Complete Guide to Selling Old Machinery Scrap in Saudi Arabia
If you have old or decommissioned machinery sitting idle in your factory, construction site, or warehouse across Riyadh, Jeddah, Jubail, Yanbu, Ras Al Khair, or Al Hasa, you are sitting on significant value. The scrap metal industry in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is booming, driven by Vision 2030 infrastructure projects, industrial expansion, and growing demand for recycled steel and metals.
Selling scrap machinery for sale or used scrap machinery does not have to be complicated. This guide walks you through every step — from evaluating your equipment to getting the best price from trusted scrap buyers in Riyadh and across KSA — so you can maximize your return with confidence.
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What Is Machinery Scrap?
Machinery scrap refers to old, broken, obsolete, or end-of-life industrial equipment that is no longer functional or economically viable to repair. This includes items such as:
| Category | Examples | Typical Metal Content |
| Heavy construction equipment | Excavators, bulldozers, cranes | Steel, cast iron, copper |
| Industrial machinery | Compressors, generators, pumps | Steel, aluminum, brass |
| Manufacturing equipment | CNC machines, lathes, presses | Steel, cast iron, stainless |
| Agricultural machinery | Tractors, irrigation equipment | Steel, cast iron |
| Electrical machinery | Motors, transformers, switchgear | Copper, aluminum, steel |
| Oil & gas equipment | Pipes, valves, rigs (decommissioned) | Steel, alloy steel, nickel |
In KSA, major industrial cities like Jubail Industrial City, Ras Al Khair, and Yanbu Industrial City generate thousands of tonnes of machinery scrap annually from petrochemical, desalination, and manufacturing plants.
Types & Scrap Value of Machinery
The scrap value of machinery depends on its metal composition, weight, and current global commodity prices. Below is an overview of common machinery scrap grades and their approximate market value in KSA:
| Metal Type | Grade | Approx. Value (SAR/kg) | Demand Level |
| Copper (motors/wiring) | Bare bright / #1 Copper | 25 – 35 | High |
| Aluminum (machinery parts) | Clean / Mixed | 6 – 12 | High |
| Stainless steel | 304 / 316 Grade | 4 – 8 | High |
| Heavy steel / HMS | No. 1 & No. 2 | 1.5 – 3 | Medium |
| Cast iron | Clean cast | 1 – 2 | Medium |
| Brass (valves/fittings) | Yellow brass | 14 – 20 | High |
| Lead (batteries/weights) | Soft lead | 5 – 9 | Moderate |
Note: Prices fluctuate with LME (London Metal Exchange) rates and local demand. Always get a quote from a certified scrap buyer near you.
How to Calculate Scrap Value of a Machine
Calculating the scrap value of machinery is straightforward when you follow this formula:
Scrap Value = (Net Metal Weight × Current Market Price per kg) − Dismantling & Transport Costs
Step-by-step breakdown:
Identify the metal composition
Use equipment manuals or have a technician assess the percentage of copper, steel, aluminum, etc.
Weigh the machine
Use industrial scales. Deduct the weight of non-metallic parts (rubber, plastics, fluids).
Check today’s metal prices
Prices are indexed to international commodity markets. Ask your scrap buyer for today’s rate.
Deduct handling costs
Include dismantling labor, crane hire, and transport to the scrap yard.
Get multiple quotes
Compare offers from at least 2–3 licensed scrap buyers near you for the best deal.
Example: A 500 kg electric motor containing 40% copper (200 kg) at SAR 30/kg = SAR 6,000 in copper value alone, plus remaining steel. After SAR 800 in transport costs, net payout ≈ SAR 5,200+.
Step-by-Step Process to Sell Scrap Machinery in KSA
Inventory your scrap
List all decommissioned equipment with estimated weights, metal types, and condition. Photograph each item clearly.
Obtain necessary permits
In KSA, selling industrial scrap may require a company CR (Commercial Registration), customs clearance for imported machinery, and environmental compliance documentation — especially for oil-contaminated equipment.
Contact certified scrap buyers near you
Search for licensed scrap buyers in Riyadh, Jeddah, or your nearest industrial city. Certified buyers ensure legal compliance and fair pricing.
Request an on-site evaluation
Professional scrap buyers will visit your site to assess, weigh, and quote. This is usually free of charge for large quantities.
Negotiate and finalize the price
Understand the breakdown — price per kg by metal type. Negotiate handling and transport costs upfront.
Arrange dismantling and logistics
For large machinery, coordinate crane lifts and heavy transport. Many scrap buyers offer turnkey dismantling services.
Complete documentation and receive payment
Ensure you receive a proper invoice and weigh-bridge receipt. Payment is typically via bank transfer for large transactions.
