Scrap Metal FAQs
Are you curious about how scrap metal pricing works in the UK or what’s needed to sell it legally?
Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about scrap metal recycling, pricing, and sustainability so that you know exactly what to expect when selling or recycling metal in the UK.
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Scrap Metal Prices & Value
Scrap metal prices change constantly across the UK.
These FAQs explain how prices are set, what affects them, and how to maximise the return on your metals.
What are today’s scrap metal prices in the UK?
Scrap metal prices vary daily due to global demand, local supply, and export conditions.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date rates in your area, check Scrap Local’s scrap metal prices page.
You’ll find average rates for common metals such as:
- Ferrous metals: steel, iron, and cast iron.
- Non-ferrous metals: copper, aluminium, brass, and lead.
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Prices can differ by region, grade, and weight, so it’s always best to contact your nearest licensed yard for a tailored quote.
How are scrap metal prices determined?
Scrap metal is traded globally, and its value depends on multiple factors:
- Global demand: Industrial activity in countries like China, India, and the USA heavily influences demand.Â
Read our Industry News guides to keep up with the latest updates. - Commodity exchanges: Metals like copper and aluminium are traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME), meaning prices can change hourly.
- Energy costs: Recycling metal is energy-intensive. When energy prices rise, yard payments often decrease.
- UK supply and demand: When yards are full, prices drop. When materials are scarce, they rise.
- Trade policies and tariffs: In June 2025, new US tariffs on imported steel and aluminium caused temporary uncertainty in global prices.Â
Read more: Scrap Price Drop in 2025 - Currency exchange rates: A weaker pound can increase export demand, raising domestic scrap values.
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Because of these variables, prices fluctuate daily, sometimes hourly.
Scrap Local updates its quotes in real time to ensure fairness and transparency.
Are scrap metal prices different across the UK?
Scrap metal values differ depending on:
- Regional demand: Industrial or coastal areas often pay higher rates.
- Transport costs: If a recycling facility is nearby, yards can offer better prices.
- Economic activity: Strong local economies often mean higher demand for metals.
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Checking with a local yard through Scrap Local’s network is the easiest way to find accurate prices in your area.
What’s the highest-paying scrap metal?
Non-ferrous metals are typically worth more than ferrous ones.
In particular:
- Copper is consistently one of the top earners due to high demand in wiring and renewable technologies.
- Brass and aluminium also maintain strong market value.
- Precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, commonly found in catalytic converters, can fetch exceptionally high prices.
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For reference, No.1 copper generally commands the highest rate among commonly recycled metals.
What is the scrap metal price per kg in the UK right now?
As of late 2025, average prices (subject to daily changes) are:
- Copper: £5.50–£6.50 per kg
- Aluminium: £0.80–£1.20 per kg
- Brass: £3.00–£3.80 per kg
- Lead: £1.00–£1.30 per kg
- Steel: £0.15–£0.25 per kg
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These rates are approximate and vary by region, metal purity, and market demand.
Always confirm with your local yard for the latest figures.
How can I get the best price for my scrap metal?
To maximise your return:
- Sort and separate metals by type.
- Remove contaminants like plastic or insulation.
- Stay updated on market rates using Scrap Local’s price page or by calling your local scrapyard.
- Build relationships with reputable, licensed dealers.
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Clean, sorted metals generally get higher rates due to easier processing and grading.
Scrap metal types & recycling
Metals such as copper, brass, steel, and aluminium can be recycled indefinitely, but how does this process work, and why does it play such a vital role in sustainability?
Our FAQs below answer these common questions and explain how the UK’s recycling system keeps valuable materials in use for years to come.
What types of metals can be recycled?
Most metals can be recycled, including:
- Ferrous metals: iron, cast iron, and steel.
- Non-ferrous metals: copper, aluminium, brass, and lead.
- Precious metals: platinum, palladium, and gold, often recovered from electronics and catalytic converters.
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Hazardous metals like mercury, uranium, and plutonium cannot be recycled through conventional methods due to the extreme health and environmental risks they pose.
These materials are toxic, radioactive, or chemically unstable, meaning that melting, shredding, or processing them could release dangerous substances into the air, water, or soil.
Mercury, for example, can vaporise at room temperature, contaminating air and water systems, while uranium and other radioactive elements require specialised containment and disposal to prevent radiation exposure.
Because of these dangers, hazardous metals are managed through licensed hazardous waste facilities, not standard scrapyards or recycling plants.
These facilities follow strict Environmental Agency regulations and use controlled environments to either safely store, neutralise, or repurpose small recoverable elements without endangering workers or the environment.
What’s the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap?
- Ferrous metals contain iron, are magnetic, and include steel and cast iron.
They’re widely used and recycled but lower in value. - Non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron, are non-magnetic, and include copper, brass, aluminium, and lead.
They can be recycled endlessly without losing quality and are generally more valuable.
Can scrap metal be recycled indefinitely?
Metals such as steel, copper, and aluminium can be recycled repeatedly without degradation.
This makes metal recycling one of the most sustainable processes in the world, reducing the need for raw material extraction.
How is scrap metal sorted and recycled?
The recycling process involves:
- Collection: Scrap is gathered from homes, businesses, and industrial sources.
