Have you ever asked yourself, “How much is copper scrap worth in Perth today?”

Right now, Australia’s scrap copper market is buzzing; pushed higher by global demand and supply tightness. If you’re a tradie, homeowner or industrial recycler, that pile of old pipes, wiring or offcuts in your Ute could be real cash, only if you know how the market works.

Tired of wasting time hauling metal that should pay you? You’re not alone.

West Coast Metals turns that headache into straightforward cash. We pay competitive rates backed by real-time market data and fast, reliable service.

Call us now on 0477 331 630 or 08 9248 2207 and get the best cash for scrap in Perth.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The current copper scrap prices in Australia
• A simple table showing the price of copper per kilo in Australia
• What factors determine copper scrap price changes
• Proven tips on how to get top price for copper every time you sell

Keep reading to know exactly what your copper’s worth today and how to make the most from every kilogram.

Copper Scrap Prices in Australia Right Now

The value of copper scrap in Australia depends heavily on its grade, cleanliness, and overall condition. Currently, copper scrap prices range between $7.00 and $11.75 per kilogram.

• Bright & Shiny Copper (Grade 1): Clean, unalloyed, and uncoated copper earns $10.00–$11.75/kg.
• 1 Copper: Clean pipe or wire with minimal oxidation or solder costs around $10.00/kg.
• 2 / Mixed Copper: Contains minor impurities, solder, or fittings; usually pays up to $9.70/kg.
• Insulated or PVC-Coated Copper Wire: Due to the added labour of stripping, this grade averages $2.50–$4.45/kg.

While every scrap yard has its own pricing structure, the golden rule remains: the cleaner and purer your copper, the higher your payout. Sorting your scrap, removing coatings or solder, and delivering in bulk can make a noticeable difference in what you take home.

And since the national trend shows clean copper paying around $9.50–$11+/kg for Grade 1, your goal should be to move your load into that category rather than sell it as “mixed”.

Compare Scrap Copper Prices in Australia: At a Glance

If you’re selling scrap copper in Perth, knowing these benchmark rates helps you ask the right questions and recognise whether an offer is fair.

Here’s a snapshot of common copper scrap grades and current approximate rates (AUD per kilogram). Use this to quickly gauge what your load might be worth today.

To check prices for other metals, visit our updated guide here > Scrap Metal Prices | Scrap Metal Dealer WA

Factors Affecting Copper Scrap Costs in Perth

When you’re preparing to sell scrap copper, understanding why the copper scrap price moves is just as important as knowing what the rates are. Here are the main factors that shape payouts in Perth and how you can use this insight to your advantage.

• Grade, Purity & Condition

Cleaner, uncoated, uncontaminated copper gets significantly higher offers than mixed or insulated types.

If you bring in bright, unalloyed copper; often called “bright & shiny” or Grade 1, you’ll tap into the top tier of the scrap value of copper. If it’s mixed with solder, paint, insulation or attached fittings (Grade 2 or lesser), yards will deduct for extra processing and contamination. Perth scrapyards adjust rates based on those purity differences.

• Local Supply & Demand Conditions

Your local market matters. Perth’s scrap yards price loads not just on national trends but on what’s coming in and out of WA.

When construction, mining or electrical work is booming in WA, demand for high-quality copper increases and so do the offers. On the flip side, if supply surges (e.g., lots of stockpiled offcuts) or logistic costs rise, the scrap metal price you see may drop slightly.

• Global Commodity Dynamics

Even in Perth, your payout is influenced by international copper markets.

The price of refined copper and global scrap flows govern what local yards are willing to pay. For example, tight supply in key producing countries or rising demand in green-tech sectors can push local copper price per kg offers higher. Australia’s metal recyclers monitor those trends to stay competitive.

• Processing, Transport & Operational Costs

The easier your load is to handle, the more you’ll get paid.

If a yard has to spend extra on transport, sorting, cleaning or melting your copper, they’ll deduct part of that from your payout. Loads that are bulky, dirty, or far away may attract lower offers even if the grade is good. That’s because the marginal cost of handling the metal eats into what you receive.

• Seasonal & Regional Variations

Timing and location make a difference.

In Perth, the best time to sell may be during summer; the building boom or warmer months when scrap flows and demand are high. Conversely, quieter seasons may see smaller payouts. Regional differences also apply. Some WA yards pay slightly more if the load is ready to process and transport-friendly.

Recycle Your Scrap Copper for Profit & Planet

When you sell your copper, you’re doing more than lining your pocket. You’re also helping the planet. Copper is one of the most recyclable metals. It can be reused almost indefinitely with minimal loss of quality. By choosing a trusted recycler and providing high-quality material, you’re contributing to energy efficiency, reducing mining demand and supporting sustainable practices.

What you gain financially:

• Recyclers value high-quality copper higher because it costs them less to refine and resell which means better payouts for you.
• Large or sorted loads reduce cost-to-process for the buyer, often translating into higher scrap copper price per kg
• When you ask “where can I find the best scrap copper price in Perth?”, being sorted and ready puts you ahead of the curve.

At West Coast Metals, we specialise in non-ferrous scrap like copper, cable, brass and aluminium. You bring the material; we manage it with transparent sorting, weighing and payment. We offer clean, efficient service in Perth with flexible drop-off or bin pickup options for bigger volumes.

How to Get the Best Scrap Copper Prices?

When you know how yards value metal, you can step ahead and secure the best scrap copper price in Perth. Here’s how to prepare your copper scrap so you’re not leaving cash on the table.

• Separate & Sort by Grade

Yards pay more for clearly sorted loads; especially for Grade 1 or bright & shiny copper.

Sort your scrap into identifiable categories like clean, stripped copper, copper pipe, insulated wire and mixed material. Use terms like “Grade 1”, “Grade 2” or “mixed” when you speak with the yard. The clearer your load, the higher your payout.

• Strip & Clean Your Copper

Insulation, fittings and paint all reduce the value of copper because they add cost for the recycler.

Remove plastic or rubber insulation from wires, strip off fittings from tubes, and clean out obvious non-metal attachments. Even small efforts here boost the dollar per kilo you’ll receive.

• Separate Clean from Coated or Contaminated

Clean copper (no coatings, paint or solder) is premium. Coated copper costs the buyer more to process, so they pay less.

Keep pure copper separate from copper with paint, coating or alloy attachments. Label and weigh them separately if you can, you’ll see the difference in the offer.

• Monitor Local Prices & Timing

Copper scrap values fluctuate daily. Selling smartly means less time stuck with metal at lower rates.

Regularly check updates from local yards and recycling websites for scrap metal price trends. When you spot a rise, lock in your sale. Timing can make a noticeable difference.

• Choose a Trusted, Transparent Recycler

An honest yard with clear weighing, sorting and payment processes gives you confidence in the result; not just an offer but a fair deal.

Ask for details: how they grade copper, whether you can view the weighing, what payment options they offer (e.g., cash for scrap or bank transfer). A yard that explains how they calculate the price is one you can trust.

Tired of old pipes and wires collecting dust instead of cash?

Sell Now to West Coast Metals: Get Top Instant Cash for Scrap Copper in Perth Today

At West Coast Metals, we offer transparent, professional service: weigh-on-arrival, on-site sorting, instant receipts and payment either in cash or via bank transfer. Our organised, female-run yard is designed to deliver the best scrap copper price in Perth for clean, sorted loads.

Sell Your Copper Scrap Now

FAQs

• What is the price of copper per kilo in Australia?

The price of copper per kilo in Australia ranges between $9.00 and $11.75 per kg for clean, high-grade material. The exact rate depends on the copper grade, market demand, and location. Prices can change daily based on global metal markets.

• What’s the highest-paying scrap metal right now?

Copper consistently tops the list of the highest-paying scrap metals in Australia, followed by brass, aluminium, and stainless steel. Among copper types, bright & shiny copper wire earns the best rates, sometimes exceeding $11.75 per kg when clean and properly sorted.

• What’s the difference between Copper 1 and Copper 2?

The main difference lies in purity and condition. Copper 1 (No. 1 Copper) is clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper with no solder, paint or corrosion. This is the highest-grade copper and commands the best price. Copper 2 (No. 2 Copper) contains minor impurities such as solder, paint, or tarnish. It’s still valuable but generally pays $0.50 – $1.00 less per kg than Copper 1.

• How much is 1 kg of copper scrap worth in Australia?

Currently, 1 kg of copper scrap in Australia is worth between $7 and $11.75, depending on grade and condition. Bright & shiny copper earns the most, while insulated or mixed copper fetches lower rates due to extra processing requirements.

• Should I strip wire before selling copper scrap?

Yes, stripping insulation from copper wire can significantly increase your return. Clean, bare wire is valued as bright & shiny copper, while insulated wire is paid at a much lower rate because recyclers must remove the coating. If time allows, stripping wire yourself boosts your payout per kilo.

• How often do scrap metal prices change?

Scrap metal prices can fluctuate daily or weekly, influenced by global market trends, exchange rates, and local demand. For the most accurate rates, check with your local Perth scrap metal recycler or monitor live updates from metal exchange markets before selling.

• Do you accept copper scrap from individuals or only businesses?

At West Coast Metals, we welcome everyone; from industrial suppliers to homeowners and tradies. Whether you have a truckload of wiring or a small box of offcuts, our team provides fast weighing, instant payment, and friendly service. No load is too big or too small; every customer gets fair, competitive scrap copper prices in Perth.