Scrap Brass Prices in Ballarat
Scrap brass in Ballarat currently pays from $6.89 per kilogram for plumbing brass up to $8.14 for red brass. Ballarat is a regional centre in Victoria, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Brass grades and payouts in Ballarat (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($13.46/kg) and Ballarat's 0.93× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brass Standard yellow brass (60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc), the most common grade. | 60% | $7.51 | $6.38 – $8.64 |
| Red Brass Higher copper content (~85%), reddish tinge. Pays more than yellow brass. | 65% | $8.14 | $6.92 – $9.36 |
| Plumbing Brass Brass with soldered joints or steel attachments — needs extra processing to separate. Pays less than clean yellow. | 55% | $6.89 | $5.85 – $7.92 |
Price history
Local Ballarat prices track the national brass series — multiply by 0.93 for Ballarat equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national brass page.
Brass in Ballarat
Ballarat's manufacturing base and proximity to Melbourne smelters support competitive payouts. Several yards service both the city and surrounding agricultural districts.
As a regional centre, Ballarat's brass flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Ballarat consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Ballarat that buy brass
6 verified scrap yards in the Ballarat area. Browse all yards in Ballarat →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap brass in Ballarat? +
Today's estimated payouts in Ballarat range from $6.89 per kilogram (plumbing brass) up to $8.14 (red brass). Prices update daily and reflect Ballarat's 0.93× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap brass in Ballarat? +
We're building a verified directory of Ballarat scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Ballarat yards accept brass in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Melbourne.
Why does Ballarat pay 7% less than Sydney for brass? +
Transport cost. Brass sold in Ballarat eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Melbourne — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.93× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is brass graded at Ballarat yards? +
Ballarat yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Yellow Brass, Red Brass, Plumbing Brass. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/brass/">Brass grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell brass at a Ballarat yard? +
Yes for any non-trivial copper or brass load. Victoria 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 Ballarat to a bigger city for higher brass rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Ballarat to Melbourne 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 0.93× rate.