Well-prepared scrap metal gets better prices and makes the collection process faster and smoother. Follow these steps to maximise what you get for your Auckland scrap.
Step 1: Identify Your Metals
Use the magnet test as a starting point. Steel and iron will attract a magnet strongly. Copper, aluminium, brass, and stainless steel are non-magnetic (or weakly magnetic in some stainless grades).
Step 2: Sort Into Categories
Create separate piles for: copper, aluminium, steel, stainless, brass, lead. Even a rough sort will increase what you receive — mixed metals are almost always priced at the lowest-grade metal in the mix.
Step 3: Remove Non-Metal Attachments
- Rubber seals and gaskets from aluminium extrusions
- Plastic conduit from electrical copper wire (if quick to remove)
- Wood or plastic components from steel shelving or furniture
- Concrete from rebar where practical
Step 4: Keep It Dry
Wet metal may be weighed with water content and downgraded. Store scrap under cover if possible before collection or drop-off.
Step 5: Access for Collection
Ensure your collection point is accessible for a truck — a clear driveway or yard access. Let us know if there are access restrictions when booking.