Scrap Metal FAQs: Prices, Recycling & Selling

The main difference is whether the metal contains iron.

Ferrous metals contain iron, making them magnetic in most cases. They include:

• Steel
• Cast iron
• Wrought iron

These metals are widely used in construction, vehicles and manufacturing. Although they’re recycled in huge quantities, they’re generally worth less because they’re more common.

Non-ferrous metals contain little or no iron. These include:

• Copper
• Aluminium
• Brass
• Lead
• Zinc
• Stainless steel (certain grades)

Non-ferrous metals are usually more valuable because they’re less common, lighter, resistant to corrosion and widely used in electrical and engineering industries.

A simple magnet test can often help identify whether a metal is ferrous, although there are some exceptions.

The value of scrap metal depends on current market conditions, but non-ferrous metals generally command the highest prices.

Among the most valuable commonly recycled metals are:

• Copper
• Brass
• Lead
• Aluminium
• Stainless steel (certain grades)

Precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, found in catalytic converters, can also be worth significantly more than ordinary scrap metals.

Prices change regularly depending on global demand, so today’s highest-paying metal may not be tomorrow’s.

For the latest market values, visit Scrap Local’s Scrap Metal Prices page.

Yes.

Surface rust doesn’t usually prevent metal from being recycled. Steel, iron and many other metals can still be processed and melted down even if they’ve developed rust over time.

However, excessive corrosion may reduce the weight or quality of the material, which can affect its value. Metal that has rusted completely through or is heavily contaminated with soil, concrete or other materials may require additional processing before recycling.

If you’re unsure whether your scrap is still suitable, a licensed recycler will be able to assess it before purchase.

Yes.

Paint, powder coating and other surface finishes don’t usually prevent metal from being recycled.

During the recycling process, coatings are removed as the metal is processed and melted. However, heavily contaminated metals or items containing large amounts of plastic, rubber or other non-metal materials may be worth less because they require additional preparation.

Where practical, separating metal from non-metal materials before selling can help improve its value.

Yes, but separating different metals before visiting a scrapyard will usually help you receive a better price.

Mixed loads often need additional sorting, increasing the recycler’s processing costs.

By separating materials such as copper, brass, aluminium and steel yourself, scrapyards can identify each metal more quickly and pay the appropriate rate for each one.

If you’re unsure what type of metal you have, many licensed recyclers can help identify and grade it before purchase.

Many everyday household items contain recyclable metals that retain value even after they’ve reached the end of their useful life.

Common examples include:

• Copper pipes
• Brass taps and plumbing fittings
• Aluminium window frames
• Radiators
• Stainless steel sinks
• Washing machines
• Cookers
• Metal shelving
• Electrical cable
• Garden tools
• Lawnmowers
• Alloy wheels
• Bicycles

Before disposing of unwanted household items, it’s worth checking whether they contain valuable metals that can be recycled through a licensed scrapyard.

Yes.

Alloy wheels are one of the most commonly recycled vehicle components and are usually made from aluminium alloys, which are highly recyclable and often worth more than ordinary steel wheels.

The value depends on factors such as:

• Whether they’re complete.
• Their condition.
• Their weight.
• Current aluminium prices.

If the wheels are still in good condition, they may even have resale value beyond their scrap value.

Scrap Local’s network can help assess whether alloy wheels are worth selling as reusable parts or recycling as scrap aluminium.

Yes.

Copper is one of the most valuable and widely recycled metals in the UK, making old plumbing pipes particularly sought after.

To maximise their value:

• Remove plastic fittings where practical.
• Separate copper from other metals.
• Keep pipes clean and free from excessive contamination.

Because copper prices change regularly, it’s worth checking current market rates before selling.

Yes.

Electrical cable contains valuable copper or aluminium conductors that can be recovered and recycled.

The amount you’ll receive depends on:

• Whether the cable contains copper or aluminium.
• The amount of insulation.
• The grade and thickness of the cable.

