Scrap Brass Prices in Mackay
Scrap brass in Mackay currently pays from $6.22 per kilogram for plumbing brass up to $7.35 for red brass. Mackay is a regional centre in Queensland, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Brass grades and payouts in Mackay (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($13.46/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brass Standard yellow brass (60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc), the most common grade. | 60% | $6.78 | $5.77 – $7.80 |
| Red Brass Higher copper content (~85%), reddish tinge. Pays more than yellow brass. | 65% | $7.35 | $6.25 – $8.45 |
| Plumbing Brass Brass with soldered joints or steel attachments — needs extra processing to separate. Pays less than clean yellow. | 55% | $6.22 | $5.29 – $7.15 |
Price history
Local Mackay prices track the national brass series — multiply by 0.84 for Mackay equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national brass page.
Brass 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 brass 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 brass
3 verified scrap yards in the Mackay area. Browse all yards in Mackay →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap brass in Mackay? +
Today's estimated payouts in Mackay range from $6.22 per kilogram (plumbing brass) up to $7.35 (red brass). 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 brass in Mackay? +
We're building a verified directory of Mackay scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Mackay yards accept brass 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 brass? +
Transport cost. Brass 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 brass graded at Mackay yards? +
Mackay yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Yellow Brass, Red Brass, Plumbing Brass. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/brass/">Brass grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell brass at a Mackay yard? +
Yes for any non-trivial copper or brass load. Queensland 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 Mackay to a bigger city for higher brass 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.