Scrap Aluminium Prices in Melbourne
Scrap aluminium in Melbourne currently pays from $1.98 per kilogram for aluminium cans (ubc) up to $2.85 for aluminium extrusion. As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Aluminium grades and payouts in Melbourne (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($4.48/kg) and Melbourne's 0.98× 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% | $2.85 | $2.43 – $3.28 |
| Cast Aluminium Cast aluminium components, typically thicker and used in automotive or industrial parts. Pays slightly less than extrusion due to alloy variability. | 55% | $2.42 | $2.05 – $2.78 |
| Aluminium Sheet Rolled aluminium sheet, often used in roofing, signage, or vehicle panels. | 50% | $2.20 | $1.87 – $2.53 |
| 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% | $1.98 | $1.68 – $2.27 |
Price history
Local Melbourne prices track the national aluminium series — multiply by 0.98 for Melbourne 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 | |
| Melbourne regional factor | 0.98× | 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 Melbourne
Melbourne's scrap industry is concentrated in the western and northern suburbs — Laverton, Brooklyn, Sunshine, Campbellfield. The Port of Melbourne handles a large share of Australia's metal exports, keeping wholesale prices competitive.
As a capital city, Melbourne has the densest scrap yard concentration in Victoria, with active buyers for all common aluminium grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Melbourne that buy aluminium
87 scrap yards listed in the Melbourne area. Browse all yards in Melbourne →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap aluminium in Melbourne? +
Today's estimated payouts in Melbourne range from $1.98 per kilogram (aluminium cans (ubc)) up to $2.85 (aluminium extrusion). Prices update daily and reflect Melbourne's 0.98× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap aluminium in Melbourne? +
Check the Melbourne yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Melbourne yards accept aluminium in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Melbourne pay 2% less than Sydney for aluminium? +
Transport cost. Aluminium sold in Melbourne eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via the state capital — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.98× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is aluminium graded at Melbourne yards? +
Melbourne 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 Melbourne scrap yards require photo ID? +
Yes, for every scrap sale. When buying scrap metal the dealer must record the seller's name, address and identification details. Second-hand dealers accept one photo ID (passport, driver licence, a photo document issued by a statutory authority, a tertiary student card or a firearms licence) or two non-photo documents such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, marriage certificate or a Commonwealth health or pensioner card. (No stand-alone scrap metal Act. Scrap metal dealers and auto wreckers are regulated under the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 1989 and its regulations; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Melbourne? +
Cash is banned, in force since 30 May 2018. A dealer must not pay or receive cash for scrap metal. Payment can only be by a cheque that is not transferable or payable to cash, or by electronic funds transfer, and e-currency such as bitcoin is not allowed. Penalty up to 200 penalty units, or a 12 penalty unit on-the-spot fine. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Melbourne to a bigger city for higher aluminium rates? +
Melbourne rates are already at or near the national best (0.98× regional adjustment). Driving to another city is unlikely to produce a meaningful upside for aluminium sales.