Scrap Metal Prices in Australia
Compare scrap metal prices in Australia, including copper, aluminium, brass, lead and steel. Use the price table below as a starting point, then check your city or state page for more local information. The amount a recycler offers for your material can differ from a published reference price depending on its grade, condition, quantity and collection costs.
Scrap Metal Prices per Kilogram in Australia
| Metal | Price Per Kilo |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | $4.69 |
| Aluminium Alloy | $4.35 |
| Copper | $20.20 |
| Brass | $15.21 |
| Lead | $2.68 |
| Nickel | $23.18 |
| Tin | $68.64 |
| Zinc | $5.52 |
| Steel Scrap | $0.58 |
| Steel Rebar | $0.89 |
Last Updated On
Prices are shown in Australian dollars (AUD) per kilogram. Check the update date displayed with the table. These figures are a reference, not a guaranteed quote from a particular scrap yard.
Scrap Gold Prices in Australia
Gold values depend on purity, commonly expressed in carats. For example, 9ct, 18ct and 24ct gold contain different proportions of gold by weight.
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct Gold | $68.25 | $2,122.83 |
| 14ct Gold | $106.47 | $3,311.68 |
| 18ct Gold | $136.50 | $4,245.72 |
| 22ct Gold | $166.72 | $5,185.42 |
| 24ct Gold | $181.99 | $5,660.37 |
A buyer's offer may be below the metal value after testing, refining costs and the buyer's margin. Jewellery may be worth more as a finished item than as scrap.
Silver, Platinum and Palladium Prices
Compare indicative precious-metal values below. The purity of the item and the amount of recoverable metal affect what a buyer will pay.
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Palladium | $36.93 | $1,148.62 |
| Platinum | $53.52 | $1,664.64 |
| Silver | $1.86 | $57.88 |
Hallmarks can help identify an item's composition, but buyers may still test it. Compare specialist precious-metal buyers rather than assuming a general scrap yard offers the best rate.
Scrap Metal Prices by Australian City
Looking for prices closer to home? Select a city to view its dedicated scrap metal price page. Local offers can differ because of transport distances, available buyers, material grades and demand. The links below lead to city-specific price information rather than fixed estimates on this page.
Scrap Metal Prices by State
For a broader regional overview, explore the state pages. Scrap prices can vary within a state, particularly between metropolitan and regional areas.
The Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory are territories, not states. For Canberra, use the city link above.
What Affects Scrap Metal Prices?
Metal type and grade: Clean, identifiable copper generally attracts a different rate from insulated copper cable or mixed metals. Aluminium castings, extrusions and cans may also be priced separately.
Contamination: Paint, plastic, attachments and mixed materials can reduce the recoverable metal content and affect the grade.
Quantity and transport: A large, sorted load may attract a different offer from a few kilograms. Pickup charges can matter, especially outside major cities.
Market conditions: Commodity prices, exchange rates and local demand can change the rates offered by recyclers. Ask for a current quote before making a special trip.
How to Get a Better Price for Your Scrap
- Sort metals separately. Keep copper, brass, aluminium and ferrous metals in different containers.
- Identify the grade. Ask buyers how they classify your material and whether insulated wire, clean pipe or mixed scrap attracts a different rate.
- Compare quotes. Contact several local scrap metal recyclers and confirm whether their price is per kilogram or per tonne.
- Check acceptance rules. Ask about identification, proof of ownership, minimum quantities and payment methods. Requirements differ by state and territory.
- Calculate the net return. Consider travel, collection and handling costs rather than looking only at the advertised rate.
Common Scrap Metal Types in Australia
Scrap Copper
Copper is found in electrical cable, plumbing pipe and some industrial equipment. Clean copper and insulated wire are usually assessed as different grades. Do not burn insulation off cables: ask your recycler how it accepts insulated wire.
Scrap Aluminium
Aluminium appears in window frames, extrusions, wheels, sheet metal and some drink cans. Different alloys and contamination levels can affect the offer. Australia's container deposit schemes may be a better option for eligible drink containers.
Scrap Brass
Brass is common in plumbing fittings, taps, valves and hardware. Removing easily detachable non-metal parts can help, but check whether the extra work is worthwhile.
Scrap Steel and Iron
Steel and iron are often grouped as ferrous scrap. They are widely used in appliances, structural materials and machinery. Because their per-kilogram value is generally lower than copper or brass, transport costs matter more for small loads.
Scrap Lead
Lead can be found in some roofing materials and older equipment. Lead-acid batteries require appropriate collection and recycling; do not open or drain them. Confirm that the facility accepts batteries before visiting.
Stainless Steel and Other Alloys
Stainless steel, nickel-bearing alloys and other specialist metals may be priced according to their composition. If you have a substantial quantity, ask whether the recycler can identify the alloy before quoting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap copper worth per kg in Australia?
Check the copper entry in the Australian price table above, then compare it with a quote for your specific grade. Bare copper, mixed copper and insulated cable may have different buying rates.
Are scrap metal prices the same in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane?
No. Buyers can offer different rates depending on material quality, local demand, transport and processing costs. Use the city links above to compare location-specific information.
Do scrap yards pay the published price?
Not necessarily. A published price is useful for comparison, but a recycler's actual offer depends on the material and its grading, as well as the buyer's costs and margins.
Can I sell scrap metal for cash in Australia?
Payment and identification rules vary by state and territory, and some jurisdictions restrict cash payments for scrap metal. Check the rules that apply to your location and confirm the recycler's payment process in advance.
Can I take old appliances and batteries to any scrap yard?
No. Acceptance policies vary. Refrigerators and air conditioners may require specialist handling, and batteries and electronic waste often need dedicated recycling facilities. Check before transporting them.