Scrap Steel Prices in Melbourne
Scrap steel in Melbourne currently pays from $0.05 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.07 for heavy melting steel (hms). As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Steel grades and payouts in Melbourne (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) Steel at least 6mm thick. Standard ferrous grade for export markets. | 18% | $0.07 | $0.06 – $0.09 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.05 | $0.04 – $0.06 |
Price history
Local Melbourne prices track the national steel series — multiply by 0.98 for Melbourne equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
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 steel grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Melbourne that buy steel
87 verified scrap yards in the Melbourne area. Browse all yards in Melbourne →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap steel in Melbourne? +
Today's estimated payouts in Melbourne range from $0.05 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.07 (heavy melting steel (hms)). 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 steel 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 steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Melbourne pay 2% less than Sydney for steel? +
Transport cost. 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 steel graded at Melbourne yards? +
Melbourne yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Heavy Melting Steel (HMS), Light Steel. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/steel/">Steel grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell steel at a Melbourne yard? +
Yes for any non-ferrous scrap. 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 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 steel sales.