What's a Car Alternator Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical car alternator's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical car alternator weighs 5kg 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | Steel · Light Steel | 2.5 | $0.13 |
| Stator windings | Copper · #2 Copper | 1.5 | $17.89 |
| End caps | Aluminium · Cast Aluminium | 1.0 | $2.54 |
How yards handle a car alternator
Alternators are priced per unit at most yards rather than by the kilogram, and that per-unit rate already accounts for the copper stator inside, so ask for it rather than letting the alternator go on the light steel scale with the rest of a load. Cracking one open to recover the copper takes longer than it is worth and often ends with a downgraded pile of mixed parts. Leave it whole. The aluminium end caps are not worth separating either. The mistake is dropping an alternator loose into a steel bin, where it gets weighed as steel and paid as such. Keep it separate and hand it over on its own. A single alternator is not a trip; several are worth bringing in with a battery or motor run.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Yards often price these per unit rather than per kilogram — ask for the unit rate
- → Cracking one open for copper is rarely worth the time
Where to sell a car alternator
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a car alternator. 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 vehicle parts
Frequently asked questions
How much is a car alternator worth in scrap? +
A car alternator is worth approximately $17.47 to $23.63 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $20.56. 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 car alternator? +
A typical car alternator contains 2.5kg of steel, 1.5kg of copper, 1kg of aluminium, totalling about 5kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $17.89), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a car alternator for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Yards often price these per unit rather than per kilogram — ask for the unit rate (2) Cracking one open for copper is rarely worth the time
Where can I sell a car alternator for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a car alternator. 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 car alternator? +
At $20.56 mid estimate, a car alternator is generally worth scrapping. Proper preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the range — see the prep tips above.