Scrap Steel Prices in Sydney
Scrap steel in Sydney currently pays from $0.05 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.08 for heavy melting steel (hms). As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Steel grades and payouts in Sydney (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) Steel at least 6mm thick. Standard ferrous grade for export markets. | 18% | $0.08 | $0.06 – $0.09 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.05 | $0.04 – $0.06 |
Price history
Local Sydney prices track the national steel series — multiply by 1.00 for Sydney equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
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 steel grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Sydney that buy steel
80 verified scrap yards in the Sydney area. Browse all yards in Sydney →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap steel in Sydney? +
Today's estimated payouts in Sydney range from $0.05 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.08 (heavy melting steel (hms)). 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 steel in Sydney? +
We're building a verified directory of Sydney scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Sydney yards accept steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Sydney typically pay the highest scrap 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. Steel specifically benefits from this because non-ferrous metals export through Sydney in significant volumes.
How is steel graded at Sydney yards? +
Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney to a bigger city for higher 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 steel sales.