Scrap Copper Prices in Port Macquarie
Scrap copper in Port Macquarie currently pays from $4.39 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $13.69 for bare bright copper. Port Macquarie 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 Port Macquarie (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($19.94/kg) and Port Macquarie's 0.88× 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% | $13.69 | $11.63 – $15.74 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $12.28 | $10.44 – $14.13 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $10.18 | $8.65 – $11.70 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $4.39 | $3.73 – $5.05 |
Price history
Local Port Macquarie prices track the national copper series — multiply by 0.88 for Port Macquarie 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$19.94/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Port Macquarie regional factor | 0.88× | 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 Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie's mid-North Coast market is residential and trade-led, with most heavier loads moving south to Newcastle.
As a regional centre, Port Macquarie's copper flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Port Macquarie consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Port Macquarie that buy copper
4 scrap yards listed in the Port Macquarie area. Browse all yards in Port Macquarie →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Port Macquarie? +
Today's estimated payouts in Port Macquarie range from $4.39 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $13.69 (bare bright copper). Prices update daily and reflect Port Macquarie's 0.88× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap copper in Port Macquarie? +
Check the Port Macquarie yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Port Macquarie 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 Port Macquarie pay 12% less than Sydney for copper? +
Transport cost. Copper sold in Port Macquarie eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Sydney — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.88× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is copper graded at Port Macquarie yards? +
Port Macquarie 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 Port Macquarie 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 Port Macquarie? +
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 Port Macquarie to a bigger city for higher copper rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Port Macquarie 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 0.88× rate.