Scrap Nickel Prices in Wollongong
Scrap nickel in Wollongong currently pays from $11.97 per kilogram for clean nickel up to $11.97 for clean nickel. Wollongong is a regional centre in New South Wales, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Nickel grades and payouts in Wollongong (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($22.91/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Nickel Pure nickel — uncommon in residential scrap. | 55% | $11.97 | $10.17 – $13.76 |
Price history
Local Wollongong prices track the national nickel series — multiply by 0.95 for Wollongong equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national nickel page.
Nickel 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 nickel 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 nickel
9 verified scrap yards in the Wollongong area. Browse all yards in Wollongong →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap nickel in Wollongong? +
Today's estimated payouts in Wollongong range from $11.97 per kilogram (clean nickel) up to $11.97 (clean nickel). 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 nickel in Wollongong? +
We're building a verified directory of Wollongong scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Wollongong yards accept nickel 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 nickel? +
Transport cost. Nickel 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 nickel graded at Wollongong yards? +
Wollongong yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Clean Nickel. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/nickel/">Nickel grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell nickel at a Wollongong 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 Wollongong to a bigger city for higher nickel 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.