Stainless Steel PricesMETALMAX Recyclers
Sydney residents and businesses can trust that the price of scrap metal through Metal Max Recyclers is competitive in Sydney, and it's also transparent. Our current S/S and other common metal rates are below; information on factors that affect the price of these metals, and answers to the most frequently asked questions are below. Prices are per kg (kg) and assume the market conditions in Sydney at the time.
The answer to that question is ‘it depends’ on what kind of metal it is, what grade it's at and how clean it is, but stainless steel costs are generally between $1 and $3.80/kg — with cleaner 316 grade stainless metal being the highest value due to the inclusion of nickel and molybdenum.
304 Stainless Steel Prices
The most popular stainless grade in the kitchen sector and on kitchen furniture, appliances, and in kente fabric off-cuts is 304. It has chromium and nickel, making it very corrosion-resistant and having a consistent scrap value.
| Material | Price |
|---|---|
| Clean 304 | $1.50–$2.20/kg |
| Mixed 304 | $1.20–$2.00/kg |
316 Stainless Steel Prices
Molybdenum is added to 316 stainless, enhancing the ability to resist chlorides and corrosion; popular for marine hardware, medical hardware, and food processing plants. The higher amount of alloying elements means that 316, on average, is always more expensive than 304 per kilo.
| Material | Price |
|---|---|
| Clean 316 | $2.50–$3.80/kg |
| Mixed 316 | $2.00–$3.50/kg |
Common Stainless Steel Items We Buy
| Material | Price |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Sinks | $1–$2/kg |
| Benches | $1–$2/kg |
| Tanks | Custom Quote |
Due to the huge differences in size, wall thickness, and contamination seen with tanks, vessels, and large fabricated items of stainless steel, pricing of these items cannot be done “upfront” by the kilo, but must be quoted on a case-by-case basis after inspection.
Prices last reviewed: August 2026. As global stainless steel markets move daily, call 0474 887 007 for today's exact rate before you sell.
How Your Scrap Metal Price is Affecting You?
The price of scrap metal is not set in stone; it is in constant flux, based upon the physical condition that it is in when you go to recycle it as well as the global market. These are some of the factors that will determine what you'll receive:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Competition Charges & International Prices | Change every day; that's why current Global Metal Prices information exists. |
| Metal Grade | The higher the grade (for instance, 316 is more expensive than 304), the more money that is given back. |
| Type | Office and commercial truckloads are typically bid on a grade-by-grade basis. |
| Customer or Load Size | Larger loads typically receive better rates. |
| Clean Material | Metal free of contamination pays more. |
| Mixed Loads | Unsorted or mixed loads receive lower prices. |
| Rust, Paint & Coatings | Reduce the value of the metal. |
| Plastic/Rubber Attachments | Can lower the payout. |
| Accessibility | Difficult access may affect collection and pricing. |
| Bulk Commercial Loads | Large commercial quantities are priced by special arrangement. |
| Heavy Equipment Required | May require site inspection before pricing. |
As the price of metals fluctuates worldwide, please check current pricing with our crew for a drop-off or pickup, particularly if you are picking up or dropping off a commercial size.
How We Determine Scrap Metal Prices
Sydney scrap metal buyers and recyclers: Metal Max Recyclers can connect directly with licensed Sydney metal processors and are updated daily on the world's commodity market, and our averages quoted here will not be a guess; they will be the value of the metal that we're buying for recycling that we're quoting you.
Each load is physically graded: cleaned versus mixed, 304 versus 316, ferrous versus non-ferrous; and we employ industry-standard tests for each grading and don't begin quoting prices until we have received a grade.
We work within the regulations set by NSW EPA for waste and recycling; we have scales and processes which are designed to be transparent – quoted = paid – no hidden deductions after taking accepted material.
We always conduct the assessment in a generic, obligation-free, fair manner—whether you as a homeowner are removing an old sink and benchtop or a business is shutting down stainless tanks and equipment. Our pricing is also compared with current processor-sold rates and not arbitrary, as is some pricing elsewhere, so that our pricing systems are not faked out often just to make them “look good” but reflect a true market value. With Metal Max Recyclers, you're talking to the people that will count, grade and pay for your metal, not a broker that takes a margin before it goes to a processor!
Areas We Service Across Sydney
We offer services to all areas across Sydney.
