What's a Clothes Dryer (Electric) Worth in Scrap?
A typical clothes dryer (electric) (32 kg) is worth about $14–$20 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $17.01). Copper makes up about 82% of that value. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical clothes dryer (electric)'s metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical clothes dryer (electric) weighs 32kg 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet and drum | Steel · Light Steel | 22.0 | $1.11 |
| Motor windings and heating element wires | Copper · #2 Copper | 1.2 | $13.93 |
| Motor housing | Aluminium · Cast Aluminium | 0.8 | $1.97 |
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper spot price | A$20.01/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Aluminium spot price | A$4.48/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Steel spot price | A$0.42/kg | Fixed site estimate of A$0.42/kg | Fixed estimate, not a market feed | |
| Typical clothes dryer (electric) weight and metal content | 32 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. Set when the site launched on 2026-05-16 and not updated since. No live steel scrap price feed is used. Full detail: methodology.
How yards handle a clothes dryer (electric)
A dryer is mostly thin cabinet steel and a drum of the same material, so yards weigh it whole as light steel with little argument at the scale. The motor is small and the heating element sits in a steel housing, so the only piece worth lifting out is the motor itself, and even that only if you are already stripping other machines the same day. The element wiring is not worth the time. Lint is the downgrade risk. A drum packed with fluff and a duct full of it reads as contamination, and some yards will knock the whole unit back rather than argue about it. On its own a dryer is a marginal trip. Combine it with a washer or a fridge run.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Clean out lint trap and ducting
- → Power cord can be stripped or sold as insulated copper
Where to sell a clothes dryer (electric)
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a clothes dryer (electric). 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 household appliances
Frequently asked questions
How much is a clothes dryer (electric) worth in scrap? +
A clothes dryer (electric) is worth approximately $14.46 to $19.57 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $17.01. 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 clothes dryer (electric)? +
A typical clothes dryer (electric) contains 22kg of steel, 1.2kg of copper, 0.8kg of aluminium, totalling about 32kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $13.93), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a clothes dryer (electric) for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Clean out lint trap and ducting (2) Power cord can be stripped or sold as insulated copper
Where can I sell a clothes dryer (electric) for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a clothes dryer (electric). 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 clothes dryer (electric)? +
At $17.01 mid estimate, a clothes dryer (electric) is worth scrapping if you're already taking other items to the yard. As a standalone trip, only if the yard is nearby.