Scrap Metal Prices in New Zealand
Compare scrap metal price references in New Zealand, including copper, aluminium, brass, steel and precious metals. The tables below provide a starting point for valuing your material. The amount a local scrap dealer offers may differ depending on the metal grade, quantity, condition and collection arrangements.
Scrap metal prices per kilogram in New Zealand
Use these figures as a market reference rather than a guaranteed scrap yard payout. Clean, sorted material can be valued differently from mixed or contaminated scrap. Ask a local buyer for a quote before arranging a sale.
| Metal | Price Per Kilo |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | $5.76 |
| Aluminium Alloy | $5.34 |
| Copper | $24.79 |
| Brass | $18.67 |
| Lead | $3.29 |
| Nickel | $28.46 |
| Tin | $84.26 |
| Zinc | $6.78 |
| Steel Scrap | $0.71 |
| Steel Rebar | $1.10 |
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Gold, silver and other precious metal prices
Precious metals are usually valued by weight and purity. The reference value of the metal is not necessarily the amount offered by a jewellery buyer, refiner or dealer, who may deduct testing, processing or commercial costs.
Scrap gold prices
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct Gold | $83.78 | $2,605.73 |
| 14ct Gold | $130.69 | $4,065.02 |
| 18ct Gold | $167.55 | $5,211.53 |
| 22ct Gold | $204.64 | $6,365.00 |
| 24ct Gold | $223.38 | $6,947.99 |
Gold purity is expressed in carats: for example, 9ct gold contains 37.5% gold, while 18ct contains 75%. A buyer will also consider the weight of non-gold components, such as stones or clasps.
Silver, platinum and palladium prices
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Palladium | $45.33 | $1,409.91 |
| Platinum | $65.69 | $2,043.32 |
| Silver | $2.28 | $71.05 |
Check the hallmark or have the item tested if its purity is uncertain. Jewellery, antiques and collectable items may be worth more as finished objects than for their metal content alone.
Why your local scrap yard may pay a different price
The figures in the tables are useful for tracking metal values, but a quoted market price and a scrap dealer's buying price are not interchangeable. In particular, the price of refined copper or aluminium can be substantially different from the price paid for mixed scrap containing those metals.
Metal grade and contamination
Clean copper, insulated copper cable, mixed brass and aluminium castings are different scrap categories. Attachments, coatings, moisture and non-metal components can affect the grade and the price offered.
Quantity, transport and local demand
Buyers may quote differently for a few kilograms and a commercial load. Collection costs, transport distance, available processing facilities and demand from downstream buyers also influence local offers.
Practical example: a quoted copper reference price should not be multiplied by the entire weight of a bundle of insulated cable. The cable includes insulation and may be purchased as a separate scrap grade.
Scrap metal prices by city and region
There is no reliable fixed percentage by which scrap prices in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington differ from a national reference. Instead of publishing unverified city-specific prices, the guide below describes local factors that may affect the offers you receive.
| City or region | Factors to consider | What it means for sellers |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Large urban market, commercial activity and multiple potential buyers. | Comparing quotes may be worthwhile, particularly for sorted non-ferrous metals. |
| Hamilton and Waikato | Regional engineering, manufacturing and agricultural activity. | Buyer specialisation and the size of a load may matter more than the city itself. |
| Tauranga and Bay of Plenty | Port-related logistics and a mix of industrial and regional activity. | Ask whether the buyer accepts your specific grade and whether transport is included. |
| Wellington and Hutt Valley | Urban demand and industrial businesses across the wider region. | Compare the net amount after any collection or handling charges. |
| Christchurch and Canterbury | Construction, manufacturing and agricultural supply chains. | Prices can vary by material type, cleanliness and the buyer's processing capability. |
| Dunedin and Otago | Regional collection networks and distances to processing facilities. | For bulky, lower-value metals, transport costs can have a significant impact. |
| Smaller towns and remote areas | Potentially fewer nearby buyers and longer transport distances. | Collection fees and minimum load requirements may influence the final return. |
These are qualitative market considerations, not measured local price premiums or discounts. A city cannot reliably be labelled above or below the national average for every metal.
Common scrap metals: what affects their value?
Copper
Copper is commonly recovered from plumbing, electrical work and industrial equipment. Bare, clean copper and insulated wire are normally assessed as different grades. Never burn cable insulation to recover metal.
Aluminium
Aluminium appears in window frames, building materials, wheels and other components. Extrusions, cast aluminium and mixed aluminium may attract different offers. Remove non-metal attachments where practical and safe.
Brass
Brass is often found in taps, fittings, valves and plumbing components. Separating brass from steel, plastic and other metals can make grading easier.
Steel and iron
Ferrous scrap is widespread in machinery, appliances and construction. Its value per kilogram is generally lower than that of clean copper or brass, so load size and transport costs are especially important.
Lead and batteries
Lead may be present in older building materials and specialised equipment. Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous substances and should be taken to a facility that accepts them; do not dismantle them to recover the lead.
Electrical and electronic waste
Computers, televisions and appliances may contain valuable metals but can also contain hazardous components. Check whether a recycler accepts the complete item rather than attempting unsafe dismantling.
How to sell scrap metal in New Zealand
- Identify and separate the materials. Keep copper, brass, aluminium and ferrous metals apart where possible.
- Estimate the weight. Tell buyers whether you have a small household quantity or a larger commercial load.
- Request comparable quotes. Describe the grade and condition, and ask whether the quote is per kilogram, includes GST where applicable, and assumes delivery or collection.
- Check the buyer's requirements. Ask about identification, proof of ownership, payment methods and any restrictions on the materials they accept.
- Compare the net proceeds. A higher quoted rate is not necessarily the better deal if you must pay more for transport or processing.
For business waste, regulated materials or hazardous items, use a suitably authorised operator and check the requirements that apply to your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Are these the prices a scrap yard will pay me?
Not necessarily. The tables provide price references; individual buyers set their own purchase rates based on grade, quantity and other costs.
Does Auckland pay more for scrap than Christchurch?
There is no dependable city-wide answer. The difference can change by buyer and metal grade. Request quotes for the same material and quantity to make a meaningful comparison.
Is clean copper worth more than insulated copper wire?
Usually, clean copper is valued differently because insulated wire contains non-metal material. The exact rate depends on how the buyer grades the wire and its recoverable copper content.
Can I sell small amounts of scrap metal?
Some dealers accept small quantities, while others may have minimum weights or different rates for small loads. Contact the buyer before travelling.
How often do scrap metal prices change?
Metal markets can move frequently, but local buying rates may be updated on a different schedule. Check the update date displayed with the relevant table and confirm the dealer's current quote.