Metal Max Recyclers pick up and accept all types of scrap metal that are recyclable, such as S/S, Brass, Copper, Aluminum, and other Metals from Apartments and Homes throughout Greater Sydney, such as the Inner West and Western Sydney, South Sydney and the North Shore.
If you are not certain that our phonebook is available for your area, contact us, and we will let you know if it is and, if it is, any factors we should consider, such as a call-out.
Other Metals We Recycle
Though we concentrate on stainless here, our recyclers are available for a wide variety of other metals, such as Copper, Brass, Aluminium, lead, and Mixed Ferrous Steel.
If your load includes a combination of metals (such as stainless steel), and a different grade and/or metal type, we are happy to sort and price each separately to ensure you get the most out of your load.
Our Scrap Metal Collection Process
- 1
Contact us — phone, text message, or go to our online form and provide information about the products you're recycling.
- 2
Get an estimate — they will do it based on the type, category, and approximate quantity of the metal that you are describing.
- 3
Pick up or drop off (we work around you – same-day collection where possible).
- 4
Calibrating and weighing on site — we check and weigh your material using calibrated scales.
- 5
Instant payment - paid the instant the load has been graded and confirmed.
Your grade will be posted as soon as you contact us, and you know what they are going to take out of your metal as soon as they grade your metal until you pay them.
Call 0474 887 007 | Email info@metalmaxrecyclers.com.au | WhatsApp Us
Tips to Get the Best Scrap Metal Price
- Separate your 304 stainless from your 316 stainless.
- Clean contamination such as rust, paint, plastic fittings and rubber seals.
- Combine your load to receive better rates.
- Call ahead for tanks, vessels and heavy equipment.
- Check the day's market rate before bringing large quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you think scrap stainless currently costs?
Prices of clean 316 stainless and clean 304 stainless vary, currently at $2.50–$3.80/kg and $1.50–$2.20/kg respectively, as they are not as easy to work with as stainless with no mixed or contaminated loads.
When comparing 316 stainless steel to 304, why is 316 stainless steel worth more than 304?
Compared to 304 stainless, 316 stainless has an advantage in terms of corrosion resistance due to its molybdenum content. This increases its worth to the processors, and it always fetches a higher price per kilo as compared to 304.
Purchasing stainless steel tanks and big equipment?
Yes. Tanks and items of a different size than typical custom-made parts are quoted based on inspection for value; if value depends on size, wall thickness, condition, and the accessibility and removal of the item, a custom quote will be provided.
Is stainless steel still valuable if it is dirty/rusty?
Sure, but at a lesser rate. Whether as a result of rust, paint, attached plastic, or rubber, usable metal is reduced, resulting in a decline in price per kilo.
Do the prices of metals from the scrap change every day?
Yes. Prices fluctuate according to the commodity market of the world and within a day. We recommend giving us a call before any big drop-off, sale, or commercial collection to get the current rate.
Does your business provide free estimates for commercial and/or bulk loads?
Yes. Assessment of bulk commercial loads is conducted on each load, and we will give a FREE no-obligation quote based on volume, metal, and site conditions.
What's the lowest amount of scrap metal that will be picked up?
Small domestic loads or large commercial loads. Sometimes pick-up may be better for smaller amounts, and often a massive amount of waste will qualify for scheduled pick-up and better rates.
Pricing Disclaimer
Please note: The prices above should only be used as a general guide and may vary based on the size of the load, metal grade and condition, contamination levels, site accessibility, and local and worldwide commodity prices. To ensure accurate and transparent pricing for each customer, the metal scrap recyclers are ready to give an obligation-free quotation after assessing your material to give you detailed price quotations.
METALMAX Recyclers, Sydney’s trusted scrap metal recycling service since 2008. Licensed, insured, and eco-certified. See how our stainless steel rates compare with copper scrap prices Sydney, or read more about METALMAX Recyclers. Call 0474 887 007 or get a free quote today.
Comprehensive Sydney Coverage
Serving all areas of Sydney including Northern Beaches, South Sydney, Western Sydney, and regional areas. See our full scrap metal price guide for other metals we buy.
Sell Your Stainless Steel Scrap Today
Get cash for stainless steel in Sydney with same-day pickup and instant payment. Call 0474 887 007 or get a free quote.