What's a Aluminium Ute Tray Worth in Scrap?
A typical aluminium ute tray (85 kg) is worth about $193–$262 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $227.57). Aluminium makes up about 100% of that value. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical aluminium ute tray's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical aluminium ute tray weighs 85kg 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tray body, sides, and headboard | Aluminium · Aluminium Extrusion | 78.0 | $227.22 |
| Underframe brackets and mounts | Steel · Light Steel | 7.0 | $0.35 |
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Typical aluminium ute tray weight and metal content | 85 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 aluminium ute tray
An aluminium tray is a good load, but only if the steel is off it. Yards weigh a whole tray as irony or mixed aluminium because of the steel underframe, mounts and brackets, and that grade pays much less than clean extrusion. Unbolting or cutting the steel underframe away is the one job that matters, and it is worth the time on every tray. The steel then goes on the light steel scale separately. The headboard, sides and floor are all the same extrusion grade and need no further sorting. The mistake is leaving a steel brace or tow bar mount attached and having the whole tray graded down for it. On weight alone a single tray is a worthwhile trip.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Separate the steel underframe from the aluminium body for substantially better payout
- → Aluminium extrusion grade is among the highest-paying common scrap
Where to sell a aluminium ute tray
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a aluminium ute tray. 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.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is a aluminium ute tray worth in scrap? +
A aluminium ute tray is worth approximately $193.44 to $261.71 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $227.57. 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 aluminium ute tray? +
A typical aluminium ute tray contains 78kg of aluminium, 7kg of steel, totalling about 85kg. The aluminium component contributes the most value (around $227.22), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a aluminium ute tray for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Separate the steel underframe from the aluminium body for substantially better payout (2) Aluminium extrusion grade is among the highest-paying common scrap
Where can I sell a aluminium ute tray for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a aluminium ute tray. 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 aluminium ute tray? +
At $227.57 mid estimate, a aluminium ute tray is generally worth scrapping. Proper preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the range — see the prep tips above.