Stainless steel is one of the most valuable metals you can bring in for cash, yet a lot of people are not sure what they have or what it is worth. This guide is written for tradies, home renovators and businesses across Queensland who want to recycle stainless steel the right way. At Action Metal Recyclers we have been buying and exporting scrap metal for over 50 years, so we know stainless steel well. Let’s take a closer look at how you can scrap your stainless steel for cash.
Why recycle stainless steel?
Stainless steel has a long service life and it is 100% recyclable, which makes it a strong environmental performer. It also contains valuable raw materials like nickel and chromium, and that mix is what makes stainless steel so desirable in the recycling industry. Recycling it preserves resources, reduces emissions and cuts the energy needed to make new metal. You keep good material out of landfill and get paid for it.
Common stainless steel grades: 304 and 316
The two most common stainless steel grades we recycle are stainless 304 and stainless 316. Stainless 304 is made up of iron, chromium and nickel, with a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. You will find it in kitchen equipment, household appliances, hose clamps, exhaust manifolds, storage tanks, pressure vessels, piping, tubes, bars, rails, sheets and plates.
Stainless 316 is alloyed with molybdenum, which usually attracts a higher price. It is used in chemical processing, in coastal and high-saline areas, and in medical and surgical instruments. The catch is that 304 and 316 look practically identical, so the grade often needs to be checked by an expert before you get an accurate figure.
What are stainless steel turnings?
Stainless steel turnings are the clean offcuts and shavings left behind from machining. To be accepted, turnings should contain a minimum of 7% nickel and 16% chrome and be free of nonferrous metals, nonmetallics, excessive iron, oil and other contaminants. Clean, well-sorted turnings are worth more, so keep them separate from your other steel and scrap.
How to get the best stainless steel price
The best thing you can do is sort your stainless steel and keep it clean and free of other metals. Because 304 and 316 are so hard to tell apart, it pays to drop into one of our sites with a sample so our expert scrap buyers can test it and give you an accurate quote. If you want to know more about grades and sorting, our steel recycling guide is a good place to start.
Recycle your stainless steel with Action Metal Recyclers
Got a load of stainless steel ready to go? For bigger jobs, you can book a scrap metal bin or use our mobile Weigh and Pay service, and you are welcome to use our public weighbridge any time. Drop into your nearest Queensland scrap metal recycling yard or contact our team for a quote today.
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