Scrap Brass Prices in Canberra
Scrap brass in Canberra currently pays from $7.83 per kilogram for plumbing brass up to $9.26 for red brass. As the capital of Australian Capital Territory, Canberra has the densest scrap yard network in the territory.
Brass grades and payouts in Canberra (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($15.32/kg) and Canberra's 0.93× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brass Standard yellow brass (60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc), the most common grade. | 60% | $8.55 | $7.27 – $9.83 |
| Red Brass Higher copper content (~85%), reddish tinge. Pays more than yellow brass. | 65% | $9.26 | $7.87 – $10.65 |
| Plumbing Brass Brass with soldered joints or steel attachments — needs extra processing to separate. Pays less than clean yellow. | 55% | $7.83 | $6.66 – $9.01 |
Price history
Local Canberra prices track the national brass series — multiply by 0.93 for Canberra equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national brass page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass spot price | A$15.32/kg | Calculated: 67% copper + 33% zinc (MetalpriceAPI) | Our calculation from feed prices | |
| Canberra regional factor | 0.93× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Brass grade payout rates | 60% / 65% / 55% | 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.
Brass in Canberra
Canberra has a smaller scrap market than its population suggests — limited heavy industry means most volume comes from government surplus, demolition, and residential. Several yards in Mitchell and Hume.
As a capital city, Canberra has the densest scrap yard concentration in Australian Capital Territory, with active buyers for all common brass grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Canberra that buy brass
6 scrap yards listed in the Canberra area. Browse all yards in Canberra →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap brass in Canberra? +
Today's estimated payouts in Canberra range from $7.83 per kilogram (plumbing brass) up to $9.26 (red brass). Prices update daily and reflect Canberra's 0.93× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap brass in Canberra? +
Check the Canberra yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Canberra yards accept brass in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Canberra pay 7% less than Sydney for brass? +
Transport cost. Brass sold in Canberra eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via the state capital — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.93× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is brass graded at Canberra yards? +
Canberra yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Yellow Brass, Red Brass, Plumbing Brass. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/brass/">Brass grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do Canberra scrap yards require photo ID? +
We have not confirmed the Australian Capital Territory ID rules from an official source yet. See our state-by-state rules guide (/blog/scrap-metal-id-and-cash-rules-by-state/) and ask the yard before you go.
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Canberra? +
No cash ban was found in the fetched ACT legislation. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Canberra to a bigger city for higher brass rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Canberra to the nearest capital 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 0.93× rate.