How to Recycle Scrap Metal in Singapore (2026)

Key Takeaway

Most business scrap metal can be recycled.
Recycling scrap metal often follows a simple four-step process.
Separating different metals where possible can help maximise the value of your scrap.

Not all recyclable materials belong in the blue recycling bin.

If your factory, warehouse, or construction site generates scrap metal, it can be collected and processed by a licensed scrap metal recycler. Depending on the type, quantity, and condition, you may even get some money back for it.

In this guide, you'll learn what types of scrap metal can be recycled, how the recycling process works, why separating different metals matters, and how to prepare your scrap metal before arranging a collection.

What Scrap Metals Can Be Recycled

Most scrap metals generated by businesses can be recycled. Common examples include steel beams, structural steel, copper cables, and aluminium frames. These materials generally fall into two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are the most common materials generated during factory upgrades, demolition works, and site clearance projects.

Common examples include:

Steel beams
Structural steel
Metal plates
Steel pipes
Warehouse racking
Reinforcement bars (rebar)
Cable trays
Fabrication offcuts

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are commonly found in electrical systems, machinery, and building services. They often retain higher recycling value than standard steel.

Common examples include:

Copper cables
Electrical wiring
Aluminium frames
Stainless steel
Brass fittings
Lead
Zinc
Electric motors

How We Recycle Scrap Metal: A 4-Step Process

Four Step Scrap Metal Recycling Process

Whether you're clearing a one-off pile of scrap or arranging regular collections, the process is usually straightforward. Here’s what we do at YiHui Metals:

1. Assessment

For smaller quantities, simply send us photos of the scrap metal and we'll provide an initial assessment. For larger volumes or site clearance projects, we may arrange a site visit to assess the materials, estimate the quantity, and recommend the most suitable collection method.

2. Collection

Choose the collection option that works best for your business. We can arrange a one-off collection, scheduled collections, or self drop-off at our processing yard. If you generate scrap metal regularly, we can also place a collection bin on site and return on an agreed schedule to collect it.

3. Sorting and Weighing

Once collected, the scrap metal is sorted and weighed before recycling. You don't need to separate every material yourself. If the load contains mixed metals, e-waste, or obvious non-metal materials, we'll sort them at our processing yard before sending the recyclable metals for processing.

4. Recycling and Payment

The sorted metals are processed for recycling and returned to the manufacturing supply chain as raw materials. If the scrap metal has recycling value, we'll also pay you based on the type, quantity, and condition of the materials.

Also read: Scrap Metal Recycling in Singapore: A Business Guide (2026) for practical tips on choosing the right scrap metal recycler for your business.

How to Prepare Scrap Metal for Collection

You don't need to do much before collection, but a few simple steps can make the assessment quicker and help ensure your scrap metal is graded accurately.

Separate Different Metal Types

When possible, keep metals such as steel, copper, aluminium, and stainless steel in separate piles. This makes the materials easier to identify and helps ensure each type is assessed accurately.

Remove Obvious Non-Metal Materials

Before collection, remove obvious non-metal materials such as plastic, timber, packaging, and general waste. Cleaner scrap metal is easier to assess and recycle than materials mixed with contaminants.

Keep E-Waste Separate

Keep batteries, circuit boards, and other electronic components separate from your scrap metal. These materials require a different recycling process and should be handled separately.

Don't worry if your scrap metal is mixed. Our team can sort the materials at our processing yard before recycling.

Why Choose Yi Hui Metals

With over 17 years of industry experience, Yi Hui Metals helps businesses recycle scrap metal safely and efficiently across Singapore.

From one-off site clearances to scheduled collections, we make recycling straightforward. Our team manages the entire process, while our own processing yard allows us to provide competitive pricing, transparent assessments, and efficient service from collection through to recycling.

Need to recycle scrap metal? Speak with our team for an assessment and quotation. Also clearing old machinery? Read our guide on whether you should sell or scrap your industrial machines before arranging disposal.