Topic: Value Guides
Clean scrap brass is worth roughly A$9.00—$14.00 per kilogram in Adelaide — below copper, but well above aluminium and steel. It is the metal people most often have without realising it.
Taps, valves, door handles and plumbing fittings are frequently brass. This guide covers how to identify it, how red and yellow brass differ, and what lowers the rate.
Current brass scrap rates
| Brass type | Indicative rate | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Clean yellow brass | A$9.00-$14.00/kg | Taps, fittings, valves, door hardware |
| Red brass | Upper end of range | Older plumbing valves, some fittings |
| Chrome-plated brass | Assessed in store | Bathroom taps and mixers |
| Brass with attachments | Lower end or assessed | Fittings with steel or plastic parts |
Rates reviewed 3 November 2026. For current figures see brass scrap prices, or call 08 7225 9998.
Why brass is priced below copper
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Because it is part copper, it carries real value — but zinc is worth far less than copper, so brass prices somewhere between the two.
That also explains why brass grades vary. The more copper in the alloy, the higher the rate. Red brass carries more copper than yellow brass, which is why it sits at the top of the range.
Yellow brass versus red brass
Yellow brass
The most common type. Bright yellow-gold, roughly two-thirds copper. Most taps, fittings, door handles, keys and decorative items are yellow brass.
Red brass
Higher copper content, giving it a pinkish or reddish-gold tint. Common in older plumbing valves and some heavy fittings. Worth more than yellow brass because of the extra copper.
Telling red from yellow brass by eye takes practice. If you are unsure, keep them together and let the yard assess them — separating them only matters for larger volumes.
How to tell brass from copper and bronze
| Metal | Colour | Where you find it |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Reddish-orange, like a new coin | Pipe, wire, hot water tanks |
| Yellow brass | Bright yellow-gold | Taps, fittings, door handles |
| Red brass | Pinkish or reddish-gold | Older valves, heavy fittings |
| Bronze | Duller brown-gold | Marine fittings, bearings, statues |
Magnet test — brass is not magnetic. If a magnet sticks, it is plated steel.
Scratch test — plated items show a different metal underneath. Solid brass is the same colour throughout.
Weight — brass is heavy. A light 'brass' item is usually plated aluminium or plastic.
If your item is reddish-orange rather than yellow, it is probably copper — see our copper value guide.
Where brass hides around the house
Taps and mixers — kitchen and bathroom taps are usually brass, often chrome-plated.
Plumbing valves and fittings — gate valves, stopcocks and pipe fittings.
Hot water system fittings — valves and connectors on old units.
Door and cabinet hardware — handles, hinges, knobs and locks.
Garden fittings — hose connectors and sprinkler heads.
Keys — most keys are brass.
Ornaments and fire tools — older decorative items.
Ammunition casings — brass, but must be fully spent and should be declared.
Renovations are the biggest single source. Replacing a bathroom often produces several kilos of brass taps and fittings.
What lowers the value of brass
| Issue | Effect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steel screws and inserts | Drops the grade | Remove where practical |
| Plastic and rubber washers | Adds non-metal weight | Pull out of taps and valves |
| Chrome plating | Can affect the rate | Accepted – no need to remove |
| Mixing with copper | Wastes the copper's value | Keep copper separate |
| Heavy corrosion | Lowers the grade | Accepted, may affect rate |
The most important step is keeping brass separate from copper. Copper is worth more, and mixing them means the copper gets priced closer to brass.
Selling brass in Adelaide
Bring brass 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 plumbing trade volumes, call 08 7225 9998 first. See our brass buying service for regular and bulk loads, or our guide to sorting scrap metal before selling if your load is mixed.
Frequently asked questions
What is scrap brass worth per kg in Adelaide?
Clean brass sits around A$9.00—$14.00 per kilogram on current Adelaide benchmarks. Red brass, with higher copper content, sits at the upper end.
How do I tell brass from copper?
Copper is reddish-orange, like a new coin. Brass is yellow-gold. Both are non-magnetic and heavy, but copper is worth considerably more per kilo.
What is the difference between red brass and yellow brass?
Red brass contains more copper, giving it a pinkish or reddish tint, and is worth more. Yellow brass is the common bright gold type found in most taps and fittings.
Are old taps worth money as scrap?
Yes. Most taps and mixers are brass, often chrome-plated. They are worth bringing in, particularly after a bathroom or kitchen renovation.
Is brass worth more than aluminium?
Yes, considerably. Brass sits around A$9.00—$14.00 per kilo, while aluminium sits around A$1.50—$3.50.
Do I need to remove chrome plating from brass?
No. Chrome-plated brass is accepted as it is. Plating may affect the rate slightly, but removing it is not worth the effort.
Is brass magnetic?
No. If a magnet sticks to something that looks like brass, it is brass-plated steel and worth far less.
What is the difference between brass and bronze?
Brass is copper and zinc, with a bright yellow-gold colour. Bronze is copper and tin, with a duller brown-gold colour. Both are valuable and both are accepted.
Should I keep brass separate from copper?
Yes. Copper is worth more than brass, so mixing them means the copper is priced closer to the brass rate.
Where can I sell scrap brass in Adelaide?
SA Copper Scraps buys brass at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. It is graded and weighed on calibrated scales in front of you and paid before you leave.
Final word
Brass is the metal most people have without knowing it. Check your taps, valves and fittings, keep it separate from copper, and pull out the plastic washers where you can.
Call 08 7225 9998, or see current brass scrap prices.
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