Scrap Lead Prices in Mackay
Scrap lead in Mackay currently pays from $0.72 per kilogram for lead-acid batteries up to $1.19 for soft lead. Mackay is a regional centre in Queensland, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Lead grades and payouts in Mackay (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.84/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Lead Pure lead in pipe, sheet, or ingot form. | 50% | $1.19 | $1.01 – $1.37 |
| Lead-Acid Batteries Whole batteries, priced per kilogram including casing and acid. Yards may have minimum quantities. | 30% | $0.72 | $0.61 – $0.82 |
Price history
Local Mackay prices track the national lead series — multiply by 0.84 for Mackay equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national lead page.
Lead 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 lead 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 lead
3 verified scrap yards in the Mackay area. Browse all yards in Mackay →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap lead in Mackay? +
Today's estimated payouts in Mackay range from $0.72 per kilogram (lead-acid batteries) up to $1.19 (soft lead). 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 lead 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 lead 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 lead? +
Transport cost. Lead 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 lead graded at Mackay yards? +
Mackay yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Soft Lead, Lead-Acid Batteries. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/lead/">Lead grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell lead at a Mackay yard? +
Yes, and always — lead-acid batteries require ID at every yard nationally. 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 lead 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.