What We Can't Take, and Where It Can Go Instead

We buy almost anything made of metal, but a few things can't come over our scales, even when they're mostly metal. They're dangerous to handle, crush or cut, and some are against the law to scrap. Here's what to leave at home, and what to do with it instead.

Gas bottles and LPG tanks. We can't take them at the yard, in our bins or with a pickup, even when they're empty. If summer has left you with an old barbecue bottle, your gas supplier or local council can tell you where to drop it off.

Aerosol cans. Even an empty can can hold some propellant, which can catch fire when it's crushed. Your council can tell you how to get rid of them.

Lithium batteries. Phone, laptop, power tool, e-bike and e-scooter batteries can start fires when they're damaged, so they can't go anywhere near scrap metal. Take them to a B-cycle drop-off point instead; many supermarkets and hardware stores have one. Old lead-acid car batteries are different: we buy those.

Fridges and air conditioners that still hold gas. Releasing refrigerant gas is illegal, so we can only take them once a licensed technician has removed it. Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, stoves and ovens are fine as they are.

Drums and tanks with fuel, oil or chemicals in them. Drain tanks, gearboxes and machinery before they come in. Oil, fuel and coolant are hazardous waste, and your council can tell you where to take them.

Asbestos, and anything contaminated with it. Asbestos wasn't banned in Australia until the end of 2003, so older sheds, cladding and fencing can still contain it. We can't take metal that's mixed with it or covered in its dust. Leave it where it is and get advice from a licensed asbestos removalist.

Not sure about something? Send us a photo before you load it up, and we'll let you know whether we can take it.