1. What’s It Worth? (2026 Price Estimates)
Scrap prices fluctuate daily based on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the AUD/USD exchange rate. Currently, high-demand metals like copper and aluminum are seeing strong returns due to their roles in renewable energy infrastructure.
| Metal Category | Est. Price (AUD per kg) | Common Source |
| Copper (Millberry) | $10.50 – $13.50 | Stripped electrical wire |
| Copper (Insulated) | $2.10 – $7.10 | Unstripped cables, household wiring |
| Brass (Clean) | $5.50 – $6.20 | Plumbing taps, ornaments, marine fittings |
| Aluminum (Extrusion) | $1.65 – $2.10 | Window frames, high-grade rims |
| Stainless Steel (316) | $1.45 – $2.20 | Marine hardware, high-end kitchen sinks |
| Heavy Steel | $0.25 – $0.35 | I-beams, machinery, thick plate |
| Light Steel / Cars | $0.15 – $0.25 | White goods, fencing, car bodies |
2. The Golden Rules: No Cash, No ID, No Deal
The “Wild West” days of the scrap yard are over. To combat metal theft and money laundering, Australian states have implemented some of the world’s strictest scrap laws.
- The Cash Ban: In NSW, VIC, and several other states, it is illegal for a dealer to pay you in physical cash. All payments must be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or a non-transferable cheque. Most yards now use Osko, so the money is in your account before you leave the driveway.
- Mandatory ID: You cannot sell scrap anonymously. You must provide a valid Australian Driver’s License or Passport.
- Digital Records: Dealers must record your vehicle registration and take a photo of the metal. In some states, high-value items (like copper) are subject to a 7-day holding period before they can be processed or sold.
3. Trends Driving the Market in 2026
The “Green Premium”
Major Australian manufacturers are now paying a “Green Premium” for scrap that comes with a provenance report. If a recycler can prove that the metal was processed using renewable energy or came from a specific “closed-loop” source (like a demolished office building), it fetches a higher price in the global market.
E-Waste and Lithium
With the 2026 National Battery Strategy in full swing, yards are pivoting. Many “Aussie Scrap” yards now have specialized bins for lithium-ion batteries and solar panels, extracting “Black Mass” (cobalt, nickel, and lithium) which is then sold back to battery manufacturers in Southeast Asia.
4. How to Maximize Your Return
If you want to get the top end of the price ranges listed above, follow these industry “insider” tips:
- The Magnet Test: If a magnet sticks to it, it’s ferrous (steel/iron) and worth cents. If it doesn’t stick, it’s non-ferrous (copper, aluminum, brass) and worth dollars.
- Clean Your Load: Removing plastic handles from aluminum pots or rubber insulation from copper pipes can double your payout. Yards “downgrade” dirty loads to the price of the lowest-value material in the mix.
- Check the “Billet” Price: If you are a commercial seller, watch the price of steel billets. Local scrap prices usually lag behind international billet prices by about two weeks.
5. Major Australian Players
- Sims Limited: The global giant remains the safest bet for large-scale drops with over 200 facilities.
- InfraBuild: Essential for those selling heavy steel, as they often feed their own Australian steel mills directly.
- Raw Metal Corp (QLD) & Allied Metal Recyclers (WA): Leading regional operators known for competitive daily rates and fast turnaround for tradespeople.