What's a Copper Hot Water Cylinder (Older) Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical copper hot water cylinder (older)'s metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical copper hot water cylinder (older) weighs 40kg 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner copper tank — older Australian HWS units | Copper · #1 Copper | 18.0 | $226.71 |
| Outer steel jacket | Steel · Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) | 22.0 | $1.66 |
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → These older units are far more valuable than modern steel-tank ones — verify with a magnet (copper tank is non-magnetic)
- → Separating the copper inner from the steel outer takes effort but roughly doubles the return
- → Many yards will buy them whole at a blended rate
Safety & legal notes
Older cylinders may have asbestos lagging between the inner and outer tank. Do not power-tool or break the seam without checking — if asbestos is present, specialist disposal is mandatory.
Where to sell a copper hot water cylinder (older)
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a copper hot water cylinder (older). 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 copper hot water cylinder (older) worth in scrap? +
A copper hot water cylinder (older) is worth approximately $194.11 to $262.62 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $228.37. 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 copper hot water cylinder (older)? +
A typical copper hot water cylinder (older) contains 18kg of copper, 22kg of steel, totalling about 40kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $226.71), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a copper hot water cylinder (older) for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) These older units are far more valuable than modern steel-tank ones — verify with a magnet (copper tank is non-magnetic) (2) Separating the copper inner from the steel outer takes effort but roughly doubles the return (3) Many yards will buy them whole at a blended rate
Where can I sell a copper hot water cylinder (older) for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a copper hot water cylinder (older). 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 copper hot water cylinder (older)? +
At $228.37 mid estimate, a copper hot water cylinder (older) is generally worth scrapping. Proper preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the range — see the prep tips above.
Are there any safety or legal considerations with scrapping a copper hot water cylinder (older)? +
Older cylinders may have asbestos lagging between the inner and outer tank. Do not power-tool or break the seam without checking — if asbestos is present, specialist disposal is mandatory.