Scrap Metal Prices in the United Kingdom
Check scrap metal prices in the UK, compare different metals and find up-to-date prices for your city. The figures below provide a useful reference, but the amount a scrap dealer offers depends on the metal's grade, condition, quantity and local demand.
UK Scrap Metal Prices per Kilo
| Metal | Price Per Kilo |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | £2.33 |
| Aluminium Alloy | £2.24 |
| Copper | £10.44 |
| Brass | £7.84 |
| Lead | £1.39 |
| Nickel | £12.04 |
| Tin | £34.64 |
| Zinc | £2.81 |
| Steel Scrap | £0.30 |
| Steel Rebar | £0.46 |
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Prices are indicative rather than guaranteed purchase offers. A local dealer may pay more or less depending on the grade of scrap, contamination, volume and collection costs. For prices specific to your area, use the city links below.
Scrap Gold Prices in the UK
Gold is normally valued by weight and purity, expressed in carats. Compare the price for the correct carat before accepting an offer, and ask whether the buyer deducts any fees.
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct Gold | £35.26 | £1,096.74 |
| 14ct Gold | £55.01 | £1,710.91 |
| 18ct Gold | £70.52 | £2,193.48 |
| 22ct Gold | £86.13 | £2,678.97 |
| 24ct Gold | £94.02 | £2,924.35 |
Reference prices do not necessarily equal the amount a gold buyer will pay for jewellery or other items.
Scrap Silver, Platinum and Palladium Prices
Precious-metal values depend on the metal, purity and weight. Jewellery, coins and collectible objects can also have a resale value beyond their metal content.
| Metal | Price per Gram | Price per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Palladium | £17.87 | £555.79 |
| Platinum | £26.63 | £828.38 |
| Silver | £0.94 | £29.25 |
Check purity marks and compare offers from specialist buyers before selling.
Scrap Metal Prices by City
Looking for a price closer to home? The following city pages contain updated local scrap metal prices. The old fixed-price comparison has been removed because prices change and those figures were not reliable. Select your city to see its own price information.
There is no dependable fixed percentage by which one UK city always pays more than another. Local competition, industrial demand, transport distances and the type of metal can all affect offers. A price for clean copper in one city should not be compared with a mixed-copper price elsewhere.
What Affects the Price of Scrap Metal?
Metal type and grade: Copper, brass and aluminium generally command different prices from iron and steel. Within each category, clean, separated material may be worth more than mixed or contaminated scrap.
Quantity and transport: A large, consistent load may attract a different rate from a few kilograms. Collection charges can reduce the net amount you receive.
Local market: Dealer demand, processing costs and changing commodity markets all influence the final quote. Ask for a price for your exact material rather than assuming every yard pays the same rate.
How to Get a Better Scrap Metal Price
Sort copper, brass, aluminium and ferrous metals into separate loads where practical. Remove obvious non-metal attachments if it is safe and worthwhile, and ask the buyer how they classify insulated cable, mixed alloys and painted or coated metal.
Compare quotes from several dealers, check whether weighing is done on calibrated scales, and confirm any collection or handling deductions. For low-value iron and steel, the cost of travelling to a distant yard can outweigh a slightly better price per kilo.
Do not burn cable insulation or dismantle hazardous items to increase the scrap value. Batteries, electrical equipment and pressurised containers may require specialist handling.
Common Types of Scrap Metal
Copper
Found in plumbing, electrical wiring and industrial equipment. Clean copper and insulated copper cable are usually graded differently.
Brass
Common in taps, valves and fittings. Brass alloys and attached steel or plastic parts can affect the price.
Aluminium
Found in window frames, vehicle parts, sheet metal and cans. Cast, extrusion and mixed aluminium may attract different rates.
Iron and Steel
Widely found in structural metal, machinery and appliances. Prices per kilo are generally lower than for many non-ferrous metals, so volume and transport matter.
Lead
May be recovered from certain roofing materials and industrial applications. Lead-acid batteries need appropriate handling and should be taken to an authorised collection point.
Stainless Steel
Used in kitchen equipment and industrial components. Its value depends partly on the alloy composition; not all stainless steel has the same scrap price.
Selling Scrap Metal Legally in the UK
Scrap metal dealers are regulated, and requirements differ across the UK's nations. In England and Wales, dealers must be licensed and cannot pay for scrap metal in cash. Sellers should expect identity checks and payment by a permitted traceable method. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules, so check the requirements that apply where you sell.
For the relevant official guidance, see GOV.UK's scrap metal dealer licensing information. Always make sure you have permission to sell the material.
Scrapping a Car in the UK
An end-of-life vehicle should go to an authorised treatment facility (ATF). The paperwork and notification process depend on where the vehicle is registered. For a vehicle registered in Great Britain, follow the DVLA process and ensure the required confirmation of destruction is handled correctly.
See GOV.UK's guide to scrapping a vehicle. A vehicle's scrap value depends on its weight, condition, recoverable parts, location and collection costs, not simply the per-kilo metal price shown above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap copper worth per kilo in the UK?
Use the copper row in the national price table above as a reference, then check your city's price page for a more relevant figure. The offer you receive will depend on the copper grade, quantity and dealer.
Why does my local scrap yard offer a different price?
Scrap dealers assess the exact material they buy. Contamination, mixed grades, transport costs, quantity and local demand can all lead to a different quote from the reference price.
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in the UK?
Cash payments for scrap metal are prohibited for scrap dealers in England and Wales. Rules differ by nation; check local requirements before selling.
Is clean scrap metal worth more?
Often, yes. Separating materials and removing non-metal attachments can improve the grade, but the extra work is not always worthwhile. Ask the dealer before spending time processing a load.
Where can I find current scrap prices near me?
Choose one of the twenty UK city pages above for updated local price information, then contact a nearby dealer for a quote based on your specific material.