Scrap Steel Prices in Adelaide
Scrap steel in Adelaide currently pays from $0.05 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.07 for heavy melting steel (hms). As the capital of South Australia, Adelaide has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Steel grades and payouts in Adelaide (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) Steel at least 6mm thick. Standard ferrous grade for export markets. | 18% | $0.07 | $0.06 – $0.08 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.05 | $0.04 – $0.06 |
Price history
Local Adelaide prices track the national steel series — multiply by 0.95 for Adelaide equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
Steel 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 steel grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Adelaide that buy steel
30 verified scrap yards in the Adelaide area. Browse all yards in Adelaide →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap steel in Adelaide? +
Today's estimated payouts in Adelaide range from $0.05 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.07 (heavy melting steel (hms)). 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 steel 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 steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Adelaide pay 5% less than Sydney for steel? +
Transport cost. Steel 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 steel graded at Adelaide yards? +
Adelaide yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Heavy Melting Steel (HMS), Light Steel. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/steel/">Steel grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell steel 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 steel 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.