Scrap Steel Prices in Townsville
Scrap steel in Townsville currently pays from $0.04 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.07 for heavy melting steel (hms). Townsville is a regional centre in Queensland, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Steel grades and payouts in Townsville (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/kg) and Townsville's 0.86× 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 – $0.07 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.04 | $0.04 – $0.05 |
Price history
Local Townsville prices track the national steel series — multiply by 0.86 for Townsville equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
Steel in Townsville
Townsville hosts Sun Metals' zinc refinery and a deep-water port, giving non-ferrous scrap a strong local outlet. Mining services keep volume consistent year-round.
As a regional centre, Townsville's steel flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Townsville consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Townsville that buy steel
7 verified scrap yards in the Townsville area. Browse all yards in Townsville →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap steel in Townsville? +
Today's estimated payouts in Townsville range from $0.04 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.07 (heavy melting steel (hms)). Prices update daily and reflect Townsville's 0.86× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap steel in Townsville? +
We're building a verified directory of Townsville scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Townsville yards accept steel in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Brisbane.
Why does Townsville pay 14% less than Sydney for steel? +
Transport cost. Steel sold in Townsville eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Brisbane — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.86× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is steel graded at Townsville yards? +
Townsville 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 Townsville yard? +
Yes for any non-ferrous scrap. Queensland 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 Townsville to a bigger city for higher steel rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Townsville to Brisbane 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 0.86× rate.