• 09 Oct 2025

Aluminium Scrap: Is It Worth More Than Copper?

When it comes to metal recycling, copper and aluminium are two of the most commonly traded non-ferrous metals. They’re used extensively across industries, from construction and electronics to transport and packaging. But when it comes to scrap value, many ask:

Is aluminium scrap worth more than copper?

In short, no, aluminium scrap is generally not worth more than copper, especially when measured in AUD per kilogram. However, the full picture is more nuanced. Scrap value depends on factors such as industrial demand, energy costs, global supply chains, and how clean or pure the metal is.

Let’s break down what makes copper scrap more valuable, why aluminium still matters, and what to expect in the Australian scrap market.

Understanding Scrap Metal Value

Scrap metal prices fluctuate regularly due to:

• Global demand

• Supply of virgin vs recycled metals

• Energy and labour costs

• International trade and geopolitical factors

• Local transport and handling expenses

• Purity, type, and grade of the scrap

In general, the rarer and more industrially critical a metal is, the more valuable its scrap becomes.

Copper Scrap: The Red Metal with Golden Value

1. Superior Electrical Conductivity: Copper is unmatched in electrical applications, wiring, motors, power systems, and electronics, making it a must-have in infrastructure and renewable energy.
2. Scarcity and Mining Costs: Copper is less abundant than aluminium. Extracting and refining it is also more expensive, which raises its market value.
3. Broad Industrial Demand: Industries like construction, solar, wind, electric vehicles, and telecommunications all rely heavily on copper.
4. Excellent Recyclability: Recycled copper retains nearly 100% of its original quality. It can be reused indefinitely with minimal degradation.

Current Copper Scrap Prices (AUD per kg)

Copper scrap prices vary across Australian states and yards, but on average:

• Bright & Shiny / Clean Copper Wire: $11.00 – $13.50 / kg

• No.1 Copper (Clean Pipe): $10.00 – $12.50 / kg

• No.2 Copper (Mixed or Slightly Contaminated): $8.50 – $10.00 / kg

• Insulated Copper Wire: $2.50 – $6.00 / kg depending on insulation

Aluminium Scrap: Lightweight Champion of Recycling

1. Abundant and Lightweight: Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. It’s also lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for transport, aerospace, and packaging.
2. High Recyclability: Recycling aluminium uses up to 95% less energy than producing it from raw bauxite. It’s also infinitely recyclable without losing quality.
3. Widespread Use: It’s used in construction (window frames, cladding), cars (body panels), food packaging (cans), and electronics.
4. Efficient Collection and Recycling Systems: Australia has strong infrastructure for collecting and recycling aluminium, particularly from domestic sources.

Current Aluminium Scrap Prices (AUD per kg)

Aluminium scrap prices depend heavily on type and condition:

• Extruded Aluminium (Clean Window Frames, Profiles): $1.60 – $2.70 / kg

• Sheet Aluminium (Clean Cans, Panels): $1.30 – $2.00 / kg

• Cast Aluminium (Engine Blocks, Cookware): $0.90 – $1.60 / kg

• Dirty Aluminium (Mixed with Steel or Plastic): $0.70 – $1.20 / kg

Copper vs Aluminium Scrap: Head-to-Head (AUD Comparison)

As the table shows, copper far outpaces aluminium in resale value per kilogram in the Australian market.

Why Aluminium Isn’t Worth More Than Copper

Even though aluminium is crucial to the modern economy, it commands a lower scrap value due to:

• Abundance: It’s far more common and accessible than copper.

• Lower Industrial Criticality: Aluminium is important, but copper is irreplaceable in certain applications.

• Lower Extraction Costs: Aluminium, once smelted, is cheaper to produce.

• Greater Weight-to-Value Gap: Aluminium is lighter but takes more volume to match copper’s value.

• Contamination Penalties: Paint, screws, or coatings reduce aluminium’s price much more than copper’s.

Could Aluminium Scrap Ever Be Worth More Than Copper?

In Theory: Yes. In Practice: Unlikely.

For aluminium scrap to surpass copper in value:

• Copper prices would need to collapse.

• Aluminium demand would have to explode, far beyond current EV and aerospace growth.

• Global aluminium supply would need to tighten significantly.

None of these conditions are expected any time soon.

Environmental & Economic Impact of Recycling Both Metals

• Saves raw resources

• Reduces landfill and waste

• Lowers energy consumption

• Reduces greenhouse emissions

• Supports the local circular economy

• Creates jobs in scrap handling, sorting, and refining

Whether you’re selling copper wires or aluminium cans, you’re helping the environment and getting paid to do it.

Tips for Maximising Your Scrap Metal Returns (AUD)

1. Sort and Clean Your Metals: Strip copper wires. Remove plastic, screws, or non-metallic materials from aluminium to increase grade and value.
2. Learn the Grades: No.1 copper is cleaner and worth more than No.2. Cast aluminium is worth less than clean extruded sections.
3. Separate Everything: Keep aluminium and copper in separate bins. Also separate clean aluminium from painted or contaminated types.
4. Build Relationships With Yards: Frequent sellers may get better deals or faster turnaround. Some yards also offer pick-up for larger loads.
5. Watch Market Trends: Scrap prices fluctuate. Holding onto metal during a price dip can pay off when the market improves.

Conclusion: Aluminium Has Value, But Copper Still Reigns

Aluminium is an essential, abundant, and highly recyclable metal but when it comes to AUD scrap value, copper clearly dominates. Its critical industrial use, limited supply, and high resale value make copper the king of scrap yards.

Still, don’t underestimate aluminium. In large volumes, especially if it’s clean and sorted, it can earn solid returns. Whether you’re a home renovator, small business, or full-time scrapper, collecting both metals can add up quickly.

Got Scrap to Sell?

Head to your local scrap metal dealer or call around for current prices. Rates change often, and many yards will weigh and pay on the spot.

Every kilogram counts and the planet thanks you for recycling.