Whether you’re selling a car load of scrap or just learning about metal recycling, understanding the terminology is essential. This glossary covers the key concepts, grades, and processes used in New Zealand’s scrap metal industry — from ferrous and non-ferrous metals to LME pricing and regulatory compliance.
Scrap Metal Glossary NZ
40+ terms every seller should know
Core Industry Terms
Scrap Metal
Scrap metal is any discarded metal recovered from end-of-life products, manufacturing waste, demolition projects, or household items. In New Zealand, scrap metal is sorted by type and grade, then processed for export to international markets — with over 874,000 tonnes handled by industry members in 2024 alone. Common sources include old cars, appliances, building materials, plumbing fittings, and electrical wiring. At endless metals in Auckland, we accept everything from a single bag of copper offcuts to multi-tonne commercial loads. The cleaner and better sorted your scrap, the higher the price you’ll receive.
Scrap Metal Recycling
Scrap metal recycling is the process of collecting, sorting, processing, and remelting discarded metals so they can be used again in manufacturing. Unlike plastic, metals can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality — steel, copper, brass, and aluminium maintain their properties through every cycle. In New Zealand, most recycled scrap is exported to smelters in Asia and Australia, though NZ Steel’s new electric arc furnace at Glenbrook (operational from 2026) will process domestic scrap steel locally. Recycling metal uses significantly less energy than mining virgin ore — up to 95% less for aluminium and 85% less for copper. When you bring material to an endless metals yard in Auckland, your scrap enters this global recycling supply chain.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron, including steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. The easiest way to identify ferrous metal is with a magnet — if it sticks, it’s ferrous. Ferrous scrap is the most recycled material on earth by volume and makes up the bulk of tonnage processed at Auckland scrap yards. Common sources include car bodies, structural steel beams, whiteware appliances, roofing iron, and farm equipment. While ferrous scrap is lower in per-kilogram value than copper or brass, large volumes generate strong returns. At endless metals, we accept all grades of ferrous scrap from light gauge sheet through to heavy structural plate.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, which means they won’t stick to a magnet and are naturally resistant to corrosion. This category includes copper, aluminium, brass, lead, zinc, stainless steel, and titanium. Non-ferrous metals command significantly higher prices per kilogram than ferrous scrap — copper and brass are particularly valuable. In New Zealand’s export market, non-ferrous materials dominate by dollar value even though ferrous dominates by tonnage. Separating your non-ferrous metals from steel before visiting the yard is one of the simplest ways to increase your payout at endless metals.
Scrap Metal Grading
Grading is the process of classifying scrap metal by its purity, condition, and composition. Each metal type has multiple grades — for example, copper ranges from Copper #1 (Bright & Shiny), which is clean and uncoated, down to Domestic Copper, which contains fittings and contaminants. The grade directly determines the price: cleaner metal with fewer impurities fetches a higher rate. At endless metals in Auckland, our team grades your material on arrival using industry-standard classifications. Understanding your grades before you arrive helps you sort effectively and maximise your return. See our live pricing page for current rates by grade.
Clean vs Dirty Metal
In scrap metal terminology, “clean” doesn’t mean polished — it means free of contaminants. Clean metal contains only the target material with no attachments, coatings, insulation, paint, plastic, solder, or mixed metals. “Dirty” metal contains impurities that reduce its value because the buyer must spend time and energy removing those contaminants before the metal can be remelted. A two-minute sort before you visit the yard — pulling plastic off copper fittings, removing screws from aluminium frames, separating brass from steel — can increase your payout by $40 to $200 on an average load. At endless metals, cleaner material always earns a higher grade and a better price.
Ferrous Metals
Structural Steel
Structural steel refers to heavy steel sections used in construction — beams (I-beams, H-beams), columns, channels, plates, and hollow sections (RHS/SHS tubes). These are among the most common ferrous scrap materials in Auckland, typically sourced from building demolitions, bridge works, and commercial fitouts. Structural steel is classified as heavy melting steel (HMS) when it meets thickness and size requirements. At endless metals, we accept structural steel cut to manageable sizes. Larger pieces may need shearing at the yard before baling for export. Structural steel recycled in New Zealand is exported to electric arc furnace mills where it is remelted into new construction products.
