What's a Steel Cans / Tins (5kg bag) Worth in Scrap?
A typical steel cans / tins (5kg bag) (5 kg) is worth about $0–$0 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $0.25). Steel makes up about 100% of that value. 100% of the value is steel, which is priced from a fixed estimate rather than a market feed, so treat the figure as rough. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical steel cans / tins (5kg bag)'s metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical steel cans / tins (5kg bag) weighs 5kg 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food can tinplate steel | Steel · Light Steel | 5.0 | $0.25 |
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel spot price | A$0.42/kg | Fixed site estimate of A$0.42/kg | Fixed estimate, not a market feed | |
| Typical steel cans / tins (5kg bag) weight and metal content | 5 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 steel cans / tins (5kg bag)
Food tins are tinplate steel and yards weigh them as light steel on gross weight, which for a bag of cans is a negligible amount. Most yards have a minimum drop-off weight well above what a household produces, and staff may refuse a single bag. There is nothing to separate. The downgrade risk is contamination: cans with food residue, paper labels and mixed in aluminium are treated as dirty steel or turned away. Rinse them if you are bringing them at all. The mistake is making the trip in the first place. Kerbside recycling handles steel cans for free and is the sensible route unless you have a commercial quantity from a kitchen or food business.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Rinse and dry before scrapping
- → Volume matters — most yards have minimum drop-off weights, often 10kg+
- → Council kerbside recycling is typically the more practical option
Where to sell a steel cans / tins (5kg bag)
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a steel cans / tins (5kg bag). 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 containers & cans
Frequently asked questions
How much is a steel cans / tins (5kg bag) worth in scrap? +
A steel cans / tins (5kg bag) is worth approximately $0.21 to $0.29 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $0.25. 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 steel cans / tins (5kg bag)? +
A typical steel cans / tins (5kg bag) contains 5kg of steel, totalling about 5kg. The steel component contributes the most value (around $0.25), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a steel cans / tins (5kg bag) for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Rinse and dry before scrapping (2) Volume matters — most yards have minimum drop-off weights, often 10kg+ (3) Council kerbside recycling is typically the more practical option
Where can I sell a steel cans / tins (5kg bag) for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a steel cans / tins (5kg bag). 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 steel cans / tins (5kg bag)? +
At a mid estimate of $0.25, a single steel cans / tins (5kg bag) 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.