• 08 Dec 2025

How Much Is 1 Ton of Aluminium Scrap Worth

Aluminium is one of the most valuable and widely recycled metals in Australia. Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out old window frames or a business generating regular off-cuts, aluminium scrap can put real money back into your pocket. But how much is 1 ton of aluminium scrap worth in Australia today?

While scrap aluminium prices fluctuate, most metal recyclers across Australia currently pay between AUD $1.70 and $2.00 per kilogram for clean, high-quality aluminium scrap. That means:

💰 1 ton (1,000 kg) of clean aluminium scrap = approximately $1,700 to $2,000 AUD

Lower-quality scrap, contaminated or mixed metal, can bring much less. Below, you’ll find a full guide to pricing, factors that influence value, and how to maximise what you earn from your aluminium scrap.

Why Aluminium Scrap is in High Demand in Australia

Aluminium is unique among metals: it can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Recycling aluminium also consumes up to 95% less energy than producing new aluminium from bauxite. This has made aluminium a high-priority material for scrap metal yards, manufacturers, and environmental programs.

Demand for recycled aluminium is driven by:

• Construction and building industries (window frames, cladding, extrusion profiles)

• Automotive sector (lightweight parts)

• Packaging manufacturers (cans, containers)

• Aerospace and high-performance engineering

As Australia pushes for a more circular economy, aluminium scrap will likely remain one of the strongest markets in the metal-recycling sector.

Current Aluminium Scrap Prices in Australia (2026)

Scrap yards across major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth currently advertise the following price ranges:

🔹 Clean aluminium scrap: $1.70 – $2.00 per kg

This includes:

• Clean aluminium extrusions

• Clean sheet aluminium

• Pure aluminium off-cuts

• Clean alloy items (no contamination)

🔹 Mixed or dirty aluminium scrap: $0.80 – $1.40 per kg

This includes:

• Aluminium with paint or coatings

• Mixed alloy scrap

• Slightly contaminated pieces

• Aluminium attached to plastic or steel

🔹 Contaminated aluminium: $0.30 – $0.70 per kg

This is the lowest-grade material, often including:

• Aluminium with screws, insulation, adhesives

• Heavily painted or corroded items

• Mixed metal scrap that requires sorting

How Much Can You Earn for 1 Ton of Aluminium Scrap?

Here’s a simple breakdown based on scrap quality:

💡 The cleaner and more consistent your aluminium load, the closer you’ll get to the $2,000/ton mark.

🏗️ Types of Aluminium Scrap and Their Value

Different aluminium categories have different market rates. Here’s what scrap yards commonly sort:

1. Aluminium Extrusions (Highest Value): Used in window frames, partitions, and construction materials. Best price range: Strongest likelihood of $1.80 – $2.00 per kg.
2. Sheet Aluminium: Comes from roofing, siding, or household items. Price range: $1.40 – $1.80 per kg.
3. Cast Aluminium: Found in engines, machinery parts, and cookware. Price range: $0.80 – $1.20 per kg.
4. Aluminium Cans (UBCs): Always high-demand due to easy processing. Price range: $1.20 – $1.50 per kg (when properly cleaned and bagged).
5. Mixed Contaminated Aluminium: Often attached to plastic, screws, steel, etc. Price range: $0.30 – $0.80 per kg.

What Affects the Price You Receive?

Several factors determine how much aluminium scrap yards will pay you:

1. Purity and Contamination: Clean, uncontaminated aluminium brings the best price. Anything that needs processing gets downgraded.
2. Sorting: Separated aluminium types (like extrusions vs cast) are more valuable.
3. Global Metal Markets: Aluminium prices follow global deman, manufacturing, construction, and energy costs all have an impact.
4. Volume: Scrap yards often offer higher rates for bulk loads, especially at 1 ton or more.
5. Regional Differences: Prices in large metro areas (Sydney, Melbourne) can be higher due to competition between recyclers.

How to Increase the Value of Your Aluminium Scrap

Here are some easy ways to maximise your payout:

✔ Separate aluminium from other metals: Remove screws, plastic, steel, foam, insulation, etc.

✔ Sort different aluminium grades: Extrusions → Sheets → Cast → Cans → Mixed

✔ Clean your scrap when possible: A quick wipe or removal of debris prevents downgrading.

✔ Deliver larger quantities: Many recyclers offer better rates for bulk loads.

✔ Call multiple scrap yards: Prices can vary significantly, shopping around pays.

Aluminium Scrap Prices by Major Australian Cities

Although exact prices change daily, here’s what different regions typically offer:

Sydney: Highest competition = strong prices. $1.70–$2.00 per kg for clean scrap

Melbourne: Large industrial sector; stable rates. $1.60–$1.95 per kg

Brisbane: Slightly lower but still competitive. $1.50–$1.90 per kg

Perth: Strong mining region and aluminum demand. $1.60–$1.90 per kg

Adelaide: Smaller market; prices vary by yard. $1.40–$1.80 per kg

If you want, I can generate a real-time comparison table for these cities.

Environmental Benefits of Aluminium Recycling

Recycling 1 ton of aluminium:

• Saves 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminium

• Reduces CO₂ emissions dramatically

• Prevents landfill waste

• Creates jobs in the recycling industry

• Supports Australia’s circular economy goals

If you’re recycling aluminium, you’re doing both your wallet and the environment a favour.

Final Thoughts: What Is 1 Ton of Aluminium Scrap Worth?

1 ton of aluminium scrap in Australia is typically worth between $1,700 and $2,000 for clean, high-quality material. Lower-quality or contaminated aluminium may bring significantly less.

If you want to earn the highest possible price:

• Sort your scrap

• Remove contaminants

• Deliver it clean

• Compare offers from multiple buyers

With aluminium consistently in demand, selling scrap is a great way to make money while contributing to sustainable resource use.