What's a Brass Tap / Mixer Worth in Scrap?
A typical brass tap / mixer (1 kg) is worth about $7–$10 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $8.37). Brass makes up about 100% of that value. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical brass tap / mixer's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical brass tap / mixer weighs 1kg total. Here's where the value comes from — sorted by component, with the metal type, grade, and estimated payout.
| Component | Metal & grade | Weight (kg) | Est. mid value (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass body with internal seals; chrome plating is acceptable | Brass · Plumbing Brass | 1.0 | $8.37 |
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass spot price | A$15.21/kg | Calculated: 67% copper + 33% zinc (MetalpriceAPI) | Our calculation from feed prices | |
| Typical brass tap / mixer weight and metal content | 1 kg | Our estimate of a typical unit (shown in the breakdown above) | Our estimate | |
| Grade payout rates | 12–78% of spot | Our estimate from published yard rate cards | Our estimate |
Spot prices are converted to Australian dollars per kilogram. Yard payouts are our estimates (spot × grade payout rate × regional factor), not quotes from any yard. Full detail: methodology.
How yards handle a brass tap / mixer
Taps go on the brass scale and yards weigh them on gross weight, chrome plating and all. The plating does not affect the grade. What does is anything that is not brass: plastic handles, ceramic cartridges, steel fixing nuts and rubber washers. Yards either deduct for them or drop the lot to a mixed brass grade, so break the plastic off and pull the steel before you go. The cartridge in a mixer is worth pulling out only if you have a box of taps from a plumbing job; on one tap it is not. The mistake is a bag of taps with plastic and steel still attached. A single tap is not a trip. Save them up.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Chrome plating doesn't reduce the brass value — yards accept as-is
- → Mixer taps often contain a brass cartridge that's worth separating if you have many
Where to sell a brass tap / mixer
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a brass tap / mixer. Use our city directory to find yards in your area and see region-specific rates — payouts in regional and remote areas are typically lower than capital cities due to transport costs.
For larger items, call ahead to confirm pickup arrangements or weighbridge access. Most yards have minimum drop-off weights.
Other plumbing hardware
Frequently asked questions
How much is a brass tap / mixer worth in scrap? +
A brass tap / mixer is worth approximately $7.11 to $9.62 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $8.37. The exact amount depends on the city you sell in (yards in remote cities pay less due to transport costs), the condition of the components, and how well the item is prepared before drop-off.
What metals are in a brass tap / mixer? +
A typical brass tap / mixer contains 1kg of brass, totalling about 1kg. The brass component contributes the most value (around $8.37), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a brass tap / mixer for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Chrome plating doesn't reduce the brass value — yards accept as-is (2) Mixer taps often contain a brass cartridge that's worth separating if you have many
Where can I sell a brass tap / mixer for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a brass tap / mixer. See our <a href="/cities/">city directory</a> for region-specific yards and rates. Larger items may need pickup arrangement or weighbridge access — call ahead to confirm hours and acceptance.
Is it worth scrapping a single brass tap / mixer? +
At $8.37 mid estimate, a brass tap / mixer is worth scrapping if you're already taking other items to the yard. As a standalone trip, only if the yard is nearby.