What's a Washing Machine (Top Loader) Worth in Scrap?
A typical washing machine (top loader) (65 kg) is worth about $27–$37 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $32.13). Copper makes up about 54% of that value. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical washing machine (top loader)'s metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical washing machine (top loader) weighs 65kg 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, outer frame, agitator | Steel · Light Steel | 35.0 | $1.76 |
| Inner drum (modern models) | Stainless Steel · 304 Stainless | 7.0 | $9.26 |
| Motor windings | Copper · #2 Copper | 1.5 | $17.41 |
| Pulley and pump housing | Aluminium · Cast Aluminium | 1.5 | $3.70 |
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 washing machine (top loader) weight and metal content | 65 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 washing machine (top loader)
Most yards weigh a top loader whole on the light steel scale, and that gross figure is what you get paid on unless you have already broken it down. The concrete counterweight is the trap. Leave it bolted in and you are carting dead weight the yard will deduct or refuse, and a cabinet still full of concrete is a quick way to have the whole load graded as contaminated. The motor is the one piece worth pulling, since it sells at an electric motor rate rather than as steel. The stainless drum takes real time to free from the plastic tub, and the agitator and pulley are not worth separating. A single machine is a reasonable trip on its own because the steel mass is substantial.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Remove the concrete counterweight (around 15kg) — yards don't pay for it
- → Cut and keep the insulated power cord separately (more valuable as bare copper)
- → Drain any residual water from the drum and hoses
Where to sell a washing machine (top loader)
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a washing machine (top loader). 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 washing machine (top loader) worth in scrap? +
A washing machine (top loader) is worth approximately $27.31 to $36.95 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $32.13. 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 washing machine (top loader)? +
A typical washing machine (top loader) contains 35kg of steel, 7kg of stainless steel, 1.5kg of copper, 1.5kg of aluminium, totalling about 65kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $17.41), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a washing machine (top loader) for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Remove the concrete counterweight (around 15kg) — yards don't pay for it (2) Cut and keep the insulated power cord separately (more valuable as bare copper) (3) Drain any residual water from the drum and hoses
Where can I sell a washing machine (top loader) for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a washing machine (top loader). 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 washing machine (top loader)? +
At $32.13 mid estimate, a washing machine (top loader) is generally worth scrapping. Proper preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the range — see the prep tips above.