What's a Dishwasher Worth in Scrap?
A typical dishwasher (35 kg) is worth about $23–$31 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $27.31). Stainless Steel makes up about 58% of that value. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical dishwasher's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical dishwasher weighs 35kg 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 outer frame | Steel · Light Steel | 18.0 | $0.91 |
| Inner tub and racks (modern models) | Stainless Steel · 304 Stainless | 12.0 | $15.88 |
| Pump motor windings | Copper · #2 Copper | 0.8 | $9.29 |
| Pump housing | Aluminium · Cast Aluminium | 0.5 | $1.23 |
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 | |
| Stainless Steel spot price | A$2.41/kg | Calculated: 8% nickel (MetalpriceAPI) + a fixed A$0.50/kg chromium allowance | Our calculation, partly a fixed estimate | |
| Typical dishwasher weight and metal content | 35 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. The chromium allowance is a fixed figure set on 2026-05-16, not a market price. Full detail: methodology.
How yards handle a dishwasher
A dishwasher is one of the few appliances where the outer shell is not the main value. Yards weigh it whole as light steel unless you have pulled the stainless tub, and that tub is worth the effort on any modern unit because stainless pays at a different rate from ordinary steel. Check it with a magnet before you start cutting; some cheaper models use a plastic tub with a stainless-looking finish. The pump motor is small and not worth separating on a single machine. The downgrade risk is water. A tub left full sloshes onto the scale and staff will deduct or refuse. If the tub turns out to be plastic, the remaining steel shell is a marginal trip on its own.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → The stainless inner tub is the main value — verify with a magnet (304 stainless is non-magnetic)
- → Drain any standing water
Where to sell a dishwasher
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a dishwasher. 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 dishwasher worth in scrap? +
A dishwasher is worth approximately $23.21 to $31.40 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $27.31. 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 dishwasher? +
A typical dishwasher contains 18kg of steel, 12kg of stainless steel, 0.8kg of copper, 0.5kg of aluminium, totalling about 35kg. The stainless steel component contributes the most value (around $15.88), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a dishwasher for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) The stainless inner tub is the main value — verify with a magnet (304 stainless is non-magnetic) (2) Drain any standing water
Where can I sell a dishwasher for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a dishwasher. 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 dishwasher? +
At $27.31 mid estimate, a dishwasher is generally worth scrapping. Proper preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the range — see the prep tips above.