Scrap Metal Prices in Hobart
Hobart's smaller market and ferry-dependent logistics keep payouts below mainland averages. Most non-ferrous metal ships north for processing, costing the local yards margin.
Current scrap metal prices in Hobart
Spot price equivalents adjusted for Hobart's regional rate (0.85×). Actual yard payouts apply the grade-specific payout rate on top — typically 12–78% of spot depending on grade.
| Metal | Sydney spot | Hobart equiv. | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | $17.88 | $15.20 | Grades & payouts → |
| Aluminium | $4.54 | $3.86 | Grades & payouts → |
| Brass | $13.46 | $11.44 | Grades & payouts → |
| Steel | $0.42 | $0.36 | Grades & payouts → |
| Stainless Steel | $2.33 | $1.98 | Grades & payouts → |
| Lead | $2.81 | $2.39 | Grades & payouts → |
| Zinc | $4.49 | $3.82 | Grades & payouts → |
| Nickel | $22.91 | $19.47 | Grades & payouts → |
How Hobart compares
Scrap yards in Hobart pay roughly 15% below the Sydney national benchmark (0.85× regional adjustment). Among Australian capital cities, rates here are closest to Darwin (0.78×). Rates here reflect moderate transport costs to the nearest capital for export and processing.
Other Tasmania scrap markets
Yards across Tasmania pay rates relative to their distance from major smelters and ports.
Popular items: what they're worth in Hobart
Estimated scrap value at Hobart yards. Assumes properly prepared material (oil drained, copper stripped from motors, refrigerant degassed where required).
Scrap yards in Hobart
4 verified scrap yards in the Hobart area with addresses, phone numbers, and ratings. Browse all 4 yards →
Frequently asked questions about scrap metal in Hobart
Where are the best scrap metal yards in Hobart? +
We're building a verified directory of Hobart scrap yards with hours, accepted metals, and seller reports. Until that's live, the practical approach is to call 2-3 yards in your area before transporting a load — published rates are useful guides but actual offers vary by day, load size, and material quality.
Why does Hobart pay less than Sydney for scrap metal? +
The 15% gap to Sydney reflects transport costs. Metal sold in Hobart eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via the state capital — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. Our regional adjustment is modelled from observed yard rates plus distance to processing facilities.
What's the highest-paying scrap metal in Hobart? +
Copper, by a wide margin. Clean bare-bright copper currently pays around $11.85 per kilogram in Hobart. Brass and aluminium follow, with steel paying the least per kilogram but compensating through volume — most ferrous loads are weighed on commercial weighbridges where small differences in rate matter less than tonnage.
Do Hobart scrap yards require photo ID? +
Yes for most non-ferrous metals and always for lead-acid batteries and catalytic converters. Tasmania legislation requires yards to record seller identification on regulated transactions, primarily to deter metal theft. A driver's licence is the most commonly accepted form. Cash payments above certain thresholds may require additional documentation under state-specific regulations.
What other TAS cities have scrap yards? +
Yes — Burnie, Devonport, Launceston all have active scrap yards covered on this site.
When is the best time of week to bring a load to a Hobart yard? +
Tuesday through Thursday mornings generally produce the best experience. Yards are less crowded than Mondays (when weekend volume arrives), prices are stable mid-week, and weighbridge wait times are shorter. Many Hobart yards close early on weekends or operate reduced hours, so confirm opening times before transport.