Scrap Metal Prices (2025 Guide)

Scrap metal prices can vary wildly and often subject to discrepancy amongst merchants. The price of scrap metal is a component of the underlying commodity prices, recovery costs and of course, supply and demand. There are other factors too that may affect the pricing of scrap metal such as your location and the quantity of metal that you are looking to scrap. This means that one cannot just look at the underlying commodity prices to determine the value of their scrap metal. Several economic indicators and the local and international markets are also factors in scrap metal pricing. As you can see, scrap metal pricing is quite complicated and is continually changing. Interested in seeing the underlying commodity prices? These are available at the London Metals Exchange.

When calculating the price of scrap metal, it is measured in weight and usually quoted in either price per tonne (PPT) or price per kilogram.

Scrap metal prices near me

Scrap yards and metal recyclers throughout the UK will often advertise the prices they are