How To Sell Your Scrap Metal

Scrapping your metal may seem daunting if you’ve never done it before.

But Scrap Local can help you find recycling easily!

We’ve written this short guide to help you recycle your scrap metal with complete peace of mind.

Table of Contents
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Step 1: Understand What Metal You Have For Scrap

You must understand what metal you have for scrap to get an accurate idea of what you want to recycle.

The first and most crucial step is identifying what metal you have for scrap, which will allow you to determine its price.

This can be categorised as ferrous and non-ferrous, with the main differences being:

  • Ferrous scrap metal: These usually contain Iron or Steel and are often solid and durable. For this reason, they are typically found in many housing and construction environments. Some popular ferrous metal grades include Steel turnings and cast Iron. View a complete list of ferrous scrap metals here.
  • Non-Ferrous scrap metal – These metals do not contain Iron. Used in a wide array of applications, popular metal grades include Copper, Aluminium and Lead. Check out the many non-ferrous metal grades on our page.

Step 2: Estimate How Much Scrap Metal You Have

The next step to scrap your metal should be to identify how much metal waste you have.

Most metal recyclers have specialist scales (as well as a weighbridge), although most mobile scrap metal dealers would like an idea of how much you have.

This does not need to be super accurate, but a rough idea will determine how much you’ll receive for your scrap metal.

You can categorise the weight as a bootful, skip full or garage full of scrap metal. A more accurate figure (such as 20kg, 50kg or even a tonne) would be even better.

Step 3: Establish What Price You'll Recieve For Your Scrap Metal

The next step, and most importantly, is to understand the prices for your scrap metal!

You can use our handy scrap metal prices page, which combines the national average of prices and can be used as a guide.

To receive accurate prices, you could also search and contact scrap metal merchants on our network, who could give you a guide price for your waste before arranging a scrap metal collection.

To add, if you deliver your scrap metal to a local yard, consider if you will receive a better price and ask the local recycler for the difference in value.

Step 4: Book Your Scrap Metal Collection

After figuring out what metal you have, the amount and the price, the final step is to book a scrap metal collection from your home, business or site!

This has been made easy by completing our scrap metal form; Once all details have been submitted, your enquiry will be sent to a local, trusted scrap metal dealer who will contact you with a price and collection date and time.

Delivering your scrap metal to a scrapyard instead

You can also receive a price if your metal is to be delivered instead. This is often categorised by the metal weight upon delivery (for an accurate valuation).

Delivering your scrap metal vs having it collected does come with some differences. The main one is that to receive a free scrap metal collection; your items must exceed 1 tonne (in most situations). This could change depending on the metal grade(s) and value.

Accepting the quote and removing your metal items 

Once you’ve decided on collecting or delivering your metal items, you can accept the quote and collect your scrap metal.

If you’re stuck on time, you can also contact the many scrap metal merchants on our network who can do the above. Many of our recyclers can offer next-day and same-day collections, with certain scrap metal collectors being above to provide scrap metal removals within the hour!

Step 5: Get Paid For Your Scrap Metal Waste

Finally, you can now receive payment for your scrap metal!

It’s important to understand that under the scrap metal dealers act 2013, paying for scrap metal in cash is illegal.

You will be required to provide a photo ID and proof of address. This is to reduce crime and theft. You may also be asked to create a trade account with the scrapyard.

As such, you would most likely receive a bank transfer or payment via cheque. Additional charges (if your metal weight is collected for a fee) will also be explained.

Remove Your Metal Hassle-Free With Scrap Local!

We hope our guide breaks down the price of selling scrap metal with convenience in mind.

If you would like to ditch the hassle and haggle of ringing local scrapyards, submit an enquiry today to receive a reasonable price for your waste and a convenient scrap metal collection when you need it most!

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