Scrap Copper Prices in Brisbane
Scrap copper in Brisbane currently pays from $4.99 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $15.55 for bare bright copper. As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Copper grades and payouts in Brisbane (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($20.56/kg) and Brisbane's 0.97× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper Stripped, uncoated copper wire of 16 gauge or thicker, with no oxidation or tarnish. Pays the highest price of any common scrap. | 78% | $15.55 | $13.22 – $17.89 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $13.96 | $11.87 – $16.05 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $11.57 | $9.83 – $13.30 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $4.99 | $4.24 – $5.73 |
Price history
Local Brisbane prices track the national copper series — multiply by 0.97 for Brisbane equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national copper page.
Copper in Brisbane
Brisbane yards cluster around the Port of Brisbane, Acacia Ridge, and Geebung. Queensland's mining and construction activity creates steady demand for structural steel and copper offcuts.
As a capital city, Brisbane has the densest scrap yard concentration in Queensland, with active buyers for all common copper grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Brisbane that buy copper
40 scrap yards listed in the Brisbane area. Browse all yards in Brisbane →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Brisbane? +
Today's estimated payouts in Brisbane range from $4.99 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $15.55 (bare bright copper). Prices update daily and reflect Brisbane's 0.97× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap copper in Brisbane? +
Check the Brisbane yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Brisbane yards accept copper in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Brisbane pay 3% less than Sydney for copper? +
Transport cost. Copper sold in Brisbane eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via the state capital — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.97× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is copper graded at Brisbane yards? +
Brisbane yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Bare Bright Copper, #1 Copper, #2 Copper, Insulated Copper Wire. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/copper/">Copper grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell copper at a Brisbane yard? +
Yes for any non-trivial copper or brass load. Queensland 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 Brisbane to a bigger city for higher copper rates? +
Brisbane rates are already at or near the national best (0.97× regional adjustment). Driving to another city is unlikely to produce a meaningful upside for copper sales.