Light Gauge Steel
Light gauge steel is thin sheet steel typically under 3mm thick, sourced from items like roofing iron, ductwork, filing cabinets, shelving, and tin cans. It is one of the most common types of scrap brought to Auckland yards by homeowners and tradespeople. Light gauge steel is lower in value than heavy structural plate because it contains less metal per cubic metre and may include coatings like galvanising or paint. At endless metals, we distinguish between clean light gauge (uncontaminated sheet) and dirty light gauge (mixed with plastic, wood, or other attachments). Removing non-metal attachments before drop-off will improve your grade.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a heavy, brittle iron alloy with a high carbon content (typically 2–4%). It’s commonly found in old bathtubs, wood burners, engine blocks, guttering, and drainage pipes. Cast iron is easy to identify by its weight and the grainy, rough texture visible at a broken edge. In Auckland, cast iron scrap frequently comes from bathroom renovations and property clearances. Cast iron is graded as ferrous scrap and processed alongside other heavy melting steel. At endless metals, we accept cast iron at both our Onehunga and Wairau Valley yards — drive straight in with no appointment needed.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Stainless Steel
Despite having “steel” in the name, stainless steel is classified as a non-ferrous metal in the scrap trade because its most common grades — 304 and 316 — are non-magnetic. Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing iron, chromium (at least 10.5%), and nickel. It commands a significant premium over standard carbon steel. Common sources in Auckland include kitchen sinks, commercial kitchen equipment, handrails, medical instruments, exhaust systems, and marine fittings. Grade 316, which contains molybdenum for extra corrosion resistance, is more valuable than 304. At endless metals in Auckland, we test and grade stainless steel on site. Keeping stainless separate from regular steel is critical — mixing them reduces the value of both.
Bright & Shiny Copper
Bright and shiny — sometimes called “bare bright” — is the premium grade of copper scrap. It refers to clean, uncoated copper wire or bus bar that is completely free of insulation, solder, paint, corrosion, and attachments. The surface must be bright (no green patina or tarnish) and the copper must be a single, solid piece — not braided or tinned. This is the grade that fetches the highest price per kilogram at any scrap yard because it can be remelted directly into new copper products with virtually no processing loss. At endless metals in Auckland, bright and shiny copper consistently delivers the best return of any common scrap material. If you’re stripping cable, this is the grade you’re aiming for.
Copper #1
Copper #1 is the next grade below bright and shiny. It includes clean copper pipe, tube, and solid copper pieces that are free of solder, paint, and heavy oxidation — but may have minor patina, light tarnish, or small amounts of brazing. The key difference from bright and shiny is that #1 allows slightly more surface wear and includes pipe forms, not just wire. Copper #1 is still a high-value grade and commands strong prices, making it well worth separating from lower grades. At endless metals, our team grades copper on arrival — if you’ve kept your clean pipe and tube separate from soldered or painted copper, you’ll receive the #1 rate.
Copper #2
Copper #2 is a lower grade than Bright & Shiny, covering copper that has light impurities — paint, solder joints, tarnish, thin coatings, or minor corrosion. It includes items like soldered copper pipe, painted copper sheet, and lightly contaminated copper fittings. While still valuable, Copper #2 is discounted because the impurities must be removed during the smelting process, which adds cost. The price difference between #1 and #2 can be significant — often $2–4 per kilogram — which is why sorting and cleaning your copper before visiting endless metals is one of the fastest ways to increase your payout.
Domestic Copper
Domestic copper is the catch-all grade for mixed copper scrap that doesn’t meet #1 or #2 standards. It typically includes plumbing fittings with brass attachments, copper pipe with solder and flux residue, valves, copper with plastic or rubber still attached, and soil-contaminated copper from underground pipes. This grade is common among Auckland tradespeople doing bathroom and kitchen renovations. Domestic copper is still worth recycling — it just receives a lower rate because the recycler must invest more labour in sorting and cleaning before export. At endless metals, we grade domestic copper on site and pay immediately.
