Scrap Copper Prices in Hobart
Scrap copper in Hobart currently pays from $4.24 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $13.22 for bare bright copper. As the capital of Tasmania, Hobart has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Copper grades and payouts in Hobart (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($19.94/kg) and Hobart's 0.85× 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% | $13.22 | $11.24 – $15.20 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $11.86 | $10.09 – $13.64 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $9.83 | $8.36 – $11.31 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $4.24 | $3.60 – $4.87 |
Price history
Local Hobart prices track the national copper series — multiply by 0.85 for Hobart equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national copper page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper spot price | A$19.94/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Hobart regional factor | 0.85× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Copper grade payout rates | 78% / 70% / 58% / 25% | 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.
Copper 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.
As a capital city, Hobart has the densest scrap yard concentration in Tasmania, with active buyers for all common copper grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Hobart that buy copper
4 scrap yards listed in the Hobart area. Browse all yards in Hobart →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Hobart? +
Today's estimated payouts in Hobart range from $4.24 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $13.22 (bare bright copper). Prices update daily and reflect Hobart's 0.85× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap copper in Hobart? +
Check the Hobart yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Hobart yards accept copper in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Hobart pay 15% less than Sydney for copper? +
Transport cost. Copper 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. The 0.85× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is copper graded at Hobart yards? +
Hobart 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 Hobart scrap yards require photo ID? +
Section 9 says a dealer must not receive goods unless the seller produces documentary proof of identity showing their correct name and address. The Act sets no points system, weight or value threshold, so expect to show ID for any sale to a dealer covered by the Act. (No scrap-specific Act. The Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 1994 applies and does not mention scrap metal specifically. Dealers do not hold a licence but must give the nearest police station at least one month's written notice before starting business.; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Hobart? +
No cash ban. The Act contains no payment method rules. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Hobart to a bigger city for higher copper rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Hobart 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 0.85× rate.