As of mid-2025, Australia’s copper scrap market is experiencing significant activity, driven by global demand, supply constraints, and regional factors. Whether you’re a homeowner, tradesperson, or industrial recycler, understanding current prices and market dynamics is crucial for maximizing returns.
Don’t let your valuable copper sit around collecting dust. Whether you’ve got offcuts, stripped wire, or old copper pipes, Premier Metals pays top prices backed by real-time market rates and fast, reliable service.
Contact Premier Metals today to sell your scrap metals at the best price at 08 6252 8500
Copper scrap prices vary across Australia, influenced by factors such as metal grade, purity, and local demand. Here’s a snapshot of prevailing rates:
These prices are subject to change based on market conditions and regional variations.
| Copper Type | Description | Common Sources | Approx. Price (AUD/kg) |
| Bright & Shiny Copper | Clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire – purest form | Electrical wiring, stripped cables | $11.00 – $11.75 |
| No. 1 Copper | Clean pipe or wire without solder or paint | Plumbing offcuts, clean copper bus bars | $10.00 – $11.00 |
| No. 2 Copper | Slightly lower grade, may contain solder or corrosion | Used copper pipe with fittings | $9.00 – $10.00 |
| Mixed Copper | Combination of different grades with impurities | Scrap from renovations, mixed wire | $9.00 – $10.50 |
| PVC-Coated Copper Wire | Copper wire with insulation that must be stripped or separated | Electrical wire, power cables | $2.50 – $4.45 |
| Burnt Copper | Copper recovered through burning, often oxidised | Burnt wires, recovered from fire-damaged scrap | $8.00 – $9.00 |
| Copper Radiators | Copper cores with some contamination (brass or soldered joints) | Automotive or industrial radiators | $6.50 – $8.20 |
| Copper Turnings | Fine copper shavings or small scrap from machining processes | Lathe turnings, factory waste | $7.50 – $9.20 |
Several key factors are impacting copper scrap prices this year:
Copper scrap prices can vary by region due to local demand and operational costs. For example, in Adelaide, prices for bright & shiny copper have reached up to $11.75 per kg, reflecting strong local demand.
To ensure you receive the best possible price for your copper scrap:
Stripping insulation from copper wires is recommended if you want to get a higher rate. Clean, stripped copper wire commands a much better price than insulated cable. However, if you don’t have the time or tools, we still buy insulated copper at competitive rates. When in doubt, bring it in and our team can assess the best category for your material.
Scrap copper prices fluctuate frequently — sometimes daily — due to global market trends, exchange rates, and local supply and demand. At Premier Metals, we monitor the market closely and update our prices regularly to ensure you get the best value for your copper scrap. Contact us directly or visit our location for the latest pricing
We welcome everyone, from large industrial suppliers to homeowners and tradies. Whether you have a truckload of old wiring or just a small box of copper offcuts, you’re welcome at Premier Metals. We offer fast weighing, instant payment, and friendly service — no amount is too small or too large.
ABN: 37 259 429 351
87 Kelvin Road, Maddington, WA 6109, Australia
08 6252 85001300 468 727
info@premiermetals.com.au