Insulated Copper Wire (Cable)
Insulated copper wire is copper cable still wrapped in its plastic or rubber insulation. This is one of the most frequently brought-in materials at Auckland scrap yards, sourced from electrical rewiring jobs, appliance disposal, and demolition projects. The value depends on the copper recovery rate — heavy power cable (65%+ copper content) is worth significantly more than thin communication wire. Stripping insulation from heavy cable can increase your return substantially, but light-gauge wire (42% copper or less) should never be hand-stripped — the fine strands create cut hazards and the weight loss from insulation removal (roughly 35% of total weight) rarely justifies the effort. At endless metals, we accept both stripped and insulated cable.
Aluminium Extrusion
Aluminium extrusion refers to structural aluminium profiles that have been pushed through a die to create a specific cross-section shape. The most common examples in New Zealand are window and door frames, aluminium ladders, curtain tracks, and shower enclosures. Extrusion is one of the cleaner aluminium grades because the material is typically uniform and free of cast alloys. At endless metals in Auckland, aluminium extrusion is a popular drop-off item, especially from builders and glaziers replacing joinery. To get the best price, remove glass, rubber seals, and screws before bringing your extrusion to the yard.
Aluminium Cast
Aluminium cast is a dirtier grade of aluminium formed by pouring molten alloy into a mould. It’s commonly found in older engine blocks, transmission housings, lawnmower bodies, barbecue frames, and alloy wheels. Cast aluminium typically contains other metals (silicon, magnesium, zinc) mixed into the alloy, which reduces its melt value compared to clean extrusion. Some cast items also have steel bolts, rubber bushings, or oil contamination that must be removed. At endless metals, we accept cast aluminium at both Auckland yards. Removing steel attachments (use the magnet test) will bump your material into a higher grade.
Aluminium Domestic
Aluminium domestic is one of the most common grades brought into Auckland scrap yards. It covers mixed, everyday aluminium items that don’t fit neatly into the extrusion or cast categories — think pots and pans, baking trays, aluminium cans, foil trays, old satellite dishes, curtain rails, camping gear, and general household aluminium. This grade often contains a mix of alloys, coatings, plastic handles, and steel rivets, which is why it sits below extrusion in value. Despite being a lower grade, aluminium domestic adds up fast in volume — most residential and tradie loads include a healthy portion of it. At endless metals in Auckland, aluminium domestic is one of our highest-volume commodities. Separating your clean extrusion (window frames, ladders) from your mixed domestic aluminium before arriving at the yard means you get paid the higher rate on the clean material instead of the whole lot being graded down.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, valued for its durability, machinability, and corrosion resistance. In Auckland, the most common sources of scrap brass are plumbing taps and fittings, door handles and locks, marine hardware, valves, and decorative fixtures. Brass is easy to identify by its yellow-gold colour and heavy weight. Clean brass (free of steel screws, plastic washers, and other attachments) commands a strong price — typically between copper and aluminium. At endless metals, we buy all brass grades including yellow brass, red brass, and brass shavings. Removing steel components before drop-off ensures you receive the clean brass rate.
Lead
Lead is a dense, soft, toxic metal commonly found in old roofing flashings, plumbing waste pipes, cable sheathing, wheel balance weights, and lead-acid batteries. Lead scrap requires careful handling under New Zealand health and safety regulations due to its toxicity — always wear gloves and wash hands after contact. Despite being hazardous, lead has strong recycling value because it can be remelted and reused almost indefinitely. In Auckland, lead scrap is commonly sourced from roofing jobs and automotive work. At endless metals, we accept lead at both our Onehunga and Wairau Valley yards under strict handling protocols compliant with industry standards.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are rechargeable batteries found in cars, trucks, boats, forklifts, and UPS systems. Each battery contains several kilograms of recoverable lead plus sulphuric acid, which makes them both valuable and hazardous. In New Zealand, recycling lead-acid batteries is regulated — they must be transported upright, in leak-proof containers, and cannot be disposed of in general waste. The lead plates, terminals, and grids inside are smelted down and recast into new batteries and other lead products. At endless metals in Auckland, we accept car and truck batteries and pay competitive rates. Never attempt to break open a battery yourself — the acid is corrosive and the lead dust is toxic.
