If you’ve got a used alternator (or several) in Sydney or the surrounding region, you could turn it into some cash. Alternators contain copper windings and non-ferrous metals which make them valuable to scrap metal recyclers.
Below is a locally oriented guide from the experts at cash for cars company, Metro Car Removal, to what you might expect, who to contact, and tips to maximise your return.
Current Prices For Scrap Alternators
Unlike high-value parts like catalytic converters, alternators typically don’t fetch enormous amounts, but they still have worth.
Here’s what local recyclers and scrap motor buyers in Sydney suggest:
These indicators suggest there is active demand in the Sydney market for alternators, especially as part of the “electric motor / non-ferrous parts” stream.
What Typical Scrap Alternator Prices Are In Sydney
Because the actual offer depends heavily on copper content and condition, what you get can vary. Below is a rough estimate based on local rates and scrap motor benchmarks:
| Scenario | Estimated Value (AUD) | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller alternator (common passenger car), decent condition | ~$5 to $25 | If it’s compact and moderate copper content |
| Larger alternator (bigger engine, heavier build) | ~$20 to $50+ | Heavier unit with more copper may command more |
| Alternator in poor/corroded or damaged state | Minimal, mostly for parts or scrap metal only | If windings are damaged, core is compromised |
| Batch of alternators (5+ units) | Higher average per unit | Bulk deals reduce processing overhead |
As an example: if a mixed motor scrap rate is around AUD $1.00 to $1.20/kg for motors with copper content in Sydney, an alternator of, say, 3 kg might gross around AUD $3-4.00, though recyclers will likely adjust upward (for decent copper fraction) or downward (for damaged or lower copper content).
But remember, that’s a base reference. The buyer’s own costs (labour, refining, transport) will reduce your net offer.
How Buyers In Sydney and NSW Assess Your Alternator
When you sell an alternator to a scrapyard or a scrap metal recycler, they usually assess it by:
- Weighing the unit — Gross weight gives a base metric.
- Estimating copper vs aluminium vs steel content — The internal copper windings are its most valuable component.
- Condition, corrosion, damage — If the wiring is broken, insulation damaged, parts corroded, they may discount.
- Ease of dismantling / cleaning — Units from which non-metal parts (plastic covers, attachments) are already removed may be preferred.
- Batch / volume — Multiple units reduce per-unit processing overhead.
- Current scrap metal / copper market rates — Fluctuations in copper / non-ferrous pricing influence what buyers are willing to pay.
Also, because alternators are small, transport and handling costs are nontrivial, local buyers give you an advantage over distant ones.
When contacting them, be ready with:
- Make, model, year of the vehicle (if known)
- Photos of the alternator (outside & inside if visible)
- Any part / casting numbers or labels
- Whether it is intact, damaged, corroded
- Whether you can drop off, or require pickup
As a tip, recyclers often offer free pickup for larger loads or if you’re in their service area, which can save you transport hassles.
How To Get The Best Price For Scrap Parts
To get the best possible offer, consider:
- Remove non-metal / plastic parts if it is safe to do so (which helps reduce “waste weight”)
- Bundle multiple alternators into one deal — the more you supply, the more negotiating power you have
- Get multiple quotes — different recyclers may value the same unit differently
- Choose local buyers — less transport cost means more net for you
- Time your sale — when copper / non-ferrous metal prices are up, you may receive better offers
- Take clean, clear photos — good visuals, showing wiring and condition, help the recycler assess remotely
- Ask about payment method / turnaround — cash, EFT, same day, etc.
If you’re looking for speed, convenience and a guaranteed payout, selling the whole car to Metro Car Removal is often the smarter move, not only does it put some cash in your pocket but also contributes to a healthier environment.
Metro Car Removal
At Metro Car Removal, we are a top rated cash for cars company in Sydney offering FREE car removal across and pay you cash on the spot, even for junk, old, or damaged vehicles.
Here’s why people love us:
- No hidden costs or towing fees
- We come to your location anywhere in Sydney or Greater Sydney
- We pay competitive prices for all vehicles
- Environmentally responsible disposal & recycling
We’re not just scrapping cars, we’re extracting value and offering convenience to you! And in today’s busy world, that sounds pretty good to me!