Scrap Aluminium Prices in Adelaide
Scrap aluminium in Adelaide currently pays from $2.00 per kilogram for aluminium cans (ubc) up to $2.88 for aluminium extrusion. As the capital of South Australia, Adelaide has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Aluminium grades and payouts in Adelaide (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($4.67/kg) and Adelaide's 0.95× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium Extrusion Clean, uncoated aluminium profiles used for window and door frames. Highest-paying common aluminium grade. | 65% | $2.88 | $2.45 – $3.32 |
| Cast Aluminium Cast aluminium components, typically thicker and used in automotive or industrial parts. Pays slightly less than extrusion due to alloy variability. | 55% | $2.44 | $2.07 – $2.81 |
| Aluminium Sheet Rolled aluminium sheet, often used in roofing, signage, or vehicle panels. | 50% | $2.22 | $1.88 – $2.55 |
| Aluminium Cans (UBC) Used beverage containers. Lowest aluminium grade because of paint, varnish, and steel-end contamination. Earn more via Container Deposit Scheme if available in your state. | 45% | $2.00 | $1.70 – $2.30 |
Price history
Local Adelaide prices track the national aluminium series — multiply by 0.95 for Adelaide equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national aluminium page.
Aluminium 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.
As a capital city, Adelaide has the densest scrap yard concentration in South Australia, with active buyers for all common aluminium grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Adelaide that buy aluminium
30 verified scrap yards in the Adelaide area. Browse all yards in Adelaide →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap aluminium in Adelaide? +
Today's estimated payouts in Adelaide range from $2.00 per kilogram (aluminium cans (ubc)) up to $2.88 (aluminium extrusion). Prices update daily and reflect Adelaide's 0.95× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap aluminium in Adelaide? +
We're building a verified directory of Adelaide scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Adelaide yards accept aluminium in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Adelaide pay 5% less than Sydney for aluminium? +
Transport cost. Aluminium 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. The 0.95× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is aluminium graded at Adelaide yards? +
Adelaide yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Aluminium Extrusion, Cast Aluminium, Aluminium Sheet, Aluminium Cans (UBC). The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/aluminium/">Aluminium grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell aluminium at a Adelaide yard? +
Yes for any non-ferrous scrap. South Australia legislation requires yards to record seller ID on regulated transactions to deter metal theft. Bring a driver's licence or other photo ID. Cash payments above certain thresholds may require additional documentation.
Is it worth driving from Adelaide to a bigger city for higher aluminium rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Adelaide to the nearest capital quickly eat the rate difference, especially for a single residential load. The exception is high-value loads of clean copper or brass — for loads above a few hundred kilograms of clean material, the maths can work out. For everything else, consolidate locally and accept the 0.95× rate.