Air Conditioner Scrap Pricesin Sydney 2026
When replacing an old air conditioner, be it a split system, a ducted unit, or a bank of old window units, the first question that always crops up is: what is it worth? Metal Max Recyclers is a cash-on-the-spot Greater Sydney Air Con Recycling company that pays for scrap air conditioning based on metal content, condition, and size of the AC units. Here's our latest price guide, here are some of the things that drive prices up or down, and here are some answers to the questions we receive most often.
Sydney's recycling of metal goes back to 2008, and one of the most common items collected from property owners, management, tradies, and commercial sites is air conditioners. While the various parts of the AC may vary in their metal values, they generally consist of valuable components such as copper coils and tubing, aluminum fins, steel casing, and in some cases, brass fittings, making them worthy of proper recycling rather than disposal in landfills.
Current Air Conditioner Scrap Prices
We provide the present price for air conditioner scrap all over the region.
| Material | Price |
|---|---|
| Split System (indoor/outdoor split) | $20–$120 each |
| Outdoor Unit | $30–$180 each |
| Indoor Unit | $10–$60 each |
| Window Air Conditioner | $15–$80 each |
| Ducted Unit | $150–$800 each |
| Commercial Air Conditioner | Custom Quote |
The prices are indicative of the amount we generally collect in Sydney per unit. Ducted systems or commercial units come at a wider price range due to the amount of copper and aluminum that is present, the size of the unit, brand, and condition of the unit. For commercial air conditioning removals, such as office blocks, factories, or retail fit-outs, we do an individual assessment of each project and offer no-cost quotes.
Several Different Factors Can Impact the Value of Your Air Conditioner
Scrap metal prices do not remain the same, but fluctuate due to a number of practical considerations. So, what makes up what we can afford for your unit:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Current Global Metal Prices | This is the current market price in global markets that may vary from day to day depending on the copper, aluminum, and steel markets. |
| Metal Grade | The higher the grade, the higher the copper and aluminum content, and hence the higher the price. |
| Quantity | If the shipment is more than one unit, bulk rates apply, and if it is the largest shipment, even more favorable rates. |
| Clean Material | Units that are cleaned (debris-free and without contamination) yield a higher payout. |
| Mixed Metals | Units that recognize at least two varying metal types, but are not capable of separating them, will pay out less. |
| Rust & Contamination | Corrosion/cleanliness may decrease value. |
| Attached Plastic/Rubber | Casings, hoses, or insulation left attached can reduce the cost. |
| Accessibility | Difficult access (rooftops, tight spaces) can impact collection and pricing. |
| Bulk Commercial Loads | Large commercial jobs are priced as they are tailored for you. |
| Heavy Equipment Required | Units requiring the use of a crane or specialist lift may need a site inspection first. |
Given the daily volatility of copper and aluminum prices on commodity markets, the amount you'll receive for your air conditioner may change weekly. Current rates are checked before collection, you always know what you are collecting for!
Why Recycle Your Air Conditioner With Metal Max Recyclers
Don't throw old ACs in the general waste. They contain copper, aluminum, and steel, which are 100% recoverable and reusable, thereby helping to reduce fresh mining and manufacturing. Since 2008, we've been a licensed and insured scrap metal recycling facility, providing safe services throughout Sydney using the right equipment and proper processing and recycling of waste, and adhering to eco certification standards.
- Same-day and next-day delivery service to Western Sydney, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, and South Sydney across greater Sydney
- Free collection for loads that meet the minimum quantities required
- Cash paid on-site upon weighing and assessment of your unit
- No experience is required; we do the lifting, disconnection, and removal
- Experienced in legal processes; licensed and insured with over 15,000 successful collections and more than 15 years' experience
It could be a single split system mounted on a wall, a full home-renovation system, or many units, such as those pulled from a rooftop, and we know how to weigh up the job and get you a reasonable and honest price before we pick it up.
How to Get Paid for Your Scrap Air Conditioner
There's no standard payout for a recycled air conditioner. Here's how the process works:
- 1
Call us, text us on WhatsApp, or fill out our online form with a description or photo of your unit(s).
- 2
Get an estimate for the kind of AC units, their size, and their condition.
- 3
Arrange a pickup at a convenient time in most Sydney suburbs same day.
- 4
Get paid on pickup after weighing and double-checking your units.
For the bigger commercial jobs, we will be able to arrange a speedy visit to the site first, ensuring the access requirements have been confirmed and an accurate custom quote made.
Frequently AskedQuestions
How much is a scrap air conditioner worth in Sydney?
Most residential split system air conditioners are worth between $20 and $120 depending on size and condition, while outdoor units alone can bring $30 to $180. Ducted systems, which contain far more copper and aluminum, typically range from $150 to $800. Commercial units are priced individually with a custom quote.
Do you pay more for outdoor units than indoor units?
Yes. Outdoor units generally contain more copper coil, aluminum finning, and compressor material, so they’re usually worth more than indoor units, which are lighter and contain less recoverable metal.
Does the brand or age of the air conditioner affect the price?
Brand doesn’t significantly affect scrap value, but age can. Older units sometimes use more copper in their coils compared to newer, lighter-gauge models, which can occasionally increase their scrap value.
Do I need to remove the gas or refrigerant before recycling?
It’s best to have a licensed technician safely decommission and remove any refrigerant gas before scrapping, as required under Australian regulations. If this hasn’t been done, let us know when booking so we can advise on the right process.
Can I sell multiple air conditioners together?
Yes, and it’s usually worth more. Bulk loads, whether from a renovation, an office clean-out, or a property manager clearing several units, typically receive better rates than single-item collections.
Do you collect commercial or ducted air conditioning systems?
Yes. We collect commercial AC systems, ducted units, and rooftop packaged units across Sydney. Because these vary widely in size and metal content, we provide a custom quote after assessing the job, and larger installations may need a quick site inspection.
Is there a minimum quantity for free collection?
We offer free collection across greater Sydney for loads that meet our minimum quantity requirements. Single small units may still be collected, but it’s best to check with our team when booking.
How quickly can you collect my old air conditioner?
We offer same-day or next-day collection for most Sydney locations, with flexible scheduling to suit your timeline.
Pricing Disclaimer
Please note: these prices are for guidance only and may differ depending upon the size of the project, the type of surface, whether access requirements apply, whether preparation work is required, and how complicated the job is. A detailed, obligation-free quotation is given following an assessment of your property by Metal Max Recyclers, providing you with accurate and transparent pricing.
Sell Your Scrap Air Conditioner Today
Since 2008, Metal Max Recyclers has provided a licensed and insured business to recycle scrap metal in Merrylands, NSW, providing services to the greater Sydney area and everything in between. For a free quote, please call 0474 887 007 or send us an email at info@metalmaxrecyclers.com.au.