If you’ve been sorting through scrap metal or clearing out old plumbing fixtures, cables, or hardware, you’ve probably come across both brass and copper. They may look similar at times, but when it comes to selling them, the real question is: Which one actually pays more in Sydney?
The short answer? Copper scrap almost always pays more than brass.
But the longer answer is more interesting because the value of each metal depends on its type, purity, and demand. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to look for the next time you’re scrapping metal.
Copper is widely considered one of the most profitable scrap metals you can sell in Sydney. It’s used everywhere, electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, motors, roofing materials, electronics, and even household appliances.
What makes copper worth more is its high purity and excellent conductivity, which manufacturers rely on for constant production. Even better, copper is easily recyclable without losing quality so demand never really slows down.
There are different grades of copper, and carries a different copper scrap price each.
If you want top dollar, the cleaner the copper, the better.
Brass is a copper-and-zinc alloy, which means it isn’t as pure as copper, this is the main reason it pays less. However, brass is still highly valuable and absolutely worth scrapping. You’ll find it in items like:
Brass is heavier than copper, so even though it pays less per kilogram, a small box of brass can still earn a decent payout. There are also different types of brass scrap, with clean yellow brass typically paying the most.
In almost every situation, copper pays significantly more per kilogram than brass in Sydney. Copper consistently holds a higher market value because of its superior purity, recyclability, and essential use in electrical and industrial applications.
Brass scrap prices, while strong, sit below copper because it’s an alloy and requires more processing before it can be reused.
If you want the best payout, copper is the clear winner.
But that doesn’t mean brass isn’t worth collecting, far from it. Many Sydney scrap yards pay excellent rates for clean brass, and because brass items tend to be heavier, they add up quickly.
If you’re scrapping around your home, workplace, or job site, here’s a quick guide to choosing what to prioritise:
If your goal is to earn the most money, start with copper, especially clean wire and pipes.
Getting more money for your scrap is easy if you know what to do:
✔ Sort metals by type: Mixed metals get paid at the lowest grade.
✔ Clean your copper: Strip insulated wire if it’s worth your time, bright and shiny copper pays a lot more.
✔ Remove steel or rubber from brass: Clean brass = better price.
✔ Know your grades: Understanding the difference between #1 and #2 copper helps you avoid being underpaid.
✔ Don’t mix copper and brass: Even a little mixing can downgrade your entire batch.
If you’re selling scrap metal in Sydney and want the highest payout, copper is definitely the top earner, especially clean, high-grade copper like bright and shiny wire. Brass may not pay as much per kilo, but it’s still absolutely worth collecting, especially since many brass items are heavy and found in common household fixtures.
Both metals are valuable, both are easy to find, and both put money back in your pocket. So whether you’re a tradie cleaning up a site or a homeowner decluttering the shed, selling copper and brass scrap is a win-win.
