Victoria · Capital city · 0.98× regional adjustment

Scrap Stainless Steel Prices in Melbourne

Scrap stainless steel in Melbourne currently pays from $1.30 per kilogram for 304 stainless up to $1.41 for 316 stainless. As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne has the densest scrap yard network in the state.

Stainless Steel grades and payouts in Melbourne (per kg)

Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.41/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
304 Stainless
The most common stainless grade — 18% chromium, 8% nickel. Used in kitchen sinks, food equipment, and general fabrication.
 55% $1.30 $1.10 – $1.49
316 Stainless
Marine grade — adds 2-3% molybdenum to 304's composition for higher corrosion resistance. Pays more due to molybdenum content.
 60% $1.41 $1.20 – $1.63

Price history

Local Melbourne prices track the national stainless steel series — multiply by 0.98 for Melbourne equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national stainless steel page.

Where these numbers come from

Figure Value Source Type Checked
Stainless Steel spot price A$2.41/kg Calculated: 8% nickel (MetalpriceAPI) + a fixed A$0.50/kg chromium allowance Our calculation, partly a fixed estimate
Melbourne regional factor 0.98× Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) Our estimate
Stainless Steel grade payout rates 55% / 60% 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. The chromium allowance is a fixed figure set on 2026-05-16, not a market price. Full detail: methodology.

Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.

Scrap yards in Melbourne that buy stainless steel

87 scrap yards listed in the Melbourne area. Browse all yards in Melbourne →

Frequently asked questions

What's the current price for scrap stainless steel in Melbourne? +

Today's estimated payouts in Melbourne range from $1.30 per kilogram (304 stainless) up to $1.41 (316 stainless). 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 stainless steel in Melbourne? +

Check the Melbourne yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Melbourne yards accept stainless steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.

Why does Melbourne pay 2% less than Sydney for stainless steel? +

Transport cost. Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel graded at Melbourne yards? +

Melbourne yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: 304 Stainless, 316 Stainless. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/stainless/">Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel 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 stainless steel sales.

Other metals in Melbourne

Stainless Steel in other cities