Scrap Metal Prices in Adelaide
Adelaide's auto manufacturing legacy left a dense network of yards, particularly in Wingfield and Regency Park. Defence and shipbuilding contracts at Osborne keep specialty alloy demand strong.
Current scrap metal prices in Adelaide
Spot price equivalents adjusted for Adelaide's regional rate (0.95×). Actual yard payouts apply the grade-specific payout rate on top — typically 12–78% of spot depending on grade.
| Metal | Sydney spot | Adelaide equiv. | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | $17.88 | $16.99 | Grades & payouts → |
| Aluminium | $4.54 | $4.31 | Grades & payouts → |
| Brass | $13.46 | $12.79 | Grades & payouts → |
| Steel | $0.42 | $0.40 | Grades & payouts → |
| Stainless Steel | $2.33 | $2.22 | Grades & payouts → |
| Lead | $2.81 | $2.67 | Grades & payouts → |
| Zinc | $4.49 | $4.27 | Grades & payouts → |
| Nickel | $22.91 | $21.76 | Grades & payouts → |
How Adelaide compares
Scrap yards in Adelaide pay roughly 5% below the Sydney national benchmark (0.95× regional adjustment). Among Australian capital cities, rates here are closest to Canberra (0.93×). Proximity to major ports and smelter networks keeps Adelaide's rates close to the national best.
Other South Australia scrap markets
Yards across South Australia pay rates relative to their distance from major smelters and ports.
Popular items: what they're worth in Adelaide
Estimated scrap value at Adelaide yards. Assumes properly prepared material (oil drained, copper stripped from motors, refrigerant degassed where required).
Scrap yards in Adelaide
30 verified scrap yards in the Adelaide area with addresses, phone numbers, and ratings. Browse all 30 yards →
Frequently asked questions about scrap metal in Adelaide
Where are the best scrap metal yards in Adelaide? +
We're building a verified directory of Adelaide scrap yards with hours, accepted metals, and seller reports. Until that's live, the practical approach is to call 2-3 yards in your area before transporting a load — published rates are useful guides but actual offers vary by day, load size, and material quality.
Why does Adelaide pay less than Sydney for scrap metal? +
The 5% gap to Sydney reflects transport costs. Metal sold in Adelaide eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via the state capital — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. Our regional adjustment is modelled from observed yard rates plus distance to processing facilities.
What's the highest-paying scrap metal in Adelaide? +
Copper, by a wide margin. Clean bare-bright copper currently pays around $13.25 per kilogram in Adelaide. Brass and aluminium follow, with steel paying the least per kilogram but compensating through volume — most ferrous loads are weighed on commercial weighbridges where small differences in rate matter less than tonnage.
Do Adelaide scrap yards require photo ID? +
Yes for most non-ferrous metals and always for lead-acid batteries and catalytic converters. South Australia legislation requires yards to record seller identification on regulated transactions, primarily to deter metal theft. A driver's licence is the most commonly accepted form. Cash payments above certain thresholds may require additional documentation under state-specific regulations.
What other SA cities have scrap yards? +
Yes — Mount Gambier, Whyalla all have active scrap yards covered on this site.
When is the best time of week to bring a load to a Adelaide yard? +
Tuesday through Thursday mornings generally produce the best experience. Yards are less crowded than Mondays (when weekend volume arrives), prices are stable mid-week, and weighbridge wait times are shorter. Many Adelaide yards close early on weekends or operate reduced hours, so confirm opening times before transport.