Finding Reliable Scrap Buyers in KSA
When searching for a scrap yard near me or scrap buyers in Riyadh, look for these qualities:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
| Licensed & certified by MODON or relevant authority | Ensures legal compliance and protects you from liability |
| Transparent weighing (certified scales) | Guarantees accurate payment |
| On-site pickup service | Reduces your logistics burden and cost |
| Competitive, market-indexed pricing | Ensures fair value based on live metal prices |
| Experience with industrial/machinery scrap | Complex dismantling requires specialized equipment and know-how |
Scrap Metal Buyer KSA operates across Riyadh, Jeddah, Jubail, Yanbu, Ras Al Khair, and Al Hasa — offering free site visits, certified weighing, and competitive pricing for all types of machinery scrap. Visit our website →
What Is No. 1 Old Steel Scrap?
No. 1 Heavy Melting Steel (HMS 1) is the industry-standard grade for clean, uncoated, unprepared steel scrap — the highest quality category of ferrous scrap metal. It is defined by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and commands the highest price among steel scrap grades.
| Grade | Description | Thickness Requirement | Value vs. HMS 2 |
| HMS 1 (No. 1) | Heavy structural steel, uncoated, clean | ≥ 6mm | +15–20% premium |
| HMS 2 (No. 2) | Lighter steel, may include coated or mixed | ≥ 1.5mm | Base price |
| Shredded scrap | Mixed processed steel | Any | Slightly below HMS 1 |
| Cast iron scrap | Cast machinery parts | Any | Lower than HMS |
Most heavy machinery — structural frames, gear housings, press bodies — qualifies as HMS 1 or HMS 2, which are the backbone of steel scrap exports from Saudi Arabia’s industrial cities.
What Is the Highest-Paid Scrap Metal?
In KSA and globally, copper consistently commands the highest price among commonly available scrap metals, followed by brass and aluminum. Here is the full ranking for machinery-related scrap:
| Rank | Metal | Why It’s Valuable | Found in Machinery |
| 1 | Copper | High conductivity, global demand from electronics & EV sectors | Motors, wiring, coils, transformers |
| 2 | Brass | Alloy of copper + zinc; used in precision components | Valves, fittings, gauges |
| 3 | Stainless Steel | Chromium content makes it premium grade | Process equipment, vessels, pipes |
| 4 | Aluminum | Lightweight, 100% recyclable, growing EV demand | Housings, heat exchangers, casings |
| 5 | Lead | Dense, stable demand from battery recycling | Counterweights, radiation shielding |
| 6 | Steel (HMS 1) | Highest-volume traded scrap globally | All structural machine components |
Pro tip: Before scrapping complex machinery, have an expert separate copper and brass components from the steel body. Selling mixed scrap costs you money — sorted metals always fetch higher individual prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scrap value of machinery?
The scrap value of machinery depends on the type and weight of metals it contains. Copper-heavy equipment like electric motors can fetch SAR 20,000+ per tonne in copper content alone, while steel-framed equipment may bring SAR 1,500–3,000 per tonne. A professional assessment by a licensed scrap buyer provides the most accurate valuation.
How do I find scrap buyers near me in Saudi Arabia?▼
Search for licensed scrap yards in your city — Riyadh, Jeddah, Jubail, Yanbu, Ras Al Khair, or Al Hasa. Look for buyers with MODON licensing, certified weighing facilities, and on-site pickup services. Scrap Metal Buyer KSA covers all major KSA industrial cities. Call now for a free site visit and quote.
Is it legal to sell industrial scrap in KSA?▼
Yes, selling industrial scrap is fully legal in Saudi Arabia provided you have a valid Commercial Registration (CR), proper documentation for the equipment, and work with a licensed scrap buyer. For environmentally sensitive equipment (oil-contaminated, hazardous materials), additional environmental compliance may be required.
How long does the scrap selling process take?▼
For smaller quantities, the process can be completed in 2–5 business days — from site visit and quotation to pickup and payment. Large industrial dismantling projects may take 1–4 weeks depending on equipment size, required permits, and logistics coordination.
What documents do I need to sell scrap machinery?▼
Typically: company CR copy, proof of asset ownership (purchase invoice or fixed-asset register), identification of the authorized representative, and for imported machinery, customs clearance documents. Your scrap buyer will guide you through any additional paperwork.
Do scrap buyers offer dismantling and transport services?▼
Yes — most established scrap buyers in KSA provide end-to-end services including on-site assessment, professional dismantling, crane and heavy-transport logistics, and loading. This is typically included or negotiated as part of the scrap deal, especially for bulk quantities. See our demolition waste services →
Which scrap metal pays the most?▼
Copper is consistently the highest-paid scrap metal, followed by brass, stainless steel, and aluminum. For machinery, sorting and separating metals before sale significantly increases your total payout compared to selling as mixed or unsorted scrap.