Prices
Steel & Iron 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 our latest steel and iron scrap prices. We buy HMS 1 & 2, cast iron, rebar and more, weigh on a verified weighbridge and pay same-day EFT.
Quick answer
We buy steel and iron scrap and pay by immediate EFT, weighing every load on a verified weighbridge. Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 1) pays R3.00–R4.00/kg and HMS 2 R2.50–R3.50/kg, clean cast iron R1.50–R2.50/kg, and manganese steel up to R4.00/kg. Bring valid ID and proof of address to sell.
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 steel worth?
Pick the grade, enter the weight, and add a row for each scrap 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 R1 200–R4 000/ton.Not a binding offer — the final price is confirmed by weight at a registered weighbridge.
What affects your price
- Clean, sorted scrap steel sits at the top of the range — paint, coatings, attachments and moisture grade it down.
- Heavy melting steel (HMS) pays the most; light / sheet steel the least — separating grades before you sell lifts the total.
- Bulk is quoted per ton — about R1 200–R4 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 heavy melting steel (hms) works out to roughly R250–R400, before grading and weighbridge confirmation.
Tracking accurate steel & iron scrap prices is essential for demolition contractors, engineering workshops, and independent metal collectors. This guide breaks down the latest R/kg payouts for all ferrous metals, explains how we grade heavy melting steel versus light iron, and outlines the most profitable ways to recycle bulk materials.
Quick Facts: Ferrous Metal Recycling
- Average Payouts: Heavy steel pays R2.50 – R4.00/kg; Light/Sub-grade iron pays R1.20 – R2.00/kg.
- Metals Accepted: HMS 1 & 2, cast iron, manganese steel, rebar, galvanized iron, and steel turnings.
- Legal Requirements: All sellers must present a valid ID and proof of address.
- Service Areas: and surrounding industrial zones.
- Payment Methods: We pay by immediate EFT to ensure compliance with national scrap regulations.
Why the Drives the Ferrous Market
Global demand for ferrous metals sets the baseline for pricing, but regional industrial activity dictates the premiums behind our current scrap metal prices.
Engineering workshops constantly generate steel turnings and offcuts from CNC machining. Meanwhile, large-scale construction and demolition sites provide steady streams of structural I-beams and reinforcing bar (rebar). Because local foundries and steel mills are situated close to, transport costs remain low, allowing us to offer highly competitive payouts.
How Much Is Steel and Cast Iron Scrap Worth?
Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 1) typically sells for between R3.00 and R4.00 per kilogram, depending on current global demand and local foundry requirements. Cast iron scrap pays between R1.50 and R2.50 per kilogram, making it one of the most consistently valuable ferrous metals traded.
Because steel is a heavy, high-volume commodity, we process it in massive quantities. Unlike copper or aluminium, which are often weighed in small batches, we weigh ferrous metals on a verified weighbridge by the tonne.
| Steel / Iron Category & Grade | Typical Price (per kg) | Example Payout (100kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 1) | R3.00 – R4.00 | R300 – R400 |
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 2) | R2.50 – R3.50 | R250 – R350 |
| Clean Cast Iron | R1.50 – R2.50 | R150 – R250 |
| Manganese Steel (Crusher Jaws/Mining) | R3.50 – R4.00 | R350 – R400 |
| Reinforcing Bar (Rebar / Construction) | R2.50 – R3.50 | R250 – R350 |
| Galvanized Steel / Roofing Sheets | R1.80 – R2.40 | R180 – R240 |
| Light Steel / Sub-grade (Appliances/Tin) | R1.20 – R2.40 | R120 – R240 |
| Steel Turnings / Swarf / Borings | R1.20 – R2.00 | R120 – R200 |
| Cleaned Engine Blocks (Cast Iron) | R2.00 – R2.50 | R200 – R250 |
| Railway Scrap (Rails and Wheels) | R3.00 – R4.00 | R300 – R400 |
Classifying Ferrous Metals: Scrap Metal Grading Explained
Understanding scrap metal grading is the key to maximising your profit when you sell your steel and iron in bulk. Ferrous metals are easily identified because they contain iron and attract a magnet. However, not all magnetic scrap holds the same value during the metal recycling process.
Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 1 & 2)
HMS 1 consists of wrought iron or steel scrap that is thick, solid, and larger than 6mm in thickness. It must be free of galvanized coatings. This includes structural I-beams, heavy machinery plates, and large demolition steel. HMS 2 is slightly thinner (often starting at 3mm) and may include galvanized components. Because HMS 1 requires zero pre-shredding before entering a furnace, it commands the highest standard steel price.
Cast Iron and Manganese
Cast iron is brittle but incredibly dense, commonly found in automotive engine blocks, old bathtubs, and heavy industrial pipework. Manganese steel is an ultra-hard alloy used extensively mining sector for excavator teeth and rock crusher jaws. Due to its durability and specific foundry demand, manganese frequently fetches a premium rate above standard cast iron.
Light Steel and Turnings
Light steel, often referred to as sub-grade or \"tin\", includes thin materials like corrugated roofing, filing cabinets, and household appliances. It pays a lower rate because we must use energy-intensive shredders to compress it. Steel turnings (swarf) generated by lathes are priced at the bottom of the tier due to the cutting fluids and oils that contaminate the metal during the machining process.
Industrial Scrap Removal & Skip Bin Logistics
Managing tonnes of heavy ferrous metals requires serious logistics. For manufacturing plants, transporting bulky steel offcuts to our yard consumes valuable production time and vehicle resources.
To streamline this, we provide comprehensive industrial scrap removal services. We deploy heavy-duty skip bins directly to your factory or demolition site. Once the bins are filled with steel, iron, or mixed scrap, our crane trucks handle the collection. We immediately weigh the materials on our calibrated weighbridge, ensuring precise and transparent payouts, and you can estimate your load with our calculator before we collect.
Scrap Metal Regulations & Compliance
The scrap metal industry is highly regulated to prevent the trade of stolen infrastructure. As a licensed scrap metal dealer, we strictly enforce the Second-Hand Goods Act. Whether you are selling a single engine block or ten tonnes of structural steel, you must provide valid identification and proof of address.
Furthermore, transparent payment systems are non-negotiable. Cash payments for scrap metal have been heavily restricted nationwide. To ensure full compliance and security, we process all transactions via instant Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). This guarantees a safe, traceable paper trail for both the seller and the buyer.
Frequently asked questions
Do you accept rusty steel and iron?
Yes. Surface rust is completely acceptable and expected on ferrous metals like rebar or old roofing sheets. However, if the metal is severely corroded to the point where it flakes away and has lost its structural density, it may be downgraded or rejected as it will burn away completely in the smelting furnace.
How can my factory secure better prices for bulk steel?
The best way to increase your payout is through source separation. If you mix valuable heavy melting steel (HMS 1) with low-value light steel or oily turnings in the same skip bin, the entire load will be priced at a lower, mixed-grade rate. Keep heavy iron, light tin, and non-ferrous metals strictly separated.
Is it worth dismantling appliances before selling them?
If you have the time, yes. A whole washing machine is bought as low-value light steel. However, if you remove the electric motor (which contains copper) and the wiring harness, you can sell those components at a much higher non-ferrous rate — check our cable and motor prices — while still selling the steel shell as sub-grade scrap.
Are railway tracks and wheels legal to sell?
Railway scrap is highly regulated. We will only buy railway lines, wheels, or state-owned rail infrastructure if you provide official, verifiable auction or tender documentation proving that the materials were legally acquired.
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 steel & iron scrap
Looking for steel & iron 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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