How Much Is Scrap Aluminium Worth in Melbourne

If you have old aluminium sitting in the shed, left over from a renovation, or building up on a job site, you may be wondering what it is actually worth. The short answer: aluminium is one of the more valuable non-ferrous metals in the Melbourne scrap market right now, and in 2026 prices are tracking significantly higher than they were a few years ago. Depending on the grade and condition, Melbourne sellers are currently receiving between $0.80 and $2.80 per kilogram.

At Sky Scrap Metal in Dandenong, we buy all types of scrap aluminium from homeowners, tradies, and businesses across Melbourne’s south-east. This guide breaks down grades, current pricing, what drives the market, and how to maximise what you receive when you sell.

Why Aluminium Is One of the Most Consistently Valued Scrap Metals

Aluminium is in demand across construction, transport, manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure. What makes it particularly attractive as scrap is that recycling aluminium requires around 95 per cent less energy than producing new aluminium from raw bauxite ore. Manufacturers are actively competing for reliable recycled supply, which keeps local scrap pricing strong.

In 2026, several additional factors are driving Melbourne aluminium prices higher than the historical average: a recovery in building approvals across Victoria, sustained demand from China following policy changes encouraging recycled metal use, and a weaker Australian dollar making locally sourced scrap more attractive to export buyers.

Where Does Scrap Aluminium Come From?

You may have more aluminium than you realise. Common sources we see at Sky Scrap Metal include:

• Window and door frames from renovations or demolitions
• Roof sheeting, wall cladding, and guttering from building projects
• Alloy car wheels, engine blocks, and vehicle body components
• Solar panel frames and mounting rails
• Electrical cable with aluminium conductors
• Scaffolding, ladders, and construction profiles
• Old appliances with aluminium casings
• Beverage cans and food packaging in bulk

Whether you are clearing a garage, completing a renovation, or managing waste from a commercial worksite, aluminium scrap adds up quickly and is worth turning into cash.

Scrap Aluminium Prices in Melbourne: 2026 Indicative Rates

Aluminium pricing varies based on grade, purity, and condition. The table below reflects current Melbourne market ranges as of April 2026.

Price Disclaimer: Price ranges above are compiled from publicly available third-party market data including West Metal Recycling, OzScrap Melbourne, EcoScrap Metal, and Vic Star Metals (accessed April 2026). This data is used for general reference purposes only. Sky Scrap Metal is not affiliated with these sources and makes no representation that these prices will be available at the time of reading. Prices change daily. These figures do not constitute a quote or offer. Contact Sky Scrap Metal on 0402 757 290 for current rates.

What Affects the Price You Receive for Scrap Aluminium?

Grade and purity. Clean extrusion aluminium such as window frames and architectural profiles is one of the highest-value grades in the market because it is a consistent alloy. Contaminated or mixed loads will always be assessed at the lowest grade in the mix, so separation matters.

Preparation. Removing plastic caps, rubber seals, steel fixings, and insulation from your aluminium before bringing it in pushes the material into a higher pricing bracket. A few minutes of preparation can mean a meaningfully better rate per kilogram.

Quantity. Larger volumes attract stronger rates. If you are bringing in a significant load of clean extrusion or sheet aluminium, you are in a better position to negotiate than someone with a small mixed bag.

Market conditions. Aluminium prices move daily based on the London Metal Exchange (LME), the Australian dollar exchange rate, and local supply and demand. At Sky Scrap Metal, we track market rates continuously and pass competitive pricing through to our customers.

How to Get the Best Price for Your Scrap Aluminium in Melbourne

• Separate aluminium from other metals before bringing it in. Mixed loads are priced at the lowest grade in the mix.
• Remove screws, plastic fittings, rubber seals, and bolts from window and door frames where safe and practical to do so.
• Keep different grades separate. Extrusion, sheet, cast, and cable are all priced differently.
• Strip insulation from aluminium electrical cable if it is safe to do so. Bare cable fetches more than insulated.
• Drain all fluids from engine blocks and mechanical components before dropping off.
• Call ahead or send a photo for a quick estimate before making the trip, particularly for larger loads.