Specialty & Other Materials
Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter (often called a “cat”) is an emissions control device fitted to the exhaust system of petrol and diesel vehicles. Catalytic converters are valuable scrap items because they contain platinum group metals (PGMs) — platinum, palladium, and rhodium — which are among the most expensive metals on earth. The value of a cat depends on its type, size, and the specific vehicle it came from. Full cats (containing the complete ceramic honeycomb substrate) are worth significantly more than half or quarter cats where the substrate has deteriorated. At endless metals in Auckland, we grade catalytic converters on site and pay competitive rates for all types.
PGMs (Platinum Group Metals)
Platinum Group Metals — platinum, palladium, and rhodium — are the rare precious metals found inside catalytic converters. These metals act as catalysts that convert harmful exhaust gases (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides) into less harmful emissions. PGMs are extracted by specialist refiners who crush the ceramic substrate and recover the metals through a chemical process. Rhodium is the most valuable of the three, followed by palladium and then platinum, though market prices fluctuate. In the New Zealand scrap trade, PGMs are the reason catalytic converters can be worth anywhere from $20 to over $400 depending on type and condition.
Hot Water Cylinder
Hot water cylinders (HWCs) are one of the most common scrap items brought to Auckland yards by plumbers and homeowners. A standard New Zealand domestic hot water cylinder contains a copper inner tank wrapped in an insulated steel outer jacket. The copper content — typically 8–15 kilograms in a full-size cylinder — is what gives it value. To maximise your return, some sellers strip the outer jacket and insulation to expose the copper, which then qualifies for a higher copper grade. At endless metals, we accept hot water cylinders whole (graded as mixed material) or stripped (graded by copper quality). Either way, drive in to our Onehunga or Wairau Valley yard and get paid on the spot.
Whiteware
Whiteware is the New Zealand term for large household appliances — washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and stoves. These items contain recoverable steel, copper wiring, aluminium components, and sometimes compressor motors. Fridges and freezers require special handling because they contain refrigerant gases that must be safely extracted before the appliance can be shredded. At endless metals in Auckland, we accept both gassed and de-gassed fridges and freezers alongside all other whiteware items. Whiteware is one of the easiest ways to recycle — instead of paying for a dump trip, bring your old appliances to the yard and get paid.
E-Waste (Electronic Waste)
E-waste refers to discarded electronic equipment including computers, monitors, printers, servers, circuit boards, and telecommunications gear. These items contain a mix of recoverable metals — copper in wiring and circuit board traces, aluminium in heat sinks, steel in casings, and small quantities of gold, silver, and palladium on circuit board contacts. E-waste must be processed by specialist recyclers who can safely separate the valuable metals from hazardous components like batteries, capacitors, and mercury-containing displays. In Auckland, e-waste volumes are growing as technology refresh cycles shorten. Check with your recycler about which electronic items they accept.
Electric Motors
Electric motors are found in everything from washing machines and power tools to industrial pumps and air conditioning units. They are valued as scrap because they contain significant quantities of copper winding wire inside a steel housing. Larger motors (industrial, commercial HVAC) contain more copper and are worth more per unit. At endless metals, electric motors are accepted as a distinct grade under our “other metals” category. Some sellers break motors open to extract the copper windings, which can then be graded as a higher copper category — but this requires proper tools and is not practical for small motors.
Processing Terms
Sorting
Sorting is the critical first step in scrap metal processing — separating ferrous from non-ferrous metals, then further dividing each type into its specific grades. At a commercial scale, sorting uses magnets (to pull ferrous metals), eddy current separators (to eject non-ferrous metals from mixed streams), density separation, and hand-picking. For customers bringing scrap to endless metals in Auckland, sorting your material before arrival is the single most effective way to maximise your payout. Keep copper separate from brass, aluminium separate from steel, and remove non-metal attachments where practical. A few minutes of sorting at home can mean a significantly higher grade — and a bigger payment — at the weighbridge.