Some recyclers specialise in processing cable, while others may grade it differently depending on how much metal it contains.

Never burn insulation from electrical cable. Burning cable is illegal in many circumstances, releases harmful pollutants, and significantly damages the environment.

Absolutely.

Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials available and can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality.

Recycling aluminium uses significantly less energy than producing new aluminium from raw materials, helping reduce carbon emissions and conserve natural resources.

Although individual drinks cans contain relatively little metal, larger quantities can still have value when collected together.

Many people choose to recycle aluminium cans through local household recycling schemes, but larger volumes may also be accepted by licensed scrapyards.

Yes.

Catalytic converters contain small quantities of valuable precious metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, which help reduce harmful vehicle emissions.

Because these metals are valuable, catalytic converters often attract higher prices than many other vehicle components.

However, due to widespread catalytic converter theft, licensed recyclers carry out strict identity and ownership checks before purchasing them.

Sellers should expect to provide valid identification and, where necessary, evidence that they legally own the converter.

Scrap Local recommends only selling catalytic converters to reputable, licensed recyclers that comply with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

Yes.

Vehicle batteries are almost entirely recyclable and contain valuable materials such as lead and plastic that can be recovered and reused.

Because batteries also contain hazardous chemicals and acid, they should never be placed in general household waste or disposed of illegally.

Licensed recyclers safely remove, process and recycle vehicle batteries in accordance with environmental regulations, helping prevent harmful substances from entering the environment.

If you’re scrapping a complete vehicle with Scrap Local, the battery will normally be removed during the depollution process at the Authorised Treatment Facility before the remaining vehicle is recycled.

Identifying the type of metal you have is the first step towards understanding its value.

While some metals are easy to recognise, others can look very similar, especially once they’ve been weathered or coated.

Here are a few simple ways to identify common scrap metals:

• Use a magnet: If a magnet sticks firmly to the metal, it’s usually ferrous, meaning it contains iron. Common examples include steel and cast iron. If a magnet doesn’t stick, it’s likely non-ferrous, such as copper, brass, aluminium or lead.

• Look at the colour: Copper has a distinctive reddish-orange colour, brass is yellow-gold, aluminium is silver-grey, and lead has a dull bluish-grey appearance.

• Check the weight: Some metals, such as lead, feel much heavier than they look, while aluminium is surprisingly lightweight.

• Consider where it came from: Copper is commonly found in electrical wiring and plumbing pipes, aluminium is often used for drinks cans, window frames and alloy wheels, while steel is widely used in construction, appliances and vehicles.

If you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Most licensed scrapyards can quickly identify your metal and grade it correctly before providing a quote.

Scrap Local also has dedicated guides explaining the different types of scrap metal, how to identify them and the latest prices for common materials, helping you understand exactly what you’re selling before visiting a recycler.

Yes. Most old radiators can be recycled, making them one of the most common household items accepted by licensed scrapyards.

The type of radiator determines how it’s recycled:

• Steel radiators are classed as ferrous metal and are widely accepted by scrapyards.
• Cast iron radiators are heavier and often contain more recyclable metal, making them particularly valuable by weight.
• Aluminium radiators, commonly found in some modern heating systems and vehicles, are classed as non-ferrous and may attract a higher price than steel.

Before recycling a central heating radiator, it should be fully disconnected and drained by a competent person to remove any remaining water or heating system inhibitor.

Some scrapyards may refuse radiators that still contain liquid, so it’s always worth checking beforehand.

If your radiator is antique or in particularly good condition, it may be worth more as a reusable item than as scrap metal.

Older cast iron radiators are often restored and sold for use in period properties, so it’s worth considering resale before recycling.

Scrap Local recommends using a licensed recycler to ensure your radiator is processed responsibly and the metal is recovered for future use.

If you’re disposing of several radiators during a renovation project, you may also wish to ask whether a collection service is available in your area.