How Sky Scrap Metal Handles Your Aluminium Scrap

When you arrive at our yard in Dandenong or we come to you for a collection, the process is simple. We inspect your material, weigh it accurately using calibrated digital scales, and provide a final price before any transaction takes place. There are no hidden deductions after the fact and no surprises at the weigh-in.

For large volumes or businesses with ongoing aluminium waste, we can arrange regular bin placement and scheduled pickups. We work with builders, electricians, solar installers, HVAC technicians, and manufacturers across Melbourne. We are fully licensed, have over a decade of industry experience, and our relationships with Australia’s major metal wholesalers mean we can consistently offer competitive rates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Aluminium in Melbourne

Q. How much is scrap aluminium worth per kg in Melbourne right now?

In April 2026, clean extrusion aluminium (window frames, architectural profiles) is fetching around $1.80 to $2.80 per kg at competitive Melbourne scrap yards. Sheet aluminium is typically $1.40 to $2.20 per kg, cast aluminium $0.90 to $1.50 per kg, and mixed or contaminated loads from $0.50 to $0.90 per kg. Prices move daily with the LME, so call Sky Scrap Metal on 0402 757 290 for a current rate on your specific material.

Q. How do I know what grade my aluminium is?

The easiest way to identify your grade is by what it came from. Window and door frames are nearly always extrusion aluminium, one of the higher-value grades. Roofing and cladding panels are typically sheet aluminium. Engine blocks and gear housings are cast aluminium. If you are unsure, send us a photo and we can give you an assessment before you come in.

Q. Does aluminium need to be clean to be accepted?

We accept aluminium in most conditions, including painted, powder-coated, and mixed loads. However, the cleaner and more consistent your material, the better the rate you receive. Removing plastic fittings, steel screws, and rubber seals from window frames, for example, can increase the price you receive significantly. Clean, sorted aluminium is always assessed at a higher grade than contaminated or mixed material.

Q. Can I sell small amounts of aluminium or do I need a large load?

You can bring in any amount to our Dandenong yard during opening hours. There is no minimum for a drop-off. For collection services and bin placements, a minimum volume applies, so give us a call to discuss. Either way, you are paid on the spot after weighing, regardless of the quantity.

Q. Can you collect my scrap aluminium rather than me having to drop it off?

Yes. For residential loads and smaller volumes, give us a call and we will assess whether a pickup is practical. For larger commercial and industrial quantities, including job site cleanouts and factory waste, we offer scheduled collection services across Melbourne’s south-east. Call 0402 757 290 or send us a photo through the website contact form to get the conversation started.

Q. Do I need ID to sell scrap aluminium in Victoria?

Yes. Under Victorian law, all scrap metal dealers are required to collect valid photo identification from sellers as part of every transaction. This is a legal requirement that applies across all licensed scrap yards in Victoria, including Sky Scrap Metal. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s licence, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.

Q. Why are scrap aluminium prices higher in 2026 than in previous years?

Several factors are contributing to stronger aluminium prices in Melbourne in 2026. A significant recovery in Victoria’s building and construction sector has increased local demand for recycled aluminium. At the same time, China has introduced policy changes encouraging the use of recycled metals over newly mined material, which is driving export demand. A weaker Australian dollar is also making locally sourced scrap more attractive to overseas buyers. Together, these factors are keeping Melbourne aluminium prices at the higher end of the historical range.

Q. What is the difference between extrusion and cast aluminium?

Extrusion aluminium is produced by pressing heated aluminium through a shaped die to create consistent profiles like window frames, structural sections, and tubes. It is a high-purity, consistent alloy and commands a higher scrap price. Cast aluminium is produced by pouring molten aluminium into moulds, which is used for complex shapes like engine blocks, gearboxes, and pump housings. Cast aluminium contains a wider range of alloy elements, which makes it lower-purity and therefore lower-priced at the scrap yard.

Ready to Sell Your Scrap Aluminium in Melbourne?

The quickest way to find out exactly what your aluminium is worth is to get in touch with the team at Sky Scrap Metal. You can call, send a photo through our website form, or simply drop in to our Dandenong yard during business hours.

Call us: 0402 757 290  |  03 8753 6373

Visit us: 297 Hammond Road, Dandenong VIC 3175

Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 12:30pm

We pay instantly on the day, every time.