Copper Junk Price in Sydney: Everything You Need to Know Before Selling
If you’ve got old copper wires, pipes, or fittings cluttering your garage or shed in Sydney, you might be sitting on a surprising source of extra cash. Copper is one of the most valuable metals in the scrap industry, and scrap metal dealers across Sydney are constantly on the lookout for it.
But before you load up your scrap yard, it’s important to understand how much copper scrap is worth in Sydney, how prices are determined, and how you can get the best return for your junk copper.
How Much Do Scrap Dealers Pay for Junk Copper in Sydney?
In Sydney, scrap copper prices tend to follow global market trends, but local competition among scrap yards and recyclers can affect how much you’re offered.
Here are the average price ranges for copper scrap in Sydney (as of mid-2025):
| Copper Type | Description | Average Price in Sydney (AUD per kg) |
| Bare Bright Copper | Clean, stripped copper wire (no insulation) | $10.50 – $12.50 |
| #1 Copper | Clean solid copper (no solder or paint) | $9.00 – $11.00 |
| #2 Copper | Copper with solder, paint, or slight corrosion | $7.50 – $9.00 |
| Insulated Copper Wire | Copper wire with plastic or rubber insulation | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Copper Radiators | Found in HVAC units (with aluminum or brass mix) | $4.50 – $7.00 |
| Mixed Copper Scrap | Includes all sorts of copper-bearing junk | $5.00 – $7.50 |
📌 Tip: Sydney scrap yards often post daily rates online, but prices can vary depending on location, quantity, and the copper’s condition.
What Affects Junk Copper Prices in Sydney?
- Copper Grade and Purity
The cleaner the copper, the better the price. Scrap yards in Sydney pay top dollar for bare bright and #1 copper. - Quantity of Scrap
Sydney dealers may offer better rates for large quantities of copper—some even provide pickup services for bulk loads. - Local Market Demand
With ongoing construction, electrical, and renovation work around Sydney, demand for copper recycling remains steady—helping keep prices strong. - Dealer Overheads
Different Sydney scrap yards have varying operating costs, which can affect the price they offer you. It pays to shop around. - Metal Market Trends
Copper is globally traded, so international factors (like Chinese imports or infrastructure spending) can affect what Sydney scrap yards are paying.
Where to Sell Junk Copper in Sydney
Here are some popular types of scrap dealers you’ll find in Sydney:
- Metal Recyclers: Companies like Eco Scrap Metal have multiple locations and transparent pricing.
- Independent Scrap Yards: Many local yards across suburbs like Auburn, Blacktown, and Botany often offer competitive rates.
- Mobile Scrap Buyers: Some services offer doorstep pickup in Sydney for bulk copper or mixed scrap metals.
How to Get the Best Price for Copper in Sydney
- Separate Your Scrap: Always sort bare bright, #1, and #2 copper separately.
- Remove Insulation (if worth the effort): Clean copper fetches a much higher rate than insulated wire.
- Check Prices Before Selling: Call a few local Sydney yards or check online listings to compare rates.
- Weigh Your Copper: Know your total weight in kilograms so you can estimate what you should be paid.
- Avoid Middlemen: Directly selling to licensed scrap yards in Sydney can get you the best deal.
Is It Worth Selling Junk Copper in Sydney?
Yes, absolutely. With prices hovering between $7 and $12 per kg depending on copper type, you could easily walk away with hundreds of dollars—even from just a few old pipes or bundles of wire.
If you’re renovating, cleaning up a construction site, or just decluttering, don’t throw copper into landfill—turn it into cash at one of Sydney’s many scrap yards.