Scrap Copper Prices in Melbourne
Scrap copper in Melbourne currently pays from $4.45 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $13.88 for bare bright copper. As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Copper grades and payouts in Melbourne (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($18.16/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper Stripped, uncoated copper wire of 16 gauge or thicker, with no oxidation or tarnish. Pays the highest price of any common scrap. | 78% | $13.88 | $11.80 – $15.97 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $12.46 | $10.59 – $14.33 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $10.32 | $8.78 – $11.87 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $4.45 | $3.78 – $5.12 |
Price history
Local Melbourne prices track the national copper series — multiply by 0.98 for Melbourne equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national copper page.
Copper 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 copper grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Melbourne that buy copper
87 verified scrap yards in the Melbourne area. Browse all yards in Melbourne →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Melbourne? +
Today's estimated payouts in Melbourne range from $4.45 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $13.88 (bare bright copper). 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 copper in Melbourne? +
We're building a verified directory of Melbourne scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Melbourne yards accept copper in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Melbourne pay 2% less than Sydney for copper? +
Transport cost. Copper 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 copper graded at Melbourne yards? +
Melbourne yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Bare Bright Copper, #1 Copper, #2 Copper, Insulated Copper Wire. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/copper/">Copper grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell copper at a Melbourne yard? +
Yes for any non-trivial copper or brass load. Victoria 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 Melbourne to a bigger city for higher copper 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 copper sales.