Scrap Lead Prices in Brisbane
Scrap lead in Brisbane currently pays from $0.80 per kilogram for lead-acid batteries up to $1.34 for soft lead. As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Lead grades and payouts in Brisbane (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.75/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Lead Pure lead in pipe, sheet, or ingot form. | 50% | $1.34 | $1.14 – $1.54 |
| Lead-Acid Batteries Whole batteries, priced per kilogram including casing and acid. Yards may have minimum quantities. | 30% | $0.80 | $0.68 – $0.92 |
Price history
Local Brisbane prices track the national lead series — multiply by 0.97 for Brisbane equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national lead page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead spot price | A$2.75/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Brisbane regional factor | 0.97× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Lead grade payout rates | 50% / 30% | 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. Full detail: methodology.
Lead 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 lead grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Brisbane that buy lead
40 scrap yards listed in the Brisbane area. Browse all yards in Brisbane →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap lead in Brisbane? +
Today's estimated payouts in Brisbane range from $0.80 per kilogram (lead-acid batteries) up to $1.34 (soft lead). 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 lead in Brisbane? +
Check the Brisbane yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Brisbane yards accept lead in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Brisbane pay 3% less than Sydney for lead? +
Transport cost. Lead 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 lead graded at Brisbane yards? +
Brisbane yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Soft Lead, Lead-Acid Batteries. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/lead/">Lead grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do Brisbane scrap yards require photo ID? +
Under the current Act (section 47) the dealer must obtain and verify the seller's name and address before acquiring goods; the Act itself does not specify photo ID. Once the 2026 amendments commence, scrap metal sellers will need to give their name, date of birth and residential address, verified by sighting photo ID with a unique identifier (driver licence, passport or photo ID card), plus a second document if the photo ID does not show the address. (No stand-alone scrap metal Act. Scrap metal is treated as second-hand property under the Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2003; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Brisbane? +
No cash ban. The Act contains no payment method rules, and the Department of Justice confirmed the 2026 Bill does not include a prohibition on cash payments, describing a cash ban as a future policy matter. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Brisbane to a bigger city for higher lead 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 lead sales.