Baling
Baling is the process of compressing scrap metal into dense, compact cubes or bundles using a hydraulic baling press. This is standard practice at New Zealand scrap yards for preparing material for export shipping. Baled scrap takes up far less container space than loose material, making international transport economically viable. Different materials are baled separately — light gauge steel, aluminium cans, copper pipe — to maintain grade integrity. At endless metals in Auckland, baling is part of our yard processing operation. When you see compressed metal cubes stacked in a scrap yard, you’re looking at baled material ready for export to smelters overseas.
Shearing
Shearing is the process of cutting oversized scrap metal — car bodies, structural beams, plate steel, large tanks — into smaller, manageable pieces using an industrial hydraulic shear. Shearing is essential because export furnaces require scrap to meet specific size specifications (typically under 1.5 metres). Material that is too large to fit the shear is first reduced using oxy-acetylene torches or mechanical processors. At Auckland scrap yards including endless metals, shearing is a continuous yard operation that transforms bulky ferrous scrap into export-ready product. Sheared steel is then either baled or loaded loose into shipping containers for export.
Granulating
Granulating is a mechanical process used to separate copper and aluminium from insulated electrical cable. A granulator machine shreds cable into small fragments, then uses vibrating screens and air separation to sort the heavier metal granules from the lighter plastic insulation. Modern granulators achieve separation purity rates of up to 99.9%, recovering clean copper or aluminium that can go directly to a smelter. This process is critical in the recycling industry because it allows yards to upgrade insulated cable — which would otherwise sell at a discounted “insulated wire” rate — into clean metal commanding a much higher price. In New Zealand, granulating is the standard commercial method for processing cable at scale. At endless metals, granulating is part of our processing capability that allows us to offer competitive rates on both stripped and insulated cable at our Auckland yards.
Smelting
Smelting is the process of melting scrap metal in a high-temperature furnace to produce a refined or semi-finished metal product — ingots, billets, or molten metal ready for casting. Different metals require different furnace types: steel scrap is typically smelted in electric arc furnaces (EAFs), while copper and aluminium use reverberatory or rotary furnaces. In New Zealand, NZ Steel’s Glenbrook mill south of Auckland is installing an electric arc furnace (operational from 2026) capable of smelting domestic scrap steel — the country’s largest emissions reduction project, projected to halve the mill’s coal use. Most non-ferrous scrap collected in Auckland is exported to smelters in Southeast Asia, India, and China. The smelting stage is where recycled metal re-enters the manufacturing supply chain as new raw material — and it uses 60–95% less energy than smelting virgin ore from the ground.
Cable Stripping
Cable stripping is the process of removing plastic or rubber insulation from copper wire to expose the bare metal underneath. Stripped copper commands a significantly higher price than insulated cable because the buyer doesn’t need to process out the insulation. For heavy-gauge power cable (65%+ copper by weight), stripping is worthwhile and can be done with a bench-mounted cable stripper. However, stripping light-gauge or fine-stranded cable (42% copper or less) is not recommended — the insulation accounts for roughly 35% of total weight, and fine strands create a serious cut hazard without proper equipment. At endless metals in Auckland, we buy both stripped and insulated cable. Our team can advise whether stripping your specific cable type is worth the effort.
Market & Pricing Terms
LME (London Metal Exchange)
The London Metal Exchange is the world’s primary marketplace for trading industrial metals including copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, nickel, and tin. LME prices are quoted in US dollars per tonne and serve as the global benchmark that scrap yards, traders, and smelters use to set their buying and selling prices. When you hear that “copper is up” or “aluminium dropped overnight,” those movements are happening on the LME. In New Zealand, scrap metal prices are derived from LME rates, adjusted for the NZD/USD exchange rate, shipping costs, and local supply and demand. This is why your scrap value can change from day to day. At endless metals, our Auckland pricing reflects live LME movements.
