Scrap Steel Prices in Hobart
Scrap steel in Hobart currently pays from $0.04 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.06 for heavy melting steel (hms). As the capital of Tasmania, Hobart has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Steel grades and payouts in Hobart (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) Steel at least 6mm thick. Standard ferrous grade for export markets. | 18% | $0.06 | $0.05 – $0.07 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.04 | $0.04 – $0.05 |
Price history
Local Hobart prices track the national steel series — multiply by 0.85 for Hobart equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel spot price | A$0.42/kg | Fixed site estimate of A$0.42/kg | Fixed estimate, not a market feed | |
| Hobart regional factor | 0.85× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Steel grade payout rates | 18% / 12% | 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. Set when the site launched on 2026-05-16 and not updated since. No live steel scrap price feed is used. Full detail: methodology.
Steel 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 steel grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Hobart that buy steel
4 scrap yards listed in the Hobart area. Browse all yards in Hobart →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap steel in Hobart? +
Today's estimated payouts in Hobart range from $0.04 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.06 (heavy melting steel (hms)). 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 steel in Hobart? +
Check the Hobart yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Hobart yards accept steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Hobart pay 15% less than Sydney for steel? +
Transport cost. Steel 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 steel graded at Hobart yards? +
Hobart yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Heavy Melting Steel (HMS), Light Steel. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/steel/">Steel 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 steel 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.