
Scrap Sorting Tips: Get The Best Payout
Separating your metals before you sell your scrap metal to us is the easiest way to increase your payout. Use a standard magnet to test your material. If the magnet sticks, you have a lower-value ferrous metal like steel or iron.
If the magnet does not stick, you likely hold valuable non-ferrous scrap like copper, aluminium, or brass. Keep these metals in separate bins so they do not get downgraded to mixed bulk pricing. Not sure what metal you have? Send a WhatsApp photo of your scrap to our yard for a quick price estimate.
Logistics: Skip Bins & Factory Collections
Transporting dense scrap metals or bulk e-waste can be difficult for businesses. We deploy crane trucks and skip bins directly to factory floors. Scheduled collections across , help local manufacturers clear floor space efficiently.
Compliance: Scrap Laws & Payments
The scrap metal industry operates under strict regulations to combat cable theft. We operate in full compliance with the Second-Hand Goods Act. All sellers must present a valid SA ID or Driver's License and a recent Proof of Address.
When selling whole scrap cars or engine blocks, proof of SAPS deregistration is legally mandatory. Due to national restrictions on cash transactions, we process all payouts via secure EFT.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get the best copper prices?
Our yard runs a digital weighbridge and consistently offers the most competitive copper rates. You can expect up to R177 per kg for clean, bare bright copper wire.
Do I need an ID to sell scrap metal in SA?
Yes, the Second-Hand Goods Act requires us to copy your valid ID and proof of address. This legal requirement applies to both public collectors and commercial businesses.
Do you buy complete, non-running cars?
Yes, we purchase complete, non-running vehicles and bare car shells. You must supply the vehicle's original deregistration papers to finalize the sale.
How do I get the best price for my catalytic converter?
Leave the catalytic converter whole with the internal honeycomb fully intact. We determine the exact payout by matching the casing's serial number to a global precious metal database.
Are PC boards and old computers worth stripping for scrap?
Yes, removing steel computer cases and separating the green motherboards, RAM, and CPUs guarantees a dedicated e-waste rate. Selling a complete mixed PC tower will result in a much lower light-steel payout.
Know what your scrap is worth.
Request a fast quote, check indicative rates, and we'll weigh your load and pay you same-day EFT — we collect.
Get a QuoteBuy and sell scrap metal with Reclaim Metal Traders
Enquire about scrap metal for sale with your required material, grade and quantity to confirm stock and sales prices. We also buy suitable recyclable scrap: send photos, material details and approximate weight for a buying quote. Transport arrangements and charges are confirmed separately.
Metals we buy · Scrap buying guide prices · Buy or sell — request a quote