Australia’s $4.7 billion metals recycling industry runs on premier scrap. Whether you run a factory, a plumbing business or just cleared out the shed, knowing how to separate, grade and sell your metal can double your payout and keep tonnes of CO₂ out of the atmosphere. This guide walks you through grades, prices, compliance and where to Sell Scrap fast.
What Counts as Premier Scrap?
Premier scrap is material that meets strict ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) codes: clean copper #1 (bare bright), 304 stainless turnings, 6063 extruded aluminium, HMS 1&2 (80/20) and similar. It is free of contaminants like wood, plastic or excessive rust and is sized for easy shredding and melting. When you deliver this grade to registered Australian buyers you pocket the highest gate price—often 15-30% above generic mixed Scrap.
Lower grades—think irony aluminium, painted zinc or greasy copper—are still recyclable but classed as secondary scrap and priced accordingly. Sorting at source is therefore the fastest way to turn everyday waste into premier scrap revenue.
Current Prices & Where to Sell
Prices shift daily with LME and regional demand. As of this week:
- Copper #1 (bare bright): AUD $10.90–$11.40/kg
- 304 stainless: $2.20–$2.45/kg
- 6063 aluminium: $2.60–$2.80/kg
- HMS 1&2: $390–$430/tonne
To lock in quotes, upload photos through the Scrap Trade portal; yards usually match or beat written quotes within two hours. Regional depots in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth offer same-day EFT, so you can turn premier scrap into cash before knock-off.
Environmental Wins & Compliance
Every tonne of recycled steel saves 1,131 kg of iron ore, 630 kg of coal and 54 kg of limestone. Aluminium remelting uses 5% of the energy required for bauxite refining, cutting 9 t of CO₂ emissions per tonne of output. By choosing to recycle commercial scrap you help Australia meet its National Waste Policy target of 80% resource recovery by 2030.
State regulators require a valid EPA permit for collection and transport. When you book through licensed operators listed on What Is Scrap Trade, documentation such as weighbridge dockets, proof of origin and hazardous-waste declarations is handled automatically, keeping you compliant and audit-ready.
Sorting Tips for Maximum Profit
1. Use a handheld magnet: anything magnetic is likely steel or iron and belongs in HMS. Non-magnetic reds are copper or brass; non-magnetic silvers are aluminium or stainless.
2. Strip plastic coating from copper wire to achieve bare bright classification; the five minutes of labour can add $2–$3 per kg.
3. Keep lead separate: scrap lead commands around $2.00/kg but must be free of wheel weights and acid residue to be classed as premier.
4. Store different metals in labelled bins; mixed loads are priced at the lowest component.
Consistently delivering premier scrap builds trust with buyers, earns volume bonuses and keeps high-value material circulating in the local economy instead of landfill.
Ready to monetise your metal? Compare live prices, book a pickup and turn your pile into profit today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes scrap ‘premier’?
It meets ISRI specs, is clean, sized and uncontaminated, earning the top yard price.
How much CO₂ does premier scrap save?
Recycling aluminium cuts up to 97% of emissions versus virgin mining; steel saves about 1.8 t CO₂ per tonne.
Where can I sell premier scrap in Australia?
Licensed yards in every capital city list live prices on Scrap Trade; most offer same-day EFT.
Do I need a licence to transport scrap?
Yes, EPA requires a permit for commercial quantities; reputable buyers handle paperwork for you.
