Scrap Lead Prices in Tamworth
Scrap lead in Tamworth currently pays from $0.71 per kilogram for lead-acid batteries up to $1.19 for soft lead. Tamworth is a regional centre in New South Wales, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Lead grades and payouts in Tamworth (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.73/kg) and Tamworth's 0.87× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Lead Pure lead in pipe, sheet, or ingot form. | 50% | $1.19 | $1.01 – $1.37 |
| Lead-Acid Batteries Whole batteries, priced per kilogram including casing and acid. Yards may have minimum quantities. | 30% | $0.71 | $0.61 – $0.82 |
Price history
Local Tamworth prices track the national lead series — multiply by 0.87 for Tamworth equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national lead page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead spot price | A$2.73/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Tamworth regional factor | 0.87× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Lead grade payout rates | 50% / 30% | 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.
Lead in Tamworth
Tamworth's New England agricultural and freight-hub role generates steady farm-machinery and trucking scrap volume.
As a regional centre, Tamworth's lead flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Tamworth consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Tamworth that buy lead
4 scrap yards listed in the Tamworth area. Browse all yards in Tamworth →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap lead in Tamworth? +
Today's estimated payouts in Tamworth range from $0.71 per kilogram (lead-acid batteries) up to $1.19 (soft lead). Prices update daily and reflect Tamworth's 0.87× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap lead in Tamworth? +
Check the Tamworth yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Tamworth yards accept lead in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Sydney.
Why does Tamworth pay 13% less than Sydney for lead? +
Transport cost. Lead sold in Tamworth eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Sydney — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.87× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is lead graded at Tamworth yards? +
Tamworth yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Soft Lead, Lead-Acid Batteries. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/lead/">Lead grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do Tamworth 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 Tamworth? +
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 Tamworth to a bigger city for higher lead rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Tamworth 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 0.87× rate.