Scrap Stainless Steel Prices in Bendigo
Scrap stainless steel in Bendigo currently pays from $1.20 per kilogram for 304 stainless up to $1.31 for 316 stainless. Bendigo is a regional centre in Victoria, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Stainless Steel grades and payouts in Bendigo (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.38/kg) and Bendigo's 0.92× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 Stainless The most common stainless grade — 18% chromium, 8% nickel. Used in kitchen sinks, food equipment, and general fabrication. | 55% | $1.20 | $1.02 – $1.38 |
| 316 Stainless Marine grade — adds 2-3% molybdenum to 304's composition for higher corrosion resistance. Pays more due to molybdenum content. | 60% | $1.31 | $1.12 – $1.51 |
Price history
Local Bendigo prices track the national stainless steel series — multiply by 0.92 for Bendigo equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national stainless steel page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel spot price | A$2.38/kg | Calculated: 8% nickel (MetalpriceAPI) + a fixed A$0.50/kg chromium allowance | Our calculation, partly a fixed estimate | |
| Bendigo regional factor | 0.92× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Stainless Steel grade payout rates | 55% / 60% | Our estimate from published yard rate cards | Our estimate |
Spot prices are converted to Australian dollars per kilogram. Yard payouts are our estimates (spot × grade payout rate × regional factor), not quotes from any yard. The chromium allowance is a fixed figure set on 2026-05-16, not a market price. Full detail: methodology.
Stainless Steel in Bendigo
Bendigo's mining heritage and current agricultural base drive consistent scrap flow. Yards in Epsom and Long Gully handle both residential and trade volumes.
As a regional centre, Bendigo's stainless steel flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Bendigo consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Bendigo that buy stainless steel
5 scrap yards listed in the Bendigo area. Browse all yards in Bendigo →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap stainless steel in Bendigo? +
Today's estimated payouts in Bendigo range from $1.20 per kilogram (304 stainless) up to $1.31 (316 stainless). Prices update daily and reflect Bendigo's 0.92× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap stainless steel in Bendigo? +
Check the Bendigo yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Bendigo yards accept stainless steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Melbourne.
Why does Bendigo pay 8% less than Sydney for stainless steel? +
Transport cost. Stainless Steel sold in Bendigo eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Melbourne — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.92× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is stainless steel graded at Bendigo yards? +
Bendigo yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: 304 Stainless, 316 Stainless. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/stainless/">Stainless Steel grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do Bendigo scrap yards require photo ID? +
Yes, for every scrap sale. When buying scrap metal the dealer must record the seller's name, address and identification details. Second-hand dealers accept one photo ID (passport, driver licence, a photo document issued by a statutory authority, a tertiary student card or a firearms licence) or two non-photo documents such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, marriage certificate or a Commonwealth health or pensioner card. (No stand-alone scrap metal Act. Scrap metal dealers and auto wreckers are regulated under the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 1989 and its regulations; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Bendigo? +
Cash is banned, in force since 30 May 2018. A dealer must not pay or receive cash for scrap metal. Payment can only be by a cheque that is not transferable or payable to cash, or by electronic funds transfer, and e-currency such as bitcoin is not allowed. Penalty up to 200 penalty units, or a 12 penalty unit on-the-spot fine. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Bendigo to a bigger city for higher stainless steel rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Bendigo 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 0.92× rate.
Other metals in Bendigo
Stainless Steel in other cities
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