Dense soft metal used in batteries, flashing, ballast and radiation shielding.
Soft lead
Wheel weights
Battery plate
Indicative value
$2.10
per kg
How to identify
- Very dense and dull grey; marks paper and is soft enough to dent with a thumbnail.
- Non-magnetic with a low melting point and a greasy feel.
- Wheel weights carry steel clips and a different price to clean soft lead.
Common uses
- Battery plates
- Roof flashing
- Radiation shielding
- Ballast and diving weights
Recycling information
- Toxic — handle with gloves, never grind or burn, and wash hands before eating.
- Most yards require lead-acid batteries to be handled as a separate regulated stream.
- Keep soft lead, wheel weights and battery plate in separate labelled containers.
Market values are indicative and must be professionally verified before trading.