NZD/USD Exchange Rate
Because international metal prices are denominated in US dollars and New Zealand scrap is sold in NZD, the exchange rate directly impacts what you get paid at the yard. When the NZ dollar strengthens against the USD, local scrap prices tend to soften (because each USD of metal value converts to fewer NZ dollars). When the NZD weakens, local scrap prices often improve. This FX effect works alongside LME price movements — the best selling conditions are when LME prices are high AND the NZD is weak. At endless metals, our pricing incorporates both factors daily.
Scrap Metal Prices
Scrap metal prices in New Zealand fluctuate daily based on a combination of London Metal Exchange commodity rates, the NZD/USD exchange rate, international shipping costs, and local supply and demand dynamics. Prices vary by metal type (copper, aluminium, steel, brass, lead) and by grade within each type — for example, Copper #1 is always worth more per kilogram than Copper #2 or Domestic Copper. Auckland scrap yards publish indicative rates, but actual pricing is confirmed at the weighbridge after your material is graded. At endless metals, you can check our live pricing calculator before visiting to get an estimate for your specific material.
Price Match Guarantee
A price match guarantee is a commitment by a scrap yard to match or beat a competitor’s verified price for the same grade and quantity of material. At endless metals in Auckland, our price match guarantee means you don’t need to drive between multiple yards to find the best rate. If you’ve been quoted a higher price elsewhere for an equivalent grade, bring the quote to our Onehunga or Wairau Valley yard and we’ll match it. This policy ensures Auckland sellers always get a competitive return without wasting time and fuel shopping around.
Free Drop-Off
Free drop-off means you can bring scrap metal to the yard at no charge — there is no gate fee, tipping fee, or processing fee deducted from your payment. This contrasts with transfer stations and landfills, which charge disposal fees. At endless metals in Auckland, free drop-off applies to all accepted materials at both our Onehunga and Wairau Valley yards. You drive in, unload, your material is weighed and graded, and you’re paid on the spot. No booking required. For whiteware and appliances, this is especially relevant — instead of paying to dump a fridge, you can recycle it for free and receive payment for the recoverable metal.
Tare Weight / Gross Weight / Net Weight
These three weight measurements are how scrap yards calculate what you’re paid. Gross weight is the total weight of your vehicle (or container) including the scrap. Tare weight is the weight of your vehicle after the scrap is unloaded — the empty weight. Net weight is the difference: gross minus tare equals the weight of your scrap, which is what you’re paid for. At endless metals in Auckland, our drive-through weighbridge captures both weights automatically. If you’re bringing scrap in a trailer or ute, you drive onto the weighbridge on arrival (gross), unload, then drive back across (tare). The net weight is calculated instantly and your payment is based on that figure multiplied by the price per kilogram for your specific grade.
NZ Regulations & Compliance
Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004
The Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004 is the New Zealand law that governs every scrap metal transaction. Under this Act, all scrap metal dealers must hold a licence issued by the Ministry of Justice, and must keep a “dealer’s record” for every acquisition. That record must include the seller’s full name, contact address, phone number, the method used to verify their identity, a description of the material, the quantity, and the name of the staff member who handled the transaction. Records must be retained for three years. Importantly, copper is not classified as “scrap metal” under this Act — it is treated as an “article,” which carries separate and more stringent record-keeping requirements due to copper’s high theft risk. Failure to maintain records is an offence carrying fines of up to $10,000. At endless metals in Auckland, we are fully licensed and compliant — when we ask for your ID at the yard, this is the legal reason why.
AMR (Association of Metal Recyclers)
The Association of Metal Recyclers (formerly NZAMR — New Zealand Association of Metal Recyclers) is the national industry body representing scrap metal recycling businesses across New Zealand. AMR members commit to safe, sustainable, and legally compliant recycling practices. Membership signals to customers and trading partners that a yard operates to recognised standards — covering environmental management, health and safety, and ethical sourcing. endless metals is a proud AMR member, which means our Auckland operations meet the association’s standards for responsible metal recycling.
