Scrap Metal Prices in South Africa
Compare indicative scrap metal prices in South Africa, including copper, aluminium, brass, steel and other commonly recycled metals. Use the national price table as a starting point, then check your city or province and request a quote from a local scrap metal dealer before selling.
Scrap Metal Prices in South Africa per Kilogram
The table below shows indicative South African scrap metal prices. Prices are generally discussed in South African rand (ZAR) per kilogram. Check the units displayed in the table: a reference price is not a guaranteed offer from a scrap yard. What a dealer pays depends on the metal grade, quantity, condition, location and market demand.
| Metal | Price Per Kilo |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | R52.47 |
| Aluminium Alloy | R49.73 |
| Copper | R228.03 |
| Brass | R171.76 |
| Lead | R30.64 |
| Nickel | R266.10 |
| Tin | R775.69 |
| Zinc | R62.53 |
| Steel Scrap | R6.62 |
| Steel Rebar | R10.23 |
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For a useful comparison, ask dealers for a quote for the exact type of metal you have. Clean copper wire, insulated cable and mixed copper scrap, for example, can attract very different prices.
Scrap Metal Prices by City
Choose a local page to explore scrap metal prices in your area. These links lead to city or metropolitan-area price pages; the amounts offered by individual buyers may differ.
Scrap Metal Prices by Province
Local demand, transport costs and the availability of recycling facilities can affect the prices offered in different parts of South Africa. Browse the nine provincial pages:
Scrap Gold Prices
Gold value depends on purity, weight and the buyer's offer. Jewellery marked 9ct, 14ct, 18ct or 22ct contains different proportions of gold, so compare quotes using the same carat and weight.
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct Gold | R750.11 | R23,330.93 |
| 14ct Gold | R1,170.17 | R36,396.41 |
| 18ct Gold | R1,500.21 | R46,661.85 |
| 22ct Gold | R1,832.26 | R56,989.75 |
| 24ct Gold | R2,000.09 | R62,209.63 |
Gold jewellery may also have resale value beyond its metal content. Consider that before accepting a scrap-only offer.
Silver and Other Precious Metal Prices
Precious metals are valued differently from ordinary industrial scrap. Purity, assay results, weight and processing costs can all affect the amount a buyer offers.
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Palladium | R394.21 | R12,261.16 |
| Platinum | R593.25 | R18,452.13 |
| Silver | R20.51 | R637.85 |
Check hallmarks where available and compare offers from buyers who handle the particular precious metal you want to sell.
Common Scrap Metals and What Affects Their Value
Copper
Copper is found in electrical wiring, plumbing and industrial equipment. Clean, uncoated copper generally attracts a different price from insulated cable, copper alloys or contaminated material. Ask the buyer how each category is graded.
Aluminium
Aluminium scrap can include extrusions, sheet, castings and used beverage cans. Mixed alloys, attachments and contamination can lower the price compared with well-sorted material.
Brass
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy commonly found in taps, valves and plumbing fittings. Remove non-metal attachments where practical and ask whether the dealer distinguishes clean brass from mixed fittings.
Steel and Iron
Ferrous scrap includes many types of steel and iron. These are often worth less per kilogram than clean non-ferrous scrap, so the quantity, collection costs and material specification matter particularly for small loads.
Lead, Zinc and Other Metals
Lead, zinc, stainless steel and other specialist materials may need separate sorting or a buyer who accepts that category. Lead-containing materials require careful handling; do not burn, melt or dismantle hazardous items to recover metal.
Why Grades Matter
There is no single universal three-grade system covering every scrap metal. Dealers use material-specific descriptions and specifications, such as clean copper, insulated cable, cast aluminium or mixed steel. Ask which category applies to your load before comparing prices.
How to Get a Better Price for Scrap Metal in South Africa
- Identify and separate the materials. Keep copper, brass, aluminium and ferrous scrap apart, and distinguish clean material from mixed or insulated scrap.
- Weigh your load. An approximate weight helps you compare quotes and assess whether transport costs are worthwhile.
- Contact more than one recycler. Ask for the price per kilogram, accepted grades, any deductions and whether collection is available.
- Check the requirements before visiting. South African scrap metal transactions are subject to legal and record-keeping requirements. Ask the dealer what identification and proof of ownership they need, especially for cables and other sensitive materials.
- Compare the net amount. The highest quoted rate may not be the best outcome once transport, sorting and other costs are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap copper worth per kilogram in South Africa?
Use the current copper entry in the price table above as an indication, then request a local quote. Clean copper, mixed copper and insulated wire can have substantially different values.
Are scrap metal prices the same in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban?
No. Dealer demand, transport, the material specification and the quantity offered can vary by location. Start with the relevant city page and confirm the price with a buyer.
Are the prices shown guaranteed buying prices?
No. They are indicative reference prices, not binding offers. The final amount depends on the buyer's assessment of the material and the terms of the transaction.
Is scrap metal sold by the kilogram?
Prices in South Africa are commonly quoted in rand per kilogram, although bulk transactions may use larger weight units. Always confirm both the currency and the unit when comparing offers.
Can I sell copper cables or other infrastructure materials?
Dealers may apply additional checks or refuse certain materials. Only sell metal you legally own and confirm identification, documentation and acceptance requirements with a registered dealer.
Scrap Metal Prices in Other Countries
Compare our country price pages, bearing in mind that currencies, units, grades and local buying conditions differ. A higher figure abroad does not necessarily mean a better net return.