As a quick guide, in Melbourne in 2026 clean copper is worth roughly $7–$12.50 per kg, brass around $4.20–$7.20 per kg, aluminium $0.90–$2.80 per kg, and heavy steel (HMS) about $0.30–$0.45 per kg (roughly $300–$450 per tonne). Your actual payout is simply the weight of each metal multiplied by its grade rate — so the two things that move your money most are the type of metal and its grade (cleanliness). Non-ferrous metals like copper and brass pay many times more per kilo than ferrous metals like steel, where the value comes from selling in volume.
Indicative Scrap Metal Prices Per Kg (Melbourne, 2026)
The table below shows indicative ranges for the metals most households, tradies and businesses bring in. Ranges reflect the spread between clean, sorted, high-grade material and mixed or contaminated loads. They are a planning guide only — not a guaranteed quote.
| Metal | Common Grades | Indicative Range (per kg) | Sits Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Bare bright, #1 heavy, insulated cable | $7.00 – $12.50 | Top payer |
| Brass | Clean, mixed, plumbing fittings | $4.20 – $7.20 | High |
| Aluminium | Extrusion, cast, mixed, cans | $0.90 – $2.80 | Mid |
| Stainless Steel | 304, 316, mixed | $1.00 – $2.50 | Mid |
| Lead | Clean lead, wheel weights | $1.20 – $1.85 | Mid |
| Steel (HMS) | Heavy melting steel, light/mixed | $0.30 – $0.45 | Volume play |
| Cast Iron | Clean cast, mixed | $0.10 – $0.20 | Volume play |
Rates shown are indicative only and move daily with the global market.
These ranges line up with Manhari’s regularly updated scrap metal price page, which is refreshed to reflect London Metal Exchange movements and local demand. If you’re weighing up copper specifically, it’s worth reading our companion guide on whether stripping copper wire is worth it — grade makes an enormous difference to copper’s per-kg value.
What Actually Determines Your Scrap Metal Price?
Five factors decide what a kilo of your metal is worth on the day:
- Metal type. Non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, aluminium, lead) carry far more value per kilo than ferrous metals (steel, iron). A single kilo of bright copper can outweigh a whole trailer of light steel in dollar terms.
- Grade and cleanliness. Bare, uncoated, single-metal material earns the top rate. Paint, solder, plastic, rubber and attached fittings all pull the price down because they add weight that isn’t the metal being bought.
- Global commodity prices. Melbourne rates track the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the AUD/USD exchange rate. A weaker Australian dollar generally lifts local scrap prices because our metal becomes cheaper for overseas buyers.
- Volume. Larger, consistent loads are cheaper to process and transport per kilo, so they often attract better rates and free collection. This is where steel — low value per kilo — starts to pay.
- Local demand. Victoria’s infrastructure and construction activity (rail, road and building projects) drives demand for recycled steel and aluminium, supporting local prices.
Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous: The Single Biggest Value Lever
If you remember one thing, remember this distinction:
Worth the most
Non-Ferrous
Contains no iron and doesn’t rust the same way — copper, brass, aluminium, lead, stainless. A magnet won’t stick to most of them. Worth the most per kilo.
Worth in volume
Ferrous
Iron-based — steel and cast iron. A magnet sticks. Worth far less per kilo, but heavy and plentiful, so the value comes from bulk.
A quick fridge-magnet test is the easiest way to split a mixed pile before you sell. Sorting non-ferrous away from ferrous — and keeping each metal separate — is the fastest way to lift your total payout.
How to Work Out What Your Load Is Worth
- Sort by metal. Separate copper, brass, aluminium, stainless and steel into their own piles. Mixed loads are graded down to the lowest metal present.
- Remove non-metal attachments. Strip plastic, rubber, timber and heavy fittings where it’s practical and safe.
- Estimate the weight of each pile. Even a rough kg figure lets you compare quotes fairly.
- Multiply weight by the grade rate. Use the indicative ranges above as a starting point.
- Call for the day’s confirmed rate. Prices move daily, so a phone quote on the day is always more accurate than any published table.
Not sure how to identify a metal or grade a load? Manhari’s team can help over the phone or arrange free scrap metal collection across Victoria. For larger or ongoing loads, ask about a free scrap metal bin dropped at your site.
Where and How You Sell Changes Your Return
The same metal can return different amounts depending on how you sell it. Dropping a sorted load at a metal recycling yard in Melbourne is straightforward for smaller quantities. For bulk or heavy loads, booking a scrap metal collection saves you transport and handling. Businesses generating scrap regularly — factories, workshops, demolition crews — usually get the best outcome through industrial metal recycling with scheduled bins and pickups.
Find Out What Your Scrap Is Worth Today
Manhari Recycling has served Victoria since 2007 and pays competitive, market-linked rates with free pickup.
Common Questions
FAQ: Scrap Metal Prices in Melbourne
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about scrap metal value.
It depends entirely on the metal. In Melbourne in 2026, a kilo of clean copper can be worth $7–$12.50, brass $4.20–$7.20 and aluminium $0.90–$2.80, while a kilo of heavy steel is only around $0.30–$0.45. Grade and market conditions shift these figures daily.
Copper is consistently the top payer among common scrap metals, especially clean, bare bright copper. Brass is next, followed by aluminium and stainless steel. Steel and cast iron are worth the least per kilo but can still add up in volume.
Copper is a reddish-orange colour; brass is more yellow-gold. Neither is magnetic. If a magnet sticks, you’re likely looking at steel or iron, not copper or brass. When in doubt, send a photo or bring it in and the team will identify and grade it.
Yes — significantly. Mixed loads are graded down to the lowest-value metal in the pile. Separating copper, brass, aluminium and steel, and removing non-metal attachments, means each pile is paid at its proper rate.
Scrap is a global commodity. Prices track the London Metal Exchange and the AUD/USD exchange rate, then adjust for local demand from construction and export markets. That’s why a same-day phone quote beats any printed price list.
Ready to Turn Your Scrap Into Cash?
Manhari Recycling has paid Victorians fair, market-linked rates since 2007 — with free pickup across Melbourne and regional Victoria.