Is it too late to start collecting and recycling scrap metal so you can earn an extra income? At Danny Scrap Metal, we say absolutely not. Gathering old metal cutoffs and selling them to a local scrap metal company in Melbourne is still a viable way to earn an extra income. Getting started is also a lot easier than you think.
Let’s take a look at how you can start recycling scrap metal and how you can get your first profits early in 2026.
Start By Identifying Your Scrap Metal Niche
What metals will you be collecting and reselling? Most scrap metal collectors will grab onto anything they can find. This is a good approach – if the scrap metal can be obtained for free. A different set of rules does, however, apply if you are buying scrap metal to resell.
Every metal is unique, and some types can yield higher profits than others. It is important to know your metal prices and to focus on metals that can generate the highest return on investment.
In most cases, it is better to focus on metals that fetch a higher price. Metals like copper, aluminium, stainless steel, and brass can be purchased at a higher rate because you can still make a good profit on the metal since landfills pay more per kilo.
With ferrous metals like iron, you do need to be a bit cautious. The resale price for iron and steel is a lot lower compared to other metals. With these metals, you do need to be careful not to spend too much, or you might not be able to profit from the resale.
Metal Conditions Can Matter
Non-ferrous metals are as good as gold, no matter how old the metal might be. Recyclers should be a bit more careful with iron and mixed metals. Iron can decrease in value if it is very old and rusted. The price of mixed metals can also decline if the metal contains a lot of iron or if the metal contains contaminants like plastic components.
What You Need to Start Buying and Selling Scrap Metal
In Melbourne, anyone can become a scrap metal reseller. You don’t even need a lot of equipment to get started. Here is what you will need for your first sale.
- Magnet – A magnet will make it easier to identify ferrous and non-ferrous metals, so you can sort your metal by type.
- Weighing Scale – Use a scale to accurately weigh your metal. This can give you a good idea of what you can expect when selling the metal.
- Tools – You will need some equipment, such as a hammer, screwdriver, and wire cutter. These tools are needed to prepare the metal. Non-metal components need to be stripped away, and wires need to be cleaned. Without this process, your profits can greatly decline.
- Transport – You will need to transport metal to the scrap company. This won’t be a problem if you manage to collect a large pile of metal. At Danny Scrap Metal, we are happy to come to your location for a pickup if your metal pile is big enough.
- Safety Equipment – You should protect your feet, hands, and eyes while working with hard and sharp metal objects.
Start Your Search
First, check your own property for waste materials, old metal equipment, white appliances, wiring, or an old vehicle that you can sell. After this, you can branch out and look towards auto shops, small businesses, and construction companies for unused or unwanted metal.
Find the Best Scrap Metal Company to Sell To
Making your first profits from scrap metal is very easy. All you have to do is bring your metal to Danny Scrap Metal or call our team to come and collect a large pile of metal or a vehicle. Our licensed scrap metal dealers will purchase any metal you can collect, and we offer the highest payout rates in Melbourne for quality metal.
Contact Danny Scrap Metal now to find out more about our company or to start selling.