Scrap Copper Prices in Geelong
Scrap copper in Geelong currently pays from $4.20 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $13.11 for bare bright copper. Geelong is a regional centre in Victoria, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Copper grades and payouts in Geelong (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($17.88/kg) and Geelong's 0.94× 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% | $13.11 | $11.14 – $15.08 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $11.76 | $10.00 – $13.53 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $9.75 | $8.29 – $11.21 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $4.20 | $3.57 – $4.83 |
Price history
Local Geelong prices track the national copper series — multiply by 0.94 for Geelong equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national copper page.
Copper in Geelong
Post-Ford manufacturing closure, Geelong's scrap market shifted toward demolition, construction, and the port. Yards in North Geelong and Corio service both heavy industry and residential.
As a regional centre, Geelong's copper flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Geelong consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Geelong that buy copper
9 verified scrap yards in the Geelong area. Browse all yards in Geelong →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Geelong? +
Today's estimated payouts in Geelong range from $4.20 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $13.11 (bare bright copper). Prices update daily and reflect Geelong's 0.94× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap copper in Geelong? +
We're building a verified directory of Geelong scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Geelong yards accept copper in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Melbourne.
Why does Geelong pay 6% less than Sydney for copper? +
Transport cost. Copper sold in Geelong eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Melbourne — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.94× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is copper graded at Geelong yards? +
Geelong 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 I need ID to sell copper at a Geelong yard? +
Yes for any non-trivial copper or brass load. Victoria 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 Geelong to a bigger city for higher copper rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Geelong to Melbourne 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 0.94× rate.