What's a Desktop Computer Tower Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical desktop computer tower's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical desktop computer tower weighs 8kg 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case and chassis | Steel · Light Steel | 4.0 | $0.20 |
| CPU heatsink, fan housings | Aluminium · Cast Aluminium | 0.5 | $1.25 |
| Power supply transformer, cabling | Copper · #2 Copper | 0.3 | $3.13 |
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Hard drives contain rare-earth magnets — some yards pay extra for whole drives
- → Motherboards and CPUs are valued for precious metal content by specialist e-waste processors, not general scrap
- → Wipe data before drop-off
Safety & legal notes
Do not put computers in council kerbside scrap — they require electronic waste handling. Many councils run free e-waste drop-off days.
Where to sell a desktop computer tower
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a desktop computer tower. 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 electronics
Frequently asked questions
How much is a desktop computer tower worth in scrap? +
A desktop computer tower is worth approximately $3.89 to $5.26 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $4.58. 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 desktop computer tower? +
A typical desktop computer tower contains 4kg of steel, 0.5kg of aluminium, 0.3kg of copper, totalling about 8kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $3.13), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a desktop computer tower for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Hard drives contain rare-earth magnets — some yards pay extra for whole drives (2) Motherboards and CPUs are valued for precious metal content by specialist e-waste processors, not general scrap (3) Wipe data before drop-off
Where can I sell a desktop computer tower for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a desktop computer tower. 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 desktop computer tower? +
At a mid estimate of $4.58, a single desktop computer tower usually isn't worth a dedicated trip to the yard. Combine multiple items into one load to make the trip worthwhile, or hold until council collection if available.
Are there any safety or legal considerations with scrapping a desktop computer tower? +
Do not put computers in council kerbside scrap — they require electronic waste handling. Many councils run free e-waste drop-off days.