If you have old or broken household appliances taking up space, you may be able to sell them for scrap metal in Sydney. Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, hot-water systems and some other appliances contain recyclable metals such as steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminium.
The amount you can receive depends on the appliance, its weight, the type and grade of metal it contains, the quantity you have and current scrap-metal prices. Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners require additional care because they may contain refrigerants and should not be dismantled or degassed at home.
Many large household appliances contain enough metal to make them suitable for scrap recycling.
| Household Appliance | Common Metals | Scrap Potential | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | Steel, copper, aluminium | Yes | Weight and metal composition vary |
| Clothes dryer | Steel, copper, aluminium | Yes | Motors and wiring contain additional metals |
| Dishwasher | Stainless steel, steel, copper | Yes | Construction varies by model |
| Oven or stove | Steel, stainless steel, aluminium | Yes | Large metal components |
| Hot-water system | Steel, copper | Yes | Heavy and may require collection |
| Air conditioner | Copper, aluminium, steel | Depends | Refrigerant requires appropriate handling |
| Refrigerator/freezer | Steel, copper, aluminium | Depends | Refrigerant requires appropriate handling |
| Microwave | Steel, copper, aluminium | Depends | Usually less metal than large whitegoods |
The exact materials and quantities vary between appliances, brands and models.
If you’re clearing several appliances at once, it can be useful to have the entire load assessed rather than trying to estimate the value of each item separately.
Old washing machines can contain a significant amount of recyclable metal.
The outer cabinet and drum are commonly made from steel, while the motor, wiring and other components may contain copper or aluminium.
A washing machine that no longer works may still have scrap value even if repairing it is not economical.
If you’re replacing a washing machine during a renovation or moving house, consider whether the old unit can be recycled rather than simply discarded.
Common materials include:
Have other metal items to clear at the same time? You can also see North Shore Scrap Metals’ Scrap Metals service.
Clothes dryers contain metal in their cabinets, drums, motors and other internal components.
Depending on the model, a dryer may contain:
If your dryer is broken or beyond economical repair, scrap recycling can be an option.
For homeowners clearing multiple appliances, keeping the dryer together with other scrap can make the collection process simpler.
Many dishwashers contain stainless steel, steel and copper, along with other recyclable materials.
The stainless-steel interior found in some models can be separated during appropriate recycling processes.
Before sending a dishwasher for scrap, consider whether it is still functional. A working appliance may have reuse or resale value, while a damaged or uneconomical-to-repair unit may be more suitable for recycling.
Old ovens and stoves are another common source of household scrap metal.
Their construction can include:
Because ovens and stoves can be heavy, arranging appropriate collection can be easier than trying to transport them yourself.
If you’re renovating a kitchen and replacing several appliances, ask about recycling options before disposing of the old units.
Old hot-water systems can contain substantial amounts of metal, particularly steel. Some systems may also contain copper and other recyclable components.
Their size and weight can make them difficult to transport, particularly if you’re dealing with more than one unit.
If you’re replacing an old hot-water system, don’t automatically assume that general waste is the only disposal option. A scrap-metal recycler may be able to assess the unit for recycling.
Air-conditioning equipment can contain valuable recyclable materials such as:
Copper tubing and other metal components can make air-conditioning equipment different from ordinary household appliances.
However, air conditioners should not be dismantled or have refrigerant removed by someone without the appropriate qualifications and equipment.
If you have an old air conditioner, ask the recycler about the correct process before attempting to remove components yourself.
Old refrigerators and freezers contain recyclable metals including steel, aluminium and copper.
However, they require special consideration because refrigeration equipment can contain refrigerants.
Do not puncture, cut, dismantle or attempt to remove refrigerant from a refrigerator or freezer yourself.
Appropriate handling is important before the appliance is processed for scrap. NSW waste guidance also identifies refrigerators and other refrigeration equipment as items requiring specific handling during disposal and recycling.
If you’re replacing an old fridge or freezer, check the recycler’s requirements before arranging transport.
Microwaves can contain steel, aluminium, copper and other recyclable components.
You may also have other unwanted household items containing metal, such as:
The amount and type of recoverable metal varies considerably between products, so it’s best to check whether a particular item is accepted rather than assuming every appliance has the same scrap value.
There isn’t one fixed value for every appliance.
Two appliances of similar size can have very different scrap values because their metal content and construction can differ.
