New South Wales · Capital city · 1.00× regional adjustment

Scrap Stainless Steel Prices in Sydney

Scrap stainless steel in Sydney currently pays from $1.31 per kilogram for 304 stainless up to $1.43 for 316 stainless. As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney has the densest scrap yard network in the state.

Stainless Steel grades and payouts in Sydney (per kg)

Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.38/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
304 Stainless
The most common stainless grade — 18% chromium, 8% nickel. Used in kitchen sinks, food equipment, and general fabrication.
 55% $1.31 $1.11 – $1.50
316 Stainless
Marine grade — adds 2-3% molybdenum to 304's composition for higher corrosion resistance. Pays more due to molybdenum content.
 60% $1.43 $1.21 – $1.64

Price history

Local Sydney prices track the national stainless steel series — multiply by 1.00 for Sydney equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national stainless steel page.

Where these numbers come from

Figure Value Source Type Checked
Stainless Steel spot price A$2.38/kg Calculated: 8% nickel (MetalpriceAPI) + a fixed A$0.50/kg chromium allowance Our calculation, partly a fixed estimate
Sydney regional factor 1.00× Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) Our estimate
Stainless Steel grade payout rates 55% / 60% 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. The chromium allowance is a fixed figure set on 2026-05-16, not a market price. Full detail: methodology.

Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.

Scrap yards in Sydney that buy stainless steel

80 scrap yards listed in the Sydney area. Browse all yards in Sydney →

Frequently asked questions

What's the current price for scrap stainless steel in Sydney? +

Today's estimated payouts in Sydney range from $1.31 per kilogram (304 stainless) up to $1.43 (316 stainless). 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 stainless steel in Sydney? +

Check the Sydney yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Sydney yards accept stainless steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.

Why does Sydney typically pay the highest scrap stainless steel 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. Stainless Steel specifically benefits from this because non-ferrous metals export through Sydney in significant volumes.

How is stainless steel graded at Sydney yards? +

Sydney yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: 304 Stainless, 316 Stainless. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/stainless/">Stainless Steel 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 stainless steel 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 stainless steel sales.

Other metals in Sydney

Stainless Steel in other cities