Old car, truck or industrial radiator taking up space in the shed or garage? We buy copper radiators across Newcastle and much of NSW. Free pickup, a phone quote first, and payment once it's weighed and checked.
Copper is used in engine cooling because it moves heat well, which is why older cars, trucks and industrial equipment often used copper radiators instead of the aluminium ones common today. Copper is a non ferrous metal, so it's worth more per kilo than steel, and it can be melted down and reused without losing quality. A radiator that's stopped doing its job in a vehicle still has all that copper sitting in it, which makes it worth selling rather than sending to landfill.
Pulled during a repair, an engine swap, or before a vehicle goes to wreckers.
Larger copper units from machinery, generators and workshop equipment.
Radiators alongside copper pipe, wire and shiny copper offcuts from the same job.
Short answer, you describe what you've got, get a rough phone quote, then a pickup is arranged. Payment happens after the radiator is weighed and checked. For a bigger job, like clearing several vehicles or a workshop full of parts, call ahead so the right vehicle and enough hands turn up.
Drain any leftover coolant first, and keep copper radiators separate from aluminium ones if you can.
Call or fill out the online form with a rough count, size and condition of what you've got.
You'll get a rough value based on weight, metal type and current market rates.
A pickup gets arranged for bigger loads, or you can drop radiators off at the yard yourself.
Get paid on the spot once the load is weighed and checked.
How much of the radiator is actually copper, how clean and dry it is, and current market rates.
A radiator that's fully copper is worth more per kilo than one with aluminium or plastic tanks attached, since the other materials have to be sorted out before the copper can be recycled. A clean, drained radiator with no leftover coolant or dirt inside is also worth more than one that's still full of grime, because that has to be dealt with before processing.
Exact prices aren't listed here because they shift with global markets, sometimes week to week. A dealer can only give you a real number once they know the size, type and condition of what you've got. If you want current pricing, it's more reliable to call and ask than to trust a figure you saw somewhere else online, since those go stale fast.
Newcastle is home base, with real coverage across the Hunter Region, Central Coast, and out to Muswellbrook, Taree, Forster, Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Armidale. Towns that aren't verified as served have been left off this list rather than added for the sake of it.
Scrap metal dealers must not carry on a business of dealing in scrap metal without the business being registered under the Act, and heavy penalties apply for breaching the legislation. Registered dealers are prohibited from paying for scrap metal with cash, cheque payable to cash, or in kind with goods or services, are prohibited from buying vehicle parts that don't display identifying details such as a VIN, chassis or engine number, and must keep a record of each transaction, including details of the person selling the scrap.
Sources: NSW Police Force — Scrap Metal Industry · NSW Legislation — Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016 & Regulation 2024 · NSW EPA
Most jobs turn up more than one type of scrap. These are also picked up and paid for on the same visit.
Yes. Car, truck and industrial copper radiators are all accepted, along with copper pipe, wire and other non ferrous scrap.
Yes. Pickup is part of the standard service across Newcastle and the wider Hunter Region, not something you arrange or pay for separately.
Copper is a non ferrous metal, so it's worth more per kilo than steel. Older cars and trucks often used copper or brass radiators, and that copper holds its value well because it can be recycled without losing quality.
Yes, ideally. Any leftover coolant should be drained first. A clean, dry radiator is easier to process and won't get docked for contamination.
Yes, most radiators have some plastic or aluminium tanks attached and that's normal. A fully copper radiator is worth more per kilo than a copper and aluminium mix, so let us know what you've got when you call.
No. Under the Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016 and the Scrap Metal Industry Regulation 2024, registered NSW dealers can't pay cash for scrap. Payment is traceable, usually paid to a bank account.
Valid photo ID. Dealers are required by law to record who sold them the scrap, so this applies everywhere in NSW, not just with this business.
Newcastle is home base, with coverage across the Hunter Region, Central Coast, Forster, Taree, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Muswellbrook and Tamworth. If your town isn't listed, call and check rather than assuming either way.
Bring your ID, and if you're selling in bulk or as a business, be ready with payment details since cash isn't a legal payment method for scrap in NSW. For bigger jobs, mention the volume and location upfront for a faster, more accurate quote.
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