The main factors include:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Metal type | Copper, aluminium, stainless steel and steel have different values |
| Weight | Heavier items may contain more recyclable material |
| Metal grade | Different grades can have different market values |
| Condition | Contamination or mixed materials can affect classification |
| Quantity | Several items may be assessed as a combined load |
| Current market prices | Scrap-metal prices change over time |
This is why an old appliance shouldn’t be valued simply by its age or brand.
If you’re looking for an accurate assessment, provide the recycler with details of what you have and, where appropriate, photos of the appliances.
Yes. A household appliance does not necessarily need to work to have scrap value.
A broken washing machine, damaged oven or failed dryer can still contain recyclable steel, copper, aluminium or stainless steel.
A simple way to think about it is:
The value comes from the recyclable materials rather than whether the appliance can still function.
In most cases, you should not dismantle a household appliance simply to try to increase its scrap value.
Taking appliances apart can expose:
It can also make collection and transportation more difficult.
For refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, attempting to remove refrigerant yourself can create additional environmental and safety issues.
It’s generally better to ask the scrap-metal recycler whether the appliance should be left intact.
If you’re getting rid of several old appliances, a little preparation can make the process easier.
Before contacting a scrap-metal recycler:
You can also combine household appliances with other scrap metal you have available.
For example, if you’re clearing out a garage, you may have old appliances alongside copper wire, aluminium, brass or stainless-steel items.
When suitable appliances are sent through an appropriate recycling process, their recyclable materials can be recovered and processed for reuse.
A typical example is:
Old washing machine → metal components → sorting and processing → recovered steel and other metals → recycled material
Instead of allowing recyclable metal to become unnecessary waste, scrap recycling allows materials to re-enter the supply chain.
The exact process varies depending on the appliance and materials involved.
If you have old household appliances containing recyclable metal, North Shore Scrap Metals can assess the materials and explain the available options.
The business buys a range of scrap-metal categories, including:
You can see the complete range on the What We Buy page.
If your appliances contain copper components, you can learn more about Copper Scrap.
For aluminium-containing materials, see Aluminum Scrap.
If you’re dealing with stainless-steel appliances or other stainless-steel items, see Stainless Steel.
For mixed household metal, the Scrap Metals service can also be relevant.
Old appliances don’t have to sit indefinitely in your garage, shed or property.
Whether you have one unwanted appliance or a larger collection of household scrap, the first step is to identify what you have and find out whether the materials can be recycled.
North Shore Scrap Metals can help assess your scrap-metal items and explain the available options.
Have old appliances ready for recycling?
Contact North Shore Scrap Metals to discuss your scrap and request a quote.
Can I sell a washing machine for scrap metal in Sydney?
Yes. Washing machines contain recyclable metals such as steel and may also contain copper and aluminium components. Their scrap value depends on the appliance’s weight, metal composition, condition and current scrap-metal prices.
Are old refrigerators worth anything as scrap?
Old refrigerators contain recyclable metals such as steel, aluminium and copper. However, refrigerators may contain refrigerants and therefore require appropriate handling before they are processed. Do not dismantle or remove refrigerant from a refrigerator yourself.
Can I scrap an old dishwasher?
Yes, depending on the recycler’s acceptance requirements. Dishwashers can contain stainless steel, steel, copper and other recyclable materials.
Can I sell an old oven for scrap?
Yes. Ovens and stoves commonly contain steel and may also contain stainless steel, aluminium and copper components. The amount of recoverable metal varies between appliances.
Which household appliance contains the most scrap metal?
There is no single appliance that always contains the most valuable scrap. Large appliances such as washing machines, hot-water systems and some refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment can contain substantial amounts of metal, but the actual value depends on the materials and quantities present.
Should I remove copper from an appliance before selling it?
Not necessarily. Dismantling an appliance yourself can create safety and handling issues. It is better to ask the scrap-metal recycler whether the appliance should be left intact and how they prefer to receive it.
Can I scrap several appliances at once?
Yes, if the recycler accepts the types of appliances you have. If you’re clearing a home, garage, renovation site or business premises, you can ask about arranging the appliances as a combined scrap load.
What should I do with an appliance that still works?
If an appliance is safe and functional, consider resale, donation or reuse before sending it for scrap. If it is broken, obsolete or no longer economical to repair, scrap recycling may be a suitable option.
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