Do Car Batteries, Radiators, and Engines Have Scrap Value in WA? (2026 Scrap Value Guide)
Yes, car batteries, radiators, and engines can all have scrap value in WA because they’re packed with recyclable metals like lead, copper, aluminium, and cast iron.
In this blog, we are going to explain to you what kind of recyclable metals they contain. We will also share how much you can make after selling them. So, let’s begin.
What Are Car Batteries, Radiators, and Engines Made Of?
Before you sell any of these items, understand what is actually inside them. Because the metal content is what gives them value.
Car Batteries What’s Inside a Car Battery?
Most vehicle batteries in scrap streams are lead-acid batteries. Lead is a recyclable metal, and battery waste is treated carefully because of safety and environmental risks. WA councils and waste authorities warn that batteries should not go in household bins, and should be dropped off safely at recycling points.
Radiators What’s Inside a Radiator?
Radiators are commonly made from aluminium on many modern vehicles, while older copper-brass radiators are still common in some vehicles and machinery. Copper and brass are both recyclable non-ferrous metals, which is why radiators are often worth separating instead of throwing in mixed scrap.
Engines What Metals Are in an Engine?
Engines are a mix of metals, and many engine blocks have traditionally used cast iron, while many newer designs use aluminium alloys to save weight. That mix of metals is one reason old engines can still have scrap value even when they are no longer roadworthy.
How Much Can You Get For Scrapping Them In WA?
The amount you get depends on the current metal market, the type of part, its weight, and how clean it is. That said, these items can still be worth real money. Let’s see what compensation you can get.
Car Batteries Car Battery Scrap Prices in WA
Car batteries contain lead-acid material. Lead is always in demand, so even an old battery can still be worth something.
In WA, a normal car battery can usually bring around $5 to $20+ each, depending on size, condition, and current lead prices. Bigger truck or commercial batteries can sometimes pay more.
Remember that if the battery is intact and not leaking, it is usually easier to sell. Damaged or contaminated batteries may not get the same price.
Radiator Scrap Prices in WA
Radiators can also have good scrap value, especially if they are made from aluminium, copper, or brass.
A standard radiator may be worth around $5 to $50+, depending on the type of metal inside it and how clean it is. Copper-brass radiators are often worth more than basic aluminium ones.
One more thing to keep in mind is that if the radiator still has plastic ends, hoses, or other mixed materials attached, that can bring the price down a bit.
Engines Engine Scrap Prices in WA
Engines are valued by weight and metal type. A heavy cast iron engine block still has decent scrap value, while aluminium engines can sometimes pay better per kilo.
Scrap engines in WA can be worth around $20 to $300+, depending on size, condition, and what it is made of. Bigger diesel engines or commercial engines can often be worth more.
A complete engine usually has more value than one that has already been stripped down. Fluids, plastic covers, and other non-metal parts can affect the final price.
Scrap Value Snapshot | 2026 | WA
Item | Scrap Value | Main Metals | What Affects The Price |
Car Battery | $5 to $20+ each | Lead | Size, condition, lead content |
Radiator | $5 to $50+ each | Aluminium, copper, brass | Metal type, cleanliness |
Engine | $20 to $300+ | Cast iron, steel, aluminium | Weight, metal type, condition |
What Affects The Price You Get?
A few simple things can make a big difference to the final payout.
Metal Type
Not all metals pay the same. Copper and brass usually sit higher than aluminium, and aluminium usually sits higher than steel or cast iron.
Weight
Scrap yards often buy automotive parts by weight, so bigger and heavier items can be worth more. That is one reason engines can still hold value even when they are no longer usable.
Cleanliness
A clean item is easier to recycle. If a radiator still has plastic tanks, rubber hoses, or dirt stuck to it, the yard may treat it as lower-grade scrap.
Mixed Materials
The more mixed material attached, the harder it is to process. Batteries, radiators, and engines all become less convenient when they are full of plastic, fluid, or non-metal parts.
Market Conditions
Scrap prices move with the market. That means the value of these items can change from week to week. The same battery or engine may not pay the same amount next month.
How To Prepare These Parts Before Selling to Get Maximum Output
If you do the following prep before selling, you can get a better value and make drop-off easier.
Car Batteries
Keep the battery intact and safe. WA councils advise that batteries should not go in household bins, and some councils recommend taping the terminals before drop-off and storing them in a cool, dry place.
Radiators
Remove loose hoses and anything that is clearly not metal. If you can separate different materials safely, do it. That makes sorting easier for the recycler.
Engines
Drain fluids where possible before transport, and remove extra parts that are obviously not part of the metal core. This helps reduce mess and improves safety during handling.
Need Affordable Replacement Parts After Selling Your Old Components?
If your battery has died, your radiator is damaged, or your engine is no longer doing its job, buying brand-new parts from a dealership is not always the smartest or cheapest option. You can also get quality-tested used auto parts from car removal services. This will save you a lot of money without compromising the performance of the car.
At Spare Car Removal, we do more than buy scrap vehicles. We also dismantle them carefully and recover a wide range of reusable parts, including batteries, radiators, engines, transmissions, panels, and more.
So, visit us to get the part you need at a much lower cost than buying a new one.
FAQs
Are car batteries worth scrapping?
Yes, lead-acid batteries usually have scrap value because of the lead inside them. They should be handled safely and dropped off at approved locations.
Are radiators worth more if they are clean?
Yes, a clean radiator is easier to sort and recycle, especially if it is aluminium or copper-brass.
Can you scrap a whole engine?
Yes, engines are commonly recycled as scrap metal because they contain heavy recyclable metals such as cast iron, steel, and aluminium.