Scrap Copper Prices in Burnie
Scrap copper in Burnie currently pays from $3.90 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $12.18 for bare bright copper. Burnie is a regional centre in Tasmania, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Copper grades and payouts in Burnie (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($20.01/kg) and Burnie's 0.78× 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% | $12.18 | $10.35 – $14.00 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $10.93 | $9.29 – $12.57 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $9.05 | $7.70 – $10.41 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $3.90 | $3.32 – $4.49 |
Price history
Local Burnie prices track the national copper series — multiply by 0.78 for Burnie equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national copper page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper spot price | A$20.01/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Burnie regional factor | 0.78× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Copper grade payout rates | 78% / 70% / 58% / 25% | 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.
Copper in Burnie
Burnie is a port city on Tasmania's north-west coast, serving the surrounding agricultural and forestry regions. Scrap activity is modest, with rates reflecting transport costs to mainland processors via the Bass Strait shipping route.
As a regional centre, Burnie's copper flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Burnie consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Burnie that buy copper
We don't list any yards in Burnie yet. Search for 'copper scrap yard Burnie' or call yards in your area before transporting a load. View directory page →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Burnie? +
Today's estimated payouts in Burnie range from $3.90 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $12.18 (bare bright copper). Prices update daily and reflect Burnie's 0.78× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap copper in Burnie? +
Check the Burnie yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Burnie yards accept copper in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Hobart.
Why does Burnie pay 22% less than Sydney for copper? +
Transport cost. Copper sold in Burnie eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Hobart — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.78× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is copper graded at Burnie yards? +
Burnie 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 Burnie scrap yards require photo ID? +
Section 9 says a dealer must not receive goods unless the seller produces documentary proof of identity showing their correct name and address. The Act sets no points system, weight or value threshold, so expect to show ID for any sale to a dealer covered by the Act. (No scrap-specific Act. The Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 1994 applies and does not mention scrap metal specifically. Dealers do not hold a licence but must give the nearest police station at least one month's written notice before starting business.; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Burnie? +
No cash ban. The Act contains no payment method rules. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Burnie to a bigger city for higher copper rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Burnie to Hobart 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 0.78× rate.