Scrap Steel Prices in Port Macquarie
Scrap steel in Port Macquarie currently pays from $0.04 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.07 for heavy melting steel (hms). Port Macquarie is a regional centre in New South Wales, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Steel grades and payouts in Port Macquarie (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) Steel at least 6mm thick. Standard ferrous grade for export markets. | 18% | $0.07 | $0.06 – $0.08 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.04 | $0.04 – $0.05 |
Price history
Local Port Macquarie prices track the national steel series — multiply by 0.88 for Port Macquarie equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
Steel 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 steel 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 steel
4 verified scrap yards in the Port Macquarie area. Browse all yards in Port Macquarie →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap steel in Port Macquarie? +
Today's estimated payouts in Port Macquarie range from $0.04 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.07 (heavy melting steel (hms)). 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 steel in Port Macquarie? +
We're building a verified directory of Port Macquarie scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Port Macquarie yards accept steel 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 steel? +
Transport cost. Steel 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 steel graded at Port Macquarie yards? +
Port Macquarie 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 Port Macquarie yard? +
Yes for any non-ferrous scrap. New South Wales 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 Port Macquarie to a bigger city for higher steel 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.