Topic: Value Guides
Scrap lead is worth roughly A$1.70—$2.00 per kilogram in Adelaide. That is less per kilo than copper or brass, but lead is extremely dense — a small bucket of it weighs far more than it looks, so it adds up quickly.
This guide covers where lead turns up, how to identify it, and how to handle it safely before you bring it in.
Current lead scrap rates
| Lead type | Indicative rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clean lead | A$1.70-$2.00/kg | Flashing, sheet, pipe, ingots |
| Wheel weights | Assessed in store | Mixed – some are zinc or steel |
| Lead with attachments | Lower end | Flashing with nails or sealant |
| Lead-acid batteries | Priced separately | See battery prices |
Rates reviewed 3 November 2026. For current figures see lead scrap prices, or call 08 7225 9998.
Why lead adds up faster than you expect
Lead is one of the densest common metals. A piece that fits in one hand can weigh several kilos. That density is the reason lead is worth collecting even at a lower per-kilo rate than copper — a modest-looking load often weighs considerably more than expected.
It is also why lead should be carried in small, sturdy containers. A full bucket of lead can be too heavy to lift safely.
How to identify lead
Very heavy for its size — the most obvious sign. Lead feels unusually dense.
Soft — you can scratch lead with a fingernail or dent it with a thumb.
Dull blue-grey — freshly cut lead is shiny silver-grey but dulls quickly.
Not magnetic — a magnet will not stick.
Easily bent — lead flashing can be bent by hand.
If a heavy grey metal is hard and will not scratch, it is probably steel or zinc. For identifying other metals in a mixed load, see our guide to sorting scrap metal.
Where scrap lead comes from
Roof flashing — the most common source. Old lead flashing around chimneys and roof junctions.
Wheel weights — clip-on balance weights from tyre shops. Note that many modern weights are zinc or steel, not lead.
Old plumbing — older homes sometimes have lead pipe or lead joints.
Fishing sinkers and diving weights.
Radiation shielding — medical and dental lead sheet and aprons.
Boat keels and ballast.
Lead ingots — from people who have melted down scrap.
Handling lead safely
Lead is toxic if ingested or if its dust is inhaled. Solid lead handled sensibly is low risk, but a few basic precautions are worth following:
Wear gloves when handling lead, particularly old or oxidised pieces.
Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, before eating, drinking or smoking.
Do not cut, grind or sand lead — that creates dust.
Never melt lead at home. The fumes are hazardous.
Keep lead away from children and pets.
Transport it in sturdy sealed containers, not loose in a vehicle.
Lead-acid car batteries are handled separately and must be transported upright. See our guide on what to do with old car batteries.
Wheel weights: sort before you bring them
Wheel weights are one of the most common lead sources, and one of the most commonly mixed. Many modern wheel weights are made from zinc or steel because of restrictions on lead.
A magnet separates them quickly — steel weights will stick. Zinc and lead will not, but lead is noticeably heavier and softer. If you have a large tub of mixed weights from a tyre shop, sorting them protects the lead rate.
What lowers the value of lead
Nails and fixings left in flashing.
Sealant, paint and bitumen on roof flashing.
Mixing with zinc or steel wheel weights.
Attached timber or roofing material.
None of these stop lead being accepted — they just affect the grade. Pull the nails and clean off obvious sealant where it is safe to do so.
Selling lead in Adelaide
Bring lead to SA Copper Scraps at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. It is graded and weighed on calibrated scales while you watch, and paid before you leave.
For large volumes such as keels or shielding, call 08 7225 9998 first. See our lead buying service for trade loads.
Frequently asked questions
What is scrap lead worth per kg in Adelaide?
Clean scrap lead sits around A$1.70—$2.00 per kilogram on current Adelaide benchmarks. Lead flashing, sheet and pipe fall within that range when clean.
How can I tell if metal is lead?
Lead is unusually heavy for its size, soft enough to scratch with a fingernail, dull blue-grey in colour and not magnetic. Lead flashing can be bent by hand.
Is lead flashing worth money?
Yes. Old roof flashing is the most common source of scrap lead and is worth bringing in, particularly in larger quantities.
Are wheel weights made of lead?
Some are, but many modern wheel weights are zinc or steel. A magnet identifies steel weights; lead is noticeably heavier and softer than zinc.
Is it safe to handle scrap lead?
Solid lead handled sensibly is low risk. Wear gloves, wash your hands afterwards, and never cut, grind or melt lead, as dust and fumes are hazardous.
Should I melt scrap lead into ingots?
No. Melting lead at home produces hazardous fumes. Bring it in as it is.
Why is lead worth less than copper per kilo?
Lead is a lower-value base metal than copper. But because it is so dense, a small volume weighs a lot, so lead loads often add up to more than expected.
Do you buy lead-acid car batteries?
Yes, but batteries are priced separately and must be transported upright. They are not weighed in with general lead.
Do I need to remove nails from lead flashing?
It helps. Nails, sealant and attached roofing material affect the grade, though flashing is accepted either way.
Where can I sell scrap lead in Adelaide?
SA Copper Scraps buys lead at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. It is graded and weighed on calibrated scales and paid before you leave.
Final word
Lead is heavy, dense and quietly valuable. Handle it with gloves, keep it separate from zinc and steel weights, and never melt it.
Call 08 7225 9998, or see current lead scrap prices.
