Scrap Steel Prices in Burnie
Scrap steel in Burnie currently pays from $0.04 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.06 for heavy melting steel (hms). Burnie is a regional centre in Tasmania, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Steel grades and payouts in Burnie (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) Steel at least 6mm thick. Standard ferrous grade for export markets. | 18% | $0.06 | $0.05 – $0.07 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.04 | $0.03 – $0.05 |
Price history
Local Burnie prices track the national steel series — multiply by 0.78 for Burnie equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel spot price | A$0.42/kg | Fixed site estimate of A$0.42/kg | Fixed estimate, not a market feed | |
| Burnie regional factor | 0.78× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Steel grade payout rates | 18% / 12% | 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. Set when the site launched on 2026-05-16 and not updated since. No live steel scrap price feed is used. Full detail: methodology.
Steel 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 steel 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 steel
We don't list any yards in Burnie yet. Search for 'steel 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 steel in Burnie? +
Today's estimated payouts in Burnie range from $0.04 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.06 (heavy melting steel (hms)). 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 steel in Burnie? +
Check the Burnie yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Burnie yards accept steel 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 steel? +
Transport cost. Steel 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 steel graded at Burnie yards? +
Burnie yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Heavy Melting Steel (HMS), Light Steel. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/steel/">Steel 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 steel 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.