- Sorting: Yards use magnets, density tests, and sensors to separate metals.
- Cleaning: Plastics, rubber, and paint are removed.
- Processing: Metals are shredded, melted, and cast into ingots or sheets.
- Reuse: Recycled materials are sold for manufacturing new products, from construction beams to car components.
How should I prepare scrap metal for recycling?
Preparing metal properly can improve its value:
- Separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
- Remove coatings, plastic, or non-metal parts.
- Keep items dry and clean to prevent corrosion.
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Yards pay higher rates for clean, pre-sorted materials.
Is recycling scrap metal better than mining new metal?
Absolutely. Recycling metal uses up to 90% less energy than mining and refining new ore.
It also:
- Reduces carbon emissions.
- Prevents deforestation and soil erosion.
- Conserves finite natural resources.
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This makes recycling essential to the UK’s sustainability and circular economy goals.
What are the most recycled metals in the UK?
The UK’s most commonly recycled metals include:
- Steel (from vehicles, appliances, and construction)
- Aluminium (from cans, wheels, and window frames)
- Copper (from wiring and plumbing)
- Brass (from fixtures and fittings)
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Together, these metals make up the majority of materials recovered by UK recycling facilities each year.
What happens to scrap metal after it’s collected?
After collection, scrap metal is transported to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) or recycling plant where it’s:
- Sorted and processed.
- Melted and purified.
- Recast into new materials for manufacturing.
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Recycled metal is then used to produce new goods, reducing the need for virgin materials and helping achieve national recycling targets.
The UK government’s goal to reach zero avoidable waste by 2050 highlights how crucial recycling is to a sustainable future.
Every piece of metal that’s reused instead of discarded helps cut carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and reduce landfill waste.
By recycling your metals responsibly, you’re contributing to a cleaner, more circular economy and supporting the UK’s long-term sustainability vision.
Learn more about the UK’s zero-waste goals and how they connect to vehicle recycling.
Legal Rules & Selling Scrap Metal
The UK scrap metal industry is tightly regulated to prevent theft and ensure safety.
These FAQs explain how to sell scrap metal responsibly and within the law.
What do I need to sell scrap metal legally in the UK?
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, you must:
- Provide a valid photo ID (driving licence or passport).
- Sell only to licensed scrapyards or collectors.
- Receive payment via bank transfer, as cash payments are illegal.
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These rules ensure traceability and protect both sellers and recyclers.
What is the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013?
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 is a UK law introduced to regulate the scrap metal industry and reduce metal theft.
It sets strict standards for anyone involved in buying or selling scrap metal, including collectors, mobile dealers, and scrapyards.
Under this legislation, all scrap metal dealers must:
- Hold a valid licence issued by their local council.
- Verify and record the identity of every seller using official photo ID.
- Pay only through traceable methods, such as bank transfers or cheques; cash payments are strictly prohibited.
- Keep detailed records of all transactions for audit and compliance checks.
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These regulations ensure the industry operates transparently and help prevent stolen metal or vehicles from entering the recycling chain.
At Scrap Local, we follow all regulations set out in the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 to ensure every transaction is carried out safely and legally.
While these rules may seem strict, they’re in place to protect both customers and collectors, keeping the process transparent, compliant, and secure for everyone involved.
Why can’t I get paid in cash for scrap metal?
The 2013 Act banned cash payments to combat metal theft and ensure all transactions are transparent.
If a dealer offers cash, they are breaking the law and should be avoided.
Only secure, traceable methods like BACS transfers are permitted to protect both parties and maintain legal compliance.
Can I sell scrap metal without a licence?
Dealers must hold a scrap metal dealer’s licence issued by their local council.
Selling without one can lead to fines or prosecution.
However, individuals selling small amounts to licensed yards don’t need a personal licence; only the yard or business does.
Do I pay tax on scrap metal earnings?
If you regularly sell scrap metal for profit or operate as a business, your income is taxable under HMRC rules.
Occasional private sales of household items usually don’t require tax reporting, but keeping records is advised.
Where can I book a scrap metal collection?
Many licensed scrapyards and collectors across the UK offer scrap metal collection services.
You can arrange a collection from:
- Homes and small businesses
- Trade and construction sites
- Farms, garages, and workshops
If you only have a small amount of metal, it’s usually best to take it directly to a local scrapyard.
Not all yards accept general scrap metal, so always check beforehand or use an online scrapyard directory to find licensed facilities in your area that handle the types of metal you have.
Who pays the best scrap metal prices near me?
Prices vary depending on location and metal type.
The best way to find top rates is by comparing local yards through Scrap Local’s directory or live prices page.
All our network members are licensed, ensuring fair, safe, and legal transactions.
Scrap metal recycling is vital to the UK’s circular economy.
Whether you’re recycling household metals or scrapping a vehicle, always use licensed operators and stay informed on current prices.
By choosing a trusted network like Scrap Local, you’ll ensure your materials are recycled legally, efficiently, and responsibly.
Customer Service
If you’d like more clarity on a topic or can’t find the answer you need, please reach out to us through social media, and our team will be happy to help.Â
We regularly update our FAQs to make sure our customers have complete peace of mind when using our services, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re ever unsure about something.
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