What's a Power Cord / Extension Cord (per kg) Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical power cord / extension cord (per kg)'s metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical power cord / extension cord (per kg) weighs 1kg 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed insulated cable, average 30-40% copper recovery | Copper · Insulated Copper Wire | 1.0 | $5.08 |
How yards handle a power cord / extension cord (per kg)
Appliance cords and extension leads go on the insulated copper scale at a mixed or low grade, because thin flexible cord carries a lot of plastic for its copper. Yards weigh the pile on gross weight. The plugs and inline switches are the part worth cutting off and checking, since the pins are often brass and any moulded plastic on the cord drags the grade down. Stripping thin appliance cord by hand is not worth it; heavier extension leads are the exception. The mistake is leaving plugs on, or mixing cords with a few thicker cables and hoping for the better grade; the yard sorts to the lowest. A handful of cords is not a trip. Collect a bag.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Cut off plugs and switches — they may be brass and worth separating
- → Larger gauge cords (e.g. 15A or extension cords) pay better than thin appliance leads
Where to sell a power cord / extension cord (per kg)
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a power cord / extension cord (per kg). 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 electrical & wiring
Frequently asked questions
How much is a power cord / extension cord (per kg) worth in scrap? +
A power cord / extension cord (per kg) is worth approximately $4.32 to $5.84 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $5.08. 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 power cord / extension cord (per kg)? +
A typical power cord / extension cord (per kg) contains 1kg of copper, totalling about 1kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $5.08), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a power cord / extension cord (per kg) for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Cut off plugs and switches — they may be brass and worth separating (2) Larger gauge cords (e.g. 15A or extension cords) pay better than thin appliance leads
Where can I sell a power cord / extension cord (per kg) for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a power cord / extension cord (per kg). 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 power cord / extension cord (per kg)? +
At $5.08 mid estimate, a power cord / extension cord (per kg) is worth scrapping if you're already taking other items to the yard. As a standalone trip, only if the yard is nearby.