Toitū CarbonReduce Certified
Toitū CarbonReduce is a New Zealand environmental certification that verifies an organisation is measuring, managing, and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The programme is administered by Toitū Envirocare (a subsidiary of the Ministry for the Environment’s Manaaki Whenua research institute) and is one of the most recognised sustainability credentials in New Zealand business. For a scrap metal recycler, this certification demonstrates commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of yard operations — from fuel use in machinery and trucks to energy consumption in processing equipment. endless metals holds Toitū CarbonReduce certification, reflecting our commitment to environmentally responsible recycling alongside commercial performance.
Licensed Scrap Yard
In New Zealand, any business that buys or sells scrap metal must hold a secondhand dealer’s licence under the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004. This licence is issued by the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Licensing Authority (administered by the Ministry of Justice) and requires the operator to pass police vetting, maintain transaction records, and comply with identity verification requirements for every seller. Operating without a licence is a criminal offence. When choosing where to sell your scrap in Auckland, always use a licensed yard — it protects you legally, ensures you receive a proper receipt, and means your transaction is recorded and traceable. endless metals operates fully licensed yards at both Onehunga and Wairau Valley.
About endless metals
endless metals buys scrap copper, aluminium, brass, steel, lead, batteries, catalytic converters, whiteware, and more at two Auckland locations. We’re rated 4.9 stars from endless Google reviews — the highest-rated scrap metal recycler in New Zealand.
Our Locations
Onehunga
Wairau Valley (North Shore)
No appointment needed. Drive in, unload, get weighed, get paid.
Use our live pricing calculator to check today’s rates before you visit, or call us for a quote on commercial volumes.
Commodities We Buy
| Material Type | Grades / Varieties | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Bright & Shiny, #1, #2, Domestic, Insulated Cable | Copper Recycling |
| Aluminium | Extrusion, Cast, Domestic | Aluminium Recycling |
| Brass | Yellow, Red, Shavings, Gunmetal | Brass Scrap |
| Steel | Structural, Light Gauge, Cast Iron | Steel Recycling |
| Stainless Steel | 304, 316 | Stainless Steel |
| Lead & Batteries | Sheet Lead, Lead-Acid Batteries | Lead Recycling |
| Catalytic Converters | Full, Half, Quarter | Catalytic Converters |
| Other Metals | Electric Motors, Zinc, Titanium | Other Metals |
| Whiteware | Fridges, Washers, Dryers, Ovens | Whiteware Recycling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Copper is the most valuable common scrap metal by weight in New Zealand, particularly Copper #1 (Bright & Shiny) which fetches the highest per-kilogram rate. Catalytic converters can also be very valuable due to their platinum group metal content (platinum, palladium, rhodium). Prices fluctuate daily based on the London Metal Exchange and the NZD/USD exchange rate. Check endless metals’ live pricing calculator for current Auckland rates.
You can sell scrap metal at licensed scrap yards across Auckland. endless metals operates two drive-through yards: Onehunga (147 Neilson Street, serving South Auckland, Penrose, and Mangere) and Wairau Valley (245 Archers Road, serving the North Shore, Albany, and West Auckland). No appointment needed — drive in, unload, get weighed, and get paid on the spot with cash or bank transfer.
Ferrous metals contain iron (steel, cast iron) and are magnetic — test with a magnet. Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminium, brass, lead, stainless steel) do not contain iron and are not magnetic. Non-ferrous metals are generally worth more per kilogram but ferrous scrap generates strong returns in volume. Separating ferrous from non-ferrous before visiting the scrap yard will increase your payout.
NZ scrap metal prices are set using London Metal Exchange (LME) rates denominated in USD, converted using the NZD/USD exchange rate, then adjusted for shipping costs and local supply and demand. Prices change daily. Within each metal type, the grade (purity and cleanliness) determines the specific rate — for example, clean Copper #1 is worth significantly more per kilogram than contaminated Domestic Copper.
Under the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004, all licensed scrap metal dealers in New Zealand must verify and record the identity of every seller. Dealers must record your full name, address, phone number, and how your identity was verified. These records must be kept for three years. Copper has even stricter requirements as it is classified as an ‘article’ rather than ‘scrap metal’ under the Act. This law exists to deter metal theft and ensure traceability.