Prices
Stainless Steel Scrap 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 what we pay per kilogram for Grade 316, 304, 430 and mixed stainless steel scrap at our yard. Secure EFT, own weighbridge, bring your ID.
Quick answer
We pay between R5 and R32 per kilogram for stainless steel scrap at our yard, depending on grade and nickel content. Grade 316 fetches R25 to R32, Grade 304 R20 to R25, and magnetic Grade 430 R10 to R15. We weigh on regularly calibrated scales and pay by secure EFT, 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 stainless steel worth?
Pick the grade, enter the weight, and add a row for each stainless steel grade in your load — we'll total it into an indicative rand range for your area.
Indicative range using current mid-market rates × condition and area. Bulk is quoted per ton — about R5 000–R32 000/ton.Not a binding offer — the final price is confirmed by weight at a registered weighbridge.
What affects your price
- Clean, sorted stainless steel sits at the top of the range — paint, coatings, attachments and moisture grade it down.
- Grade 316 (austenitic) pays the most; mixed / unsorted stainless the least — separating grades before you sell lifts the total.
- Bulk is quoted per ton — about R5 000–R32 000/ton (per kg × 1,000).
- Rates track the London Metal Exchange and the rand exchange rate, so they move daily; the final figure is set by weight at a registered weighbridge.
Example: 100 kg of grade 316 (austenitic) works out to roughly R2 500–R3 200, before grading and weighbridge confirmation.
Tracking current stainless steel prices ensures you receive fair market value for your scrap metal. Whether you are clearing out a fabrication workshop or disposing of old restaurant equipment, this guide explains exactly what we pay at our yard for different grades of stainless steel sheets, plates, and tubing.
- Average payouts: Scrap stainless steel typically sells for between R5 and R32 per kilogram depending on the grade and nickel content.
- Metals accepted: We buy stainless steel sheets, offcuts, tubing, and mixed industrial scrap alongside copper and aluminium.
- Legal requirements: The Second-Hand Goods Act requires sellers to present a valid ID and proof of address for all scrap metal transactions.
- Service areas: Our commercial scrap collection covers and surrounding industrial zones.
- Payment methods: We pay via secure EFT directly into your bank account to comply with metal trading laws.
Average Stainless Steel Scrap Prices per Kilogram (2026)
Scrap stainless steel pricing operates differently from new material costs. Values fluctuate based on grade purity, nickel content, and current global commodity trends. Industrial scrap generated in areas like often needs grading before payout.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to earn from various stainless steel categories at our scrap yard, and you can estimate your load with our calculator before you arrive.
Average Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
| Stainless Steel Grade | Typical Price (per kg) | Example Payout (50kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 316 (High Nickel/Marine) | R25 – R32 | R1250 – R1600 |
| Grade 304 (Standard Food Grade) | R20 – R25 | R1000 – R1250 |
| Grade 204 / Mixed Non-Magnetic | R10 – R15 | R500 – R750 |
| Stainless Steel Turnings & Shavings | R5 – R12 | R250 – R600 |
| Grade 430 (Magnetic Stainless) | R10 – R15 | R500 – R750 |
Grade 316 stainless steel typically sells for between R25 and R32 per kilogram because of its high molybdenum and nickel content. If your stainless steel is heavily contaminated with ferrous metals or thick oil, we will downgrade it to a mixed turning price.
Factors Influencing Stainless Steel Prices Globally and Locally
Global stainless steel prices fluctuate based on several key market forces. Raw material costs drive the primary price movements on the London Metal Exchange (LME), with nickel and chromium serving as the most expensive components in the metal recycling process.
Global Market Trends
Base metals experience price volatility due to mining disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain constraints. Energy costs also impact manufacturing expenses, as melting recycled stainless steel sheets and plates requires immense electricity consumption.
Local Market Demand
Local stainless steel markets show steady demand across heavy industrial sectors. Engineering workshops and laser cutting operations generate consistent volumes of high-quality scrap offcuts.
We purchase these offcuts from contractors, fabrication factories, and demolition companies at current market rates. Because distance affects logistics, bringing your scrap to our local yard minimizes your transport deductions and maximizes your final payout.
Common Types of Stainless Steel Recycled
Understanding the exact grade of your material means you can sell your stainless steel for its true worth instead of underselling premium non-ferrous alloys as generic mixed scrap. We categorize stainless steel based on its chemical composition.
- Grade 304 Scrap: The most common austenitic stainless steel, widely used in kitchen equipment, brewing tanks, and architectural panelling.
- Grade 316 Scrap: Contains added molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance, commonly sourced from marine environments, chemical plants, and medical facilities.
- Grade 430 Scrap: A lower-value ferritic stainless steel that contains no nickel. It is often found in decorative trims and budget catering equipment.
- Stainless Steel Tubes and Pipes: Thick-walled pipes from industrial plumbing systems and thin-walled decorative tubing.
- Laser Cutting Offcuts: Clean, unpainted skeletal waste left over from manufacturing processes.
How Scrap Metal Pricing Works for Stainless Steel
Our current scrap metal prices follow daily market rates. We assess material purity, grade separation, and total tonnage to calculate your offer. Fast service and clean loads always command the best prices.
To test your stainless steel value before visiting our yard, use a simple magnet. If the magnet sticks strongly, you have a 400-series (ferritic) stainless steel or a standard ferrous metal, which fetches a lower price. If the magnet does not stick, you likely have a valuable 300-series (austenitic) alloy like 304 or 316.
Selling Scrap Metal and Nearby Areas
We operate as a trusted scrap metal buyer, serving both commercial contractors and individual collectors. Our facility uses regularly calibrated scales to ensure completely transparent and accurate payouts for your materials.
Requesting a Scrap Metal Pickup Service
Transporting heavy stainless steel plates and industrial machinery requires specialized logistics. We provide convenient scrap metal pickup services area, including commercial skip bin drops for ongoing manufacturing waste.
Our collection team visits factories, demolition sites, and warehouses to collect stainless steel, copper scrap, aluminium, and brass. By scheduling regular bulk collections, local fabrication businesses can keep their workspaces clean while generating a steady secondary revenue stream.
Frequently asked questions
What factors influence current stainless steel scrap prices?
Prices are directly affected by the global trading value of nickel and chromium. Local supply chain demand, rand exchange-rate fluctuations, and the cleanliness of your scrap load also play major roles in the final price per kilogram.
How do stainless steel sheets compare in scrap value to plates?
In the scrap metal recycling process, the value is determined by weight and grade rather than the shape. A Grade 304 stainless steel sheet and a Grade 304 stainless steel plate will fetch the exact same price per kilogram, provided both are clean and free of ferrous attachments.
Where can businesses sell bulk stainless steel?
We handle commercial quantities of stainless steel,. We offer transparent pricing, a digital weighbridge, and compliant EFT payment systems.
How can I get the best price for my stainless steel scrap?
Separate your metals before selling. Keep your valuable non-magnetic 316 and 304 offcuts completely separate from magnetic stainless steel and regular carbon steel. Clean, sorted loads always secure premium rates at our yard.
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 or sell stainless steel scrap
Looking for stainless steel scrap for sale? Send the grade, quantity and specification you need to confirm stock and get a sales quote. We also buy suitable scrap: share photos, material details and approximate weight for a buying quote. Guide buying rates shown on this page are not retail sales prices.
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