Maddy Gupta: Many businesses sitting on hidden cash in plain sight with metal soaring in value

As global metal prices continue to surge, Australian businesses are being urged to take a closer look at what is sitting idle in their warehouses, plant rooms and yards, with experts warning that many organisations are unknowingly holding valuable recyclable assets.
 

According to Maddy Gupta, founder and CEO of Manhari Recycling, one of the biggest misconceptions in industry is that scrap metal only refers to obvious piles of steel or construction offcuts.
 

"Many people simply don't realise how many everyday items contain metal that can be recycled and is worth money," Gupta said.
 

"Metal is embedded in equipment, infrastructure and furniture across almost every workplace. What businesses often see as clutter or waste can actually be a recoverable asset."
 

Metal is everywhere in commercial sites
 

Gupta said most commercial and industrial facilities contain significant volumes of steel, aluminium, copper and stainless steel, often hidden inside equipment that is no longer used.
 

Industrial machinery such as conveyors, fabrication equipment, commercial refrigeration units, compressors, pumps, motors and gearboxes contain large quantities of recoverable metal. Even equipment that appears heavily worn or beyond repair can still hold substantial scrap value because of the materials inside it.
 

Building and construction sites
 

Building services infrastructure is another major source of recyclable material. Air-conditioning units, HVAC systems, ducting, cooling towers, copper wiring, cable trays, electrical switchboards, transformers, metal piping and structural beams all contain high-value metals. During refurbishments or upgrades, these materials are frequently removed and discarded without being assessed for their recycling potential.
 

"In older buildings especially, there can be significant volumes of copper wiring and steel components," Gupta said.
 

"Copper is particularly valuable, yet it is often overlooked during decommissioning."

Offices, retail and hospitality also hold value
 

Metal recycling opportunities are not limited to factories and construction sites. Offices and retail premises also contain recyclable materials in everyday fixtures and fittings.
 

Metal desks, filing cabinets, shelving systems, racking, whitegoods, server racks and data centre infrastructure all contain recoverable steel and aluminium. Shopfitting components, stainless steel kitchen benches, commercial ovens and display frames are commonly discarded during renovations despite holding recyclable value.
 

"Fit-outs are a prime example," Gupta said.
 

"During a renovation, metal components often end up in mixed waste bins. With proper separation, those materials can be recovered and monetised."
 

Regional and agricultural sites often hold decades of value
 

Gupta said regional properties and agricultural businesses frequently have unused machinery stored for years without recognising its recycling value.
 

Old tractors, irrigation systems, fencing, trailers, storage tanks and farm equipment are often parked in sheds long after their operational life has ended.
 

"When metal prices are strong, clearing out old machinery can generate meaningful returns," he said.
 

"What looks like scrap may actually represent thousands of dollars in recyclable material."
 

From disposal cost to revenue opportunity
 

Gupta said many businesses continue to pay for storage or disposal of redundant equipment without considering the potential return.
 

"There is a shift happening," he said.
 

"Metal recycling is no longer just about waste reduction. It's about value recovery."
 

In an environment of rising operating costs, converting unwanted equipment into cash can improve cash flow without cutting staff or scaling back operations. Separating recyclable metal from general waste can also reduce landfill fees and transport costs.
 

Why awareness matters now
 

Global demand for recycled metals has intensified as manufacturers increasingly prioritise cost efficiency and supply chain sustainability. Recycled steel, aluminium and copper are playing a growing role in domestic and international manufacturing.
 

"When demand for recycled materials rises, local scrap becomes more valuable," Gupta said.
 

"That's why awareness is critical. Businesses need to understand what they're holding before they dispose of it."

He encouraged business owners, facilities managers and site supervisors to conduct simple audits of their premises.
 

"Walk through your site and ask: what here contains metal? Is it still in use? If not, it may have value," he said.
 

Gupta's message is straightforward.
 

"Metal is far more common than people realise," he said.
 

"It's in machinery, infrastructure, furniture and equipment across almost every industry. If it's no longer needed and it contains metal, it likely has worth."
 

With metal prices elevated and demand strong, Gupta said now is the time for businesses to reassess what they consider waste.
 

"Before you send something to landfill or leave it sitting unused, review it," he said.
 

"You might be surprised how much hidden value is sitting in plain sight."
 

About Manhari Recycling
 

Founded in 2007 by Maddy Gupta, Manhari Recycling is one of Victoria's largest and most trusted scrap metal recycling companies. With operations spanning nearly five hectares across Tottenham, Horsham and Ararat, Manhari processes over 250,000 metric tons of metal annually and exports to major manufacturing markets worldwide. The company offers comprehensive services including auto recycling, whitegoods disposal, construction scrap recovery and e-waste processing. Committed to innovation, sustainability and customer service, Manhari is evolving into a leader in circular economy solutions, helping industry and community reduce waste, recover value and build a cleaner, greener future for Victoria.
 

To get a free quote or book a pick-up, visit www.manhari.com.au