Australian Capital Territory · Capital city · 0.93× regional adjustment

Scrap Stainless Steel Prices in Canberra

Scrap stainless steel in Canberra currently pays from $1.22 per kilogram for 304 stainless up to $1.33 for 316 stainless. As the capital of Australian Capital Territory, Canberra has the densest scrap yard network in the territory.

Stainless Steel grades and payouts in Canberra (per kg)

Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.38/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
304 Stainless
The most common stainless grade — 18% chromium, 8% nickel. Used in kitchen sinks, food equipment, and general fabrication.
 55% $1.22 $1.03 – $1.40
316 Stainless
Marine grade — adds 2-3% molybdenum to 304's composition for higher corrosion resistance. Pays more due to molybdenum content.
 60% $1.33 $1.13 – $1.53

Price history

Local Canberra prices track the national stainless steel series — multiply by 0.93 for Canberra equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national stainless steel page.

Where these numbers come from

Figure Value Source Type Checked
Stainless Steel spot price A$2.38/kg Calculated: 8% nickel (MetalpriceAPI) + a fixed A$0.50/kg chromium allowance Our calculation, partly a fixed estimate
Canberra regional factor 0.93× Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) Our estimate
Stainless Steel grade payout rates 55% / 60% 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. The chromium allowance is a fixed figure set on 2026-05-16, not a market price. Full detail: methodology.

Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.

Scrap yards in Canberra that buy stainless steel

6 scrap yards listed in the Canberra area. Browse all yards in Canberra →

Frequently asked questions

What's the current price for scrap stainless steel in Canberra? +

Today's estimated payouts in Canberra range from $1.22 per kilogram (304 stainless) up to $1.33 (316 stainless). 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 stainless steel in Canberra? +

Check the Canberra yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Canberra yards accept stainless steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.

Why does Canberra pay 7% less than Sydney for stainless steel? +

Transport cost. Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel graded at Canberra yards? +

Canberra yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: 304 Stainless, 316 Stainless. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/stainless/">Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel 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.

Other metals in Canberra

Stainless Steel in other cities