Johannesburg’s metal isn’t just leftover—it’s gold in alloy form, a chance to turn old bits into new beginnings. But prices? They move faster than a springbok on caffeine. That’s where ScrapTrade steps in—no more lowball offers, just verified buyers, real-time bids, and the safety net of escrow.
Current Scrap Metal Prices in Johannesburg
Local yard prices vary, but here's a solid snapshot per kilogram in JHB:
- Cast Iron & Steel: R 0.99
- Bright Copper Wire: R 62.74
- Heavy Copper: R 56.14
- Braziery Copper: R 46.23
- Copper Tanks: R 49.53
- Brass: R 41.28
- 316 Stainless Turnings: R 13.21
- Aluminium Turnings: R 4.95
- PVC Wire: R 19.81
- Motors: R 3.30
- Low-Grade Cable: R 11.56
- High-Grade PVC Wire: R 28.07
- Aluminium Cable w/ Copper: R 13.21
- Aluminium (pure): R 9.91
- Stainless Steel: R 12.38
- 316 Stainless Steel: R 15.51
scrapmetalpricessouthafrica.co.za
Here’s a sharper look at select categories:
| Metal Type | Price (ZAR/kg) |
|---|---|
| Heavy Steel (per ton) | R 1,710 |
| Light Steel (per ton) | R 910 |
| HMS & Heavy Steel | R 1,710 |
| Steel Cans (per ton) | R 340 |
| scrapmetalpricessouthafrica.co.za |
And for a broader national view, these values reflect average per-kilo rates:
- Copper: R 172.59
- Aluminium: R 45.98
- Brass: R 130.90
- Lead: R 34.38
- Tin: R 617.88
- Zinc: R 49.98
- Steel Scrap: R 6.00
Scrap Metal Prices - USA
Toss in preference-scheme prices in bulk (per ton), and the range stretches:
- Ferrous steel (various ISRI grades): R 4,093–5,595/ton
— stainless steel? A delightful R 13,175–46,287/ton, depending on alloy.
Itac+1
Why These Prices Bounce Around
Metal markets are like jazz—improvised chaos with a rhythm:
- Global Demand & Supply — Local prices feel the tug of China, India, global industries.
- Market Supply & Mitigation — More scrap means lower prices; scarcity fuels spikes.
- Quality Matters — Clean, sorted scrap is treasure. Mixed or dirty loads? Less so.
- Transport & Location — Closer to mills or ports? Less cost, higher payout.
- Policy & Trade Winds — Tariffs, export rules, and logistics affect pricing too.
Why Johannesburg Scrap Sellers Are Loving ScrapTrade
- Real-time local insight, but better—ScrapTrade surfaces live bids, not static yard quotes.
- Earn more, because buyers compete, not negotiate.
- Payments you can trust—escrow ensures nobody vanishes with your cash.
- No yard-hopping—handle everything online, from listing to payout.
- Scalable—whether it's a kilo of wire or a shipping container of rails, ScrapTrade flexes with you.
- Eco and economy aligned—recycle smarter, profit cleaner, help the planet.
Quick Spotlight: SA Metal Group
Fun fact: SA Metal Group, founded in 1919, is South Africa’s oldest and one of its largest scrap metal recyclers, operating across the country—including Gauteng. They handle everything from household scraps to mine demolition cleanup.
Wikipedia
Final Thoughts: Johannesbourg, Let’s Scrap Smartly
Navigating scrap metal prices in Johannesburg can feel like chasing lightning. Better to let ScrapTrade catch it for you—with clarity, competition, and security baked in.
Turn your old cables, copper bits, even HMS steel into smarter earnings. And do it with a wink—ScrapTrade style.