Scrap Aluminium Prices in Mackay
Scrap aluminium in Mackay currently pays from $1.69 per kilogram for aluminium cans (ubc) up to $2.45 for aluminium extrusion. Mackay is a regional centre in Queensland, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Aluminium grades and payouts in Mackay (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($4.48/kg) and Mackay's 0.84× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium Extrusion Clean, uncoated aluminium profiles used for window and door frames. Highest-paying common aluminium grade. | 65% | $2.45 | $2.08 – $2.81 |
| Cast Aluminium Cast aluminium components, typically thicker and used in automotive or industrial parts. Pays slightly less than extrusion due to alloy variability. | 55% | $2.07 | $1.76 – $2.38 |
| Aluminium Sheet Rolled aluminium sheet, often used in roofing, signage, or vehicle panels. | 50% | $1.88 | $1.60 – $2.16 |
| Aluminium Cans (UBC) Used beverage containers. Lowest aluminium grade because of paint, varnish, and steel-end contamination. Earn more via Container Deposit Scheme if available in your state. | 45% | $1.69 | $1.44 – $1.95 |
Price history
Local Mackay prices track the national aluminium series — multiply by 0.84 for Mackay equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national aluminium page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium spot price | A$4.48/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Mackay regional factor | 0.84× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Aluminium grade payout rates | 65% / 55% / 50% / 45% | 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.
Aluminium in Mackay
Mackay's mining services and sugar industry generate steady heavy ferrous volume. Yards benefit from port access for export-bound loads.
As a regional centre, Mackay's aluminium flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Mackay consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Mackay that buy aluminium
3 scrap yards listed in the Mackay area. Browse all yards in Mackay →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap aluminium in Mackay? +
Today's estimated payouts in Mackay range from $1.69 per kilogram (aluminium cans (ubc)) up to $2.45 (aluminium extrusion). Prices update daily and reflect Mackay's 0.84× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap aluminium in Mackay? +
Check the Mackay yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Mackay yards accept aluminium in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Brisbane.
Why does Mackay pay 16% less than Sydney for aluminium? +
Transport cost. Aluminium sold in Mackay eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Brisbane — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.84× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is aluminium graded at Mackay yards? +
Mackay yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Aluminium Extrusion, Cast Aluminium, Aluminium Sheet, Aluminium Cans (UBC). The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/aluminium/">Aluminium grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do Mackay scrap yards require photo ID? +
Under the current Act (section 47) the dealer must obtain and verify the seller's name and address before acquiring goods; the Act itself does not specify photo ID. Once the 2026 amendments commence, scrap metal sellers will need to give their name, date of birth and residential address, verified by sighting photo ID with a unique identifier (driver licence, passport or photo ID card), plus a second document if the photo ID does not show the address. (No stand-alone scrap metal Act. Scrap metal is treated as second-hand property under the Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2003; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Mackay? +
No cash ban. The Act contains no payment method rules, and the Department of Justice confirmed the 2026 Bill does not include a prohibition on cash payments, describing a cash ban as a future policy matter. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Mackay to a bigger city for higher aluminium rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Mackay to Brisbane 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 0.84× rate.