Scrap Aluminium Prices in Cairns
Scrap aluminium in Cairns currently pays from $1.68 per kilogram for aluminium cans (ubc) up to $2.42 for aluminium extrusion. Cairns is a regional centre in Queensland, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Aluminium grades and payouts in Cairns (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($4.54/kg) and Cairns's 0.82× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium Extrusion Clean, uncoated aluminium profiles used for window and door frames. Highest-paying common aluminium grade. | 65% | $2.42 | $2.06 – $2.78 |
| Cast Aluminium Cast aluminium components, typically thicker and used in automotive or industrial parts. Pays slightly less than extrusion due to alloy variability. | 55% | $2.05 | $1.74 – $2.36 |
| Aluminium Sheet Rolled aluminium sheet, often used in roofing, signage, or vehicle panels. | 50% | $1.86 | $1.58 – $2.14 |
| Aluminium Cans (UBC) Used beverage containers. Lowest aluminium grade because of paint, varnish, and steel-end contamination. Earn more via Container Deposit Scheme if available in your state. | 45% | $1.68 | $1.42 – $1.93 |
Price history
Local Cairns prices track the national aluminium series — multiply by 0.82 for Cairns equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national aluminium page.
Aluminium in Cairns
Far North Queensland's distance from southern smelters keeps Cairns payouts below state averages, but limited yard competition makes pricing transparency particularly valuable to sellers.
As a regional centre, Cairns's aluminium flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Cairns consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Cairns that buy aluminium
4 verified scrap yards in the Cairns area. Browse all yards in Cairns →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap aluminium in Cairns? +
Today's estimated payouts in Cairns range from $1.68 per kilogram (aluminium cans (ubc)) up to $2.42 (aluminium extrusion). Prices update daily and reflect Cairns's 0.82× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap aluminium in Cairns? +
We're building a verified directory of Cairns scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Cairns yards accept aluminium in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Brisbane.
Why does Cairns pay 18% less than Sydney for aluminium? +
Transport cost. Aluminium sold in Cairns eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Brisbane — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.82× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is aluminium graded at Cairns yards? +
Cairns yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Aluminium Extrusion, Cast Aluminium, Aluminium Sheet, Aluminium Cans (UBC). The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/aluminium/">Aluminium grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell aluminium at a Cairns yard? +
Yes for any non-ferrous scrap. 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 Cairns to a bigger city for higher aluminium rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Cairns to Brisbane 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 0.82× rate.