Scrap Copper Prices in Newcastle
Scrap copper in Newcastle currently pays from $4.84 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $15.11 for bare bright copper. Newcastle is a regional centre in New South Wales, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Copper grades and payouts in Newcastle (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($20.17/kg) and Newcastle's 0.96× 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% | $15.11 | $12.84 – $17.37 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $13.56 | $11.52 – $15.59 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $11.23 | $9.55 – $12.92 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $4.84 | $4.12 – $5.57 |
Price history
Local Newcastle prices track the national copper series — multiply by 0.96 for Newcastle equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national copper page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper spot price | A$20.17/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Newcastle regional factor | 0.96× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Copper grade payout rates | 78% / 70% / 58% / 25% | 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.
Copper in Newcastle
Newcastle's heavy industry legacy — steelworks, port operations, coal handling — created a robust scrap economy. The Port of Newcastle still handles bulk ferrous exports.
As a regional centre, Newcastle's copper flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Newcastle consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Newcastle that buy copper
9 scrap yards listed in the Newcastle area. Browse all yards in Newcastle →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Newcastle? +
Today's estimated payouts in Newcastle range from $4.84 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $15.11 (bare bright copper). Prices update daily and reflect Newcastle's 0.96× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap copper in Newcastle? +
Check the Newcastle yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Newcastle yards accept copper in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Sydney.
Why does Newcastle pay 4% less than Sydney for copper? +
Transport cost. Copper sold in Newcastle eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Sydney — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.96× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is copper graded at Newcastle yards? +
Newcastle 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 Newcastle scrap yards require photo ID? +
Yes, for every sale. The dealer must record each transaction including the parties involved, and the Regulation prescribes the photo identification a seller can use: an Australian driver licence (NSW or another jurisdiction), a NSW Photo Card, or a foreign driver licence subject to conditions. No weight or value threshold is set out in the sources reviewed. (Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016 and Scrap Metal Industry Regulation 2024; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Newcastle? +
Cash is banned. Section 12 of the Act prohibits a dealer paying for scrap metal with cash, a cheque payable to cash, or in kind, and from advertising cash payment. All trade must be paid electronically or by cheque. The 2020 statutory review paper lists a $1,100 penalty notice for the dealer. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Newcastle to a bigger city for higher copper rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Newcastle to Sydney 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 0.96× rate.