Don’t Toss That Drill – Here’s How to Recycle It Right
We’ve all got them—power tools that have seen better days. Maybe it’s that old cordless drill that won’t hold a charge anymore or a jigsaw with a burnt-out motor. Whatever the case, throwing these tools in the rubbish bin shouldn’t be the go-to move. Why? Because they’re packed with recyclable metal and materials that still hold value.
So, if you’re wondering what to do with your aging or broken tools, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about where and how you can recycle metal from old power tools properly, safely, and in a way that helps the planet.
First Things First: Can Power Tools Be Recycled?
Absolutely—yes!
Most power tools contain a good mix of materials, including:
- Steel and aluminium (found in the casing, gears, and components)
- Copper (inside motors and wiring)
- Plastic (the outer shell or handles)
- Lithium or NiCad batteries (in cordless tools)
The metal parts in particular are in high demand for recycling because they can be melted down and reused without losing quality. That’s great news for both the environment and the economy.
Where to Recycle Old Power Tools in Australia
Here are a few go-to options for recycling metal from those worn-out tools:
1. Local Scrap Metal Yards (Like Us!)
If you’re dealing with tools that are mostly metal or contain motors (like drills, grinders, or saws), your local scrap metal yard is your best bet. We accept a wide range of tools and can extract the valuable metal parts for recycling.
📌 Hot tip: Even if the tool doesn’t work, the internal metals—especially copper—can still be salvaged and reused.
Just give us a call or drop in. We’ll let you know what we accept, how to prepare your tools for drop-off, and what we can recycle from them.
2. Council Recycling Centres & Transfer Stations
Many local councils offer hard rubbish collection or e-waste drop-off days, and power tools often qualify. They’ll typically sort these items and send the metal parts to specialist recyclers.
Check with your local council to see if your area has a designated facility or event for tool recycling.
3. Battery Recycling for Cordless Tools
If your old tools run on batteries, don’t forget about them! Batteries should never go in general waste bins because they can leak or cause fires.
You can drop lithium-ion and NiCad batteries off at:
- Bunnings (most stores have a battery recycling box near the entrance)
- ALDI (some locations have drop-off bins)
- Council collection points
Remove the battery before taking the rest of the tool to the scrap yard.
4. Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Some tool manufacturers offer recycling or trade-in schemes. Brands like Makita, DeWalt, and Bosch occasionally run programs to accept back old or broken tools—especially for cordless models.
It’s worth checking the brand’s website or calling customer service to see if they participate.
Before You Recycle – A Few Quick Tips
- Remove batteries. Always take out rechargeable batteries before recycling.
- Clean off dirt or grease. Scrap yards appreciate tools that aren’t caked in grime.
- Don’t disassemble unless you know how. Most yards can handle the breakdown—no need to pull the tool apart unless you’re confident.
What Happens After You Recycle?
Once your tools reach a metal recycling facility:
- The metal components are separated and sorted (steel, aluminium, copper, etc.).
- Motors are dismantled to recover copper windings.
- Recyclable plastics may be processed separately.
- The leftover materials are sent to manufacturers to be melted down and reused.
So, that old drill could end up as part of a bike frame, construction material, or even a new tool someday!
Why It Matters
Recycling metal from old power tools:
- Reduces landfill waste
- Conserves natural resources by reusing valuable metals
- Prevents environmental harm from battery leakage or improper disposal
- Supports a circular economy—where nothing useful goes to waste
It’s a small step that has a big impact, especially when you multiply it by thousands of tools tossed every year.
Final Word: Don’t Let Old Tools Go to Waste
If it’s rusty, broken, or just not pulling its weight anymore, don’t bin it—recycle it. Whether it’s a drill, grinder, saw, or sander, there’s still value in the metal it holds.
Bring it to your local scrap yard (we’d love to help), check your council’s recycling options, or visit a nearby drop-off point. Together, we can keep valuable materials in use and cut down on unnecessary waste.
Got a garage full of old tools collecting dust? Give us a call—we’ll help you sort it out!
If you are in Harkaway, and looking for a metal recycling service, this is the best way to visit us.
Super Metal Recycling
345 Frankston – Dandenong Road, Dandenong South VIC 3175
(03) 9706 4909
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