Scrap Aluminium Prices in Wollongong
Scrap aluminium in Wollongong currently pays from $1.92 per kilogram for aluminium cans (ubc) up to $2.77 for aluminium extrusion. Wollongong is a regional centre in New South Wales, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Aluminium grades and payouts in Wollongong (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($4.48/kg) and Wollongong's 0.95× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium Extrusion Clean, uncoated aluminium profiles used for window and door frames. Highest-paying common aluminium grade. | 65% | $2.77 | $2.35 – $3.18 |
| Cast Aluminium Cast aluminium components, typically thicker and used in automotive or industrial parts. Pays slightly less than extrusion due to alloy variability. | 55% | $2.34 | $1.99 – $2.69 |
| Aluminium Sheet Rolled aluminium sheet, often used in roofing, signage, or vehicle panels. | 50% | $2.13 | $1.81 – $2.45 |
| Aluminium Cans (UBC) Used beverage containers. Lowest aluminium grade because of paint, varnish, and steel-end contamination. Earn more via Container Deposit Scheme if available in your state. | 45% | $1.92 | $1.63 – $2.20 |
Price history
Local Wollongong prices track the national aluminium series — multiply by 0.95 for Wollongong equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national aluminium page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium spot price | A$4.48/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Wollongong regional factor | 0.95× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Aluminium grade payout rates | 65% / 55% / 50% / 45% | 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.
Aluminium in Wollongong
Wollongong's industrial base — steelmaking at Port Kembla, coal exports — means strong yards that handle large ferrous loads. Bluescope's presence keeps regional steel prices benchmarked.
As a regional centre, Wollongong's aluminium flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Wollongong consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Wollongong that buy aluminium
9 scrap yards listed in the Wollongong area. Browse all yards in Wollongong →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap aluminium in Wollongong? +
Today's estimated payouts in Wollongong range from $1.92 per kilogram (aluminium cans (ubc)) up to $2.77 (aluminium extrusion). Prices update daily and reflect Wollongong's 0.95× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap aluminium in Wollongong? +
Check the Wollongong yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Wollongong yards accept aluminium in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Sydney.
Why does Wollongong pay 5% less than Sydney for aluminium? +
Transport cost. Aluminium sold in Wollongong eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Sydney — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.95× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is aluminium graded at Wollongong yards? +
Wollongong yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Aluminium Extrusion, Cast Aluminium, Aluminium Sheet, Aluminium Cans (UBC). The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/aluminium/">Aluminium grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do Wollongong 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 Wollongong? +
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 Wollongong to a bigger city for higher aluminium rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Wollongong 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 0.95× rate.