Radiator Scrap Singapore

Why Radiators Are a Specific Scrap Category

Radiator scrap doesn’t fit neatly under one metal. Depending on the vehicle or unit, a radiator can be copper/brass, all-aluminium, or a mixed aluminium-fin/copper-tube hybrid. Because the grade changes the value dramatically — copper-brass can pay 4x the aluminium-only rate — radiators are priced as their own category at Molten Steel. We use LME benchmarks for the copper, brass, and aluminium scrap content, then grade the unit on inspection.

Sellers bring us radiators from three main sources: car workshops, industrial heat exchangers, and HVAC cooling coils. Each has different grade profiles.

Typical Singapore Pricing for Radiator Scrap

Indicative April 2026 rates; firm quote on inspection:

• Copper/brass car radiators (older vehicles, commercial trucks) — approx. $4.50 to $5.50 per kg.
• Aluminium/copper hybrid radiators (mixed-core) — approx. $2.00 to $2.80 per kg.
• All-aluminium radiators (modern cars) — approx. $1.20 to $1.60 per kg.
• Industrial heat exchangers (shell-and-tube, copper) — approx. $4.00 to $5.00 per kg depending on copper content.
• HVAC fin-and-tube coils — priced on aluminium/copper split, typically $1.50 to $2.50 per kg.

Always verify the grade before pricing. An old copper-brass truck radiator looks similar to an aluminium one from 10 feet away — we test with a magnet and file at the yard.

How We Grade Radiator Scrap

Grading steps our yard team runs on every radiator:

• Material test — magnet and file check to separate copper, brass, and aluminium content.
• Core construction — copper-brass construction (older style) vs aluminium core (modern), vs hybrid (aluminium fins on copper tubes).
• End-tank material — plastic end-tanks on aluminium cores are common; they get trimmed off for clean weight.
• Contamination — oil, coolant residue, attached hoses, mounting brackets are deducted from chargeable weight.
• Condition — punctured, crushed, or shredded radiators still buyable but graded for recovery yield.
• Size & volume — a pallet of workshop radiators qualifies for contractor rate.

Preparation Tips for Radiator Sellers

• Drain coolant before delivery — this is an NEA waste-water rule. Collect and dispose coolant separately.
• Cut off rubber hoses and plastic end-tanks where possible. Clean copper/brass weight pays more than mixed weight.
• Separate copper-brass radiators (heavier, usually from older vehicles or trucks) from aluminium ones. Don’t mix the piles.
• Flag industrial heat exchangers — these can contain significant copper tube yield and are priced differently.
• For workshops: stack radiators flat on pallets, don’t crush. Crushed radiators hide grade differences and are harder to price.
• Aluminium/copper HVAC coils should be separated from pure aluminium coils if possible.

Who Sells Radiator Scrap to Us

• Car workshops & auto recyclers — radiators pulled during servicing, accident repairs, or scrapping.
• Commercial truck & heavy vehicle operators — larger radiators, often copper-brass, from fleet turnover.
• Industrial plants — shell-and-tube heat exchangers from chemical, food, or marine industries.
• HVAC contractors — cooling coils and condenser coils from AHU and chiller removals.
• Marine workshops & shipyards — engine coolers, oil coolers from vessel overhauls.
• Demolition contractors — radiators bundled with general M&E strip-out.

Many radiator loads arrive alongside full scrap car Singapore jobs or as part of catalytic converter scrap clearances from workshops. Large industrial heat exchangers are routed through our industrial scrap metal services team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between copper-brass and aluminium radiators?

Copper-brass radiators are older construction — heavy, pink/yellow tone, non-magnetic, and 4x more valuable per kg. Aluminium radiators are lighter, silver, and common on modern cars. A magnet and a small file test confirms it instantly at our yard.

Do you buy radiators with coolant still inside?

We prefer them drained — coolant is regulated waste under NEA rules and we can’t dispose of it in volume. Small residual amounts are fine; full cores should be drained before delivery.

How much is a car radiator worth in Singapore scrap?

A typical modern aluminium car radiator weighs 3–6 kg and fetches $4–$10 total. An older copper-brass truck radiator at 8–15 kg can fetch $40–$80. Grade and current LME rate drive the final number.

Do you collect radiator scrap from workshops?

Yes — we run regular collection routes for car workshops and auto recyclers across Singapore. Loads over 100 kg qualify for free pickup; smaller amounts can be combined with other scrap or dropped at our Gul Circle yard.