Scrap Copper Prices in Sydney
Scrap copper in Sydney currently pays from $5.04 per kilogram for insulated copper wire up to $15.74 for bare bright copper. As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Copper grades and payouts in Sydney (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($20.17/kg) and Sydney's 1.00× 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% | $15.74 | $13.38 – $18.10 |
| #1 Copper Clean, unalloyed copper that may have minor oxidation. No solder, paint, or attachments. | 70% | $14.12 | $12.00 – $16.24 |
| #2 Copper Copper with some tarnish, soldered joints, paint, or light contamination. Still valuable but pays less than clean grades. | 58% | $11.70 | $9.95 – $13.46 |
| Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still wrapped in plastic or rubber insulation. The yard pays based on estimated copper content after stripping. | 25% | $5.04 | $4.29 – $5.80 |
Price history
Local Sydney prices track the national copper series — multiply by 1.00 for Sydney 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 | |
| Sydney regional factor | 1.00× | 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 Sydney
Sydney has Australia's largest scrap metal market by volume, driven by construction in Greater Sydney and large industrial activity in Western Sydney corridors like Wetherill Park, Silverwater, and Liverpool. Competition between yards keeps payouts close to national benchmarks.
As a capital city, Sydney has the densest scrap yard concentration in New South Wales, with active buyers for all common copper grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Sydney that buy copper
80 scrap yards listed in the Sydney area. Browse all yards in Sydney →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap copper in Sydney? +
Today's estimated payouts in Sydney range from $5.04 per kilogram (insulated copper wire) up to $15.74 (bare bright copper). Prices update daily and reflect Sydney's 1.00× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap copper in Sydney? +
Check the Sydney yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Sydney yards accept copper in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Sydney typically pay the highest scrap copper rates? +
Sydney is the national benchmark for all scrap metal payouts. Dense buyer competition, the Port of Sydney for export, and short transport distances to major smelters keep rates the highest in Australia. Copper specifically benefits from this because non-ferrous metals export through Sydney in significant volumes.
How is copper graded at Sydney yards? +
Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney? +
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 Sydney to a bigger city for higher copper rates? +
Sydney rates are already at or near the national best (1.00× regional adjustment). Driving to another city is unlikely to produce a meaningful upside for copper sales.