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STAINLESS STEEL
RECYCLING

RECYCLING

Stainless steel is one of the most durable and reusable materials out there, but it’s no good to anyone sitting around gathering dust. At Phoenix, we're here to help you recycle stainless steel scrap. Clear out your steel, give it a fresh start, and get paid!

See below for details | Stainless steel scrap prices↓

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What is
STAINLESS STEEL?

Assorted sheets of recycled stainless steel

Stainless steel is a tough, long-lasting metal made from iron, chromium, nickel, and other alloys, giving it natural rust resistance and durability. Unlike regular steel, which corrodes over time, stainless steel forms a protective layer that prevents rust, making it perfect for construction, food processing, medical equipment, and marine industries. It’s used in everything from kitchen sinks to high-rise buildings because it lasts for decades without breaking down.

Since stainless steel is 100% recyclable, it’s one of the most sustainable metals around. Recycling it reduces the need for mining, cuts down on waste, and saves energy compared to producing new stainless steel from raw materials. Keeping it in circulation helps protect natural resources while still delivering the same high-quality, durable metal industries rely on.

TYPES OF

STAINLESS STEEL
WE ACCEPT

At Phoenix Recycling, we take all sorts of stainless steel scrap – big, small, clean, or even a bit tricky. Here’s what we’re after:

STAINLESS STEEL
304

The most common type of stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, is used in kitchen appliances, commercial equipment, and building materials. It’s non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, and tough, making it perfect for food-grade applications, architectural projects, and industrial manufacturing.

Once recycled, it’s melted down and turned into new sheets, bars, and structural parts.

Pile of grade 316 stainless steel scrap for recycling

STAINLESS STEEL
316

Stronger and more corrosion-resistant than 304, 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which makes it highly resistant to saltwater, chemicals, and extreme environments. It’s widely used in marine industries, medical tools, and industrial piping.

STAINLESS STEEL
SWARF

Swarf is the small shavings, turnings, and chips left over from machining stainless steel. These small bits of metal are full of value, so instead of throwing them away, we collect and clean them before they are shipped off and melted down to be used in new manufacturing, automotive parts, and reinforced construction materials. Even the tiniest stainless steel offcuts can be recycled into high-quality raw materials.

Stainless steel recycling - oversize storage tanks

STAINLESS STEEL
OVERSIZE

Got large stainless steel equipment or industrial machinery taking up space? We accept oversized stainless steel, whether it needs cutting or extra processing.

Large items like storage tanks, pipelines, and heavy machinery components are broken down, sorted, and melted into new stainless steel sheets, beams, and structural materials.

HOW IS stainless STEEL
RECYCLED?

Recycling stainless steel maximises resource recovery while cutting down on waste. Here’s how we do it at Phoenix Recycling:

1. Sorting & Processing

Stainless steel is sorted by type (304, 316, or mixed grades) to ensure high-purity recycling. Any non-metal materials or coatings are removed before processing.
2. Shredding & Melting

The clean stainless steel is shredded into smaller pieces before being melted at over 1,500°C. During this stage, any impurities are skimmed off, leaving behind high-quality stainless steel.
3. Casting & Repurposing

The purified stainless steel is cast into ingots, rods, or sheets, ready to be used in construction, food processing, medical tools, and industrial machinery.

WHy is
stainless steel
so useful?

Pile of stainless steel pipes of assorted sizes

Stainless steel is an important material that can be recycled repeatedly without losing the properties that make it integral to everyday life.

Rust & corrosion-resistant:
Thanks to its chromium content, stainless steel naturally forms a protective layer that stops it from rusting, making it perfect for outdoor structures, boats, and high-moisture environments.
Strong & long-lasting:
Stainless steel is built to last, which is why it’s widely used in bridges, industrial machinery, and vehicle parts.
Hygienic & food-safe:
It doesn’t react with food or chemicals, making it ideal for kitchenware, medical instruments, and food processing equipment.
100% recyclable:
Stainless steel never loses its quality, so it can be melted down and reused over and over again.
Energy-efficient & sustainable:
Recycling stainless steel uses far less energy than mining and refining raw materials, making it a low-impact and sustainable choice.

With over 60% of stainless steel worldwide made from recycled materials, keeping it in circulation reduces the need for mining raw materials like nickel and chromium, which take a toll on the environment.

WHy recycle
STAINLESS STEEL?

Stainless steel is too valuable to waste, and recycling it helps keep this high-quality metal in use while reducing the need for mining and energy-intensive production.

Reduces landfill waste:
Stainless steel doesn’t break down organically, so recycling it keeps it out of landfills and in use.
Conserves raw materials:
Recycling stainless steel reduces demand for nickel, chromium, and iron ore mining, helping preserve natural resources and the environment.
Cuts energy use:
Producing stainless steel from raw materials takes 60 - 70% more energy than recycling existing scrap.
Supports a circular economy:
Recycled stainless steel is just as strong and durable as newly produced steel. Its high level of integrity makes it suitable for the same applications new steel would be used for.

HOW PHOENIX RECYCLES
YOUR STAINLESS SCRAP METAL

1. BRING IT IN

Got stainless steel scrap piling up? Whether it’s a handful of swarf or a big piece of machinery, just drop it off at one of our locations.
2. GET PAID

Who doesn’t love getting paid to do the right thing? We offer great rates for all types of stainless steel scrap, so you can walk away with extra cash in your pocket.
3. WE'LL HANDLE THE REST

Once it’s in our hands, you’re all sorted. We’ll take care of everything, from cutting and processing oversized pieces to sorting and exporting your scrap, where it’ll be turned into something new.