Auckland’s scrap yards are uniquely shaped by global metal markets—but also by local demand, logistics, and quality. Whether you're clearing out old wiring, recycling cans, or gathering industrial scrap, knowing current per-kilogram prices gives you the edge. Here’s your updated 2025 snapshot to help you trade smart.
Current Auckland Scrap Metal Prices (Per kg)
Since many yards don’t post rates publicly due to daily fluctuations, here’s what you can expect based on recent credible sources:
Dominion Trading (Christchurch-based national guide)
- Copper: NZD 10.90 – 13.20/kg
- Brass: NZD 5.40 – 7.00/kg
- Aluminium: NZD 1.90 – 2.65/kg
- Lead: NZD 1.15 – 1.80/kg
- Stainless Steel: NZD 0.75 – 1.20/kg
- PVC Copper Cable: NZD 1.80 – 8.50/kg happyscrappy.co.nz
Happy Scrappy (National average estimates)
- Copper: NZD 9.45 – 11.30/kg
- Brass: NZD 5.40 – 6.45/kg
- Aluminium: NZD 1.65 – 2.15/kg
- Lead: NZD 1.15 – 1.40/kg
- Stainless Steel: NZD 1.00 – 1.40/kg
- PVC Copper Cable: Up to NZD 8.15/kg happyscrappy.co.nz
Metalcorp (Christchurch yard, indicative)
- No. 1 Copper: NZD 12.08/kg
- No. 2 Copper: NZD 11.64/kg
- PVC Cable (60%+ copper): NZD 5.71/kg
- Aluminium Extrusion/Wheels (clean): NZD 2.17 – 2.24/kg
- Brass Solids: NZD 7.08/kg metalcorp.co.nz
How to Read These Prices
Here’s a quick summary table to show how these rates compare:
| Metal Type | Price Range (NZD/kg) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Clean) | ~10.90 – 13.20 |
| Brass (Clean) | ~5.40 – 7.08 |
| Aluminium (Clean) | ~1.65 – 2.65 |
| Stainless Steel | ~0.75 – 1.40 |
| Lead | ~1.15 – 1.80 |
| PVC Copper Cable | ~1.80 – 8.50 |
Copper remains the high-value champion, while clean brass and aluminium still earn respectable returns. Lead and stainless steel earn modestly—but every kilo adds up.
Why Prices Fluctuate
Scrap metal trading is anything but static. Prices shift due to:
- Global market rates—Metal values swing on commodity exchanges.
- Currency fluctuations—Exchanges like the NZD/USD ratio influence returns.
- Quality & classification—Clean, sorted metal (like copper wire or aluminium extrusion) pulls more than mixed or contaminated batches.
- Local competition and access—Yard proximity, demand, and processing capacity affect offers.
Tips to Get Top Dollar in Auckland
- Sort your metals by category—separate heavy from light, brass from copper.
- Check pricing before heading out—call local yards or communities for latest quotes.
- Bundle volume if possible—larger loads sometimes yield better per-kg rates.
- Talk to experts—smelters or yards with on-site processing often pay more for clean metals.
Final Thought
Whether you’re gathering copper scraps or recycling your aluminium cans, Auckland values are solid—especially if you approach the market informed and strategic. Copper leads, brass holds second, and sorted aluminium still packs a respectable punch.
Need help mapping top yards or want to explore online buyer platforms to pit offers in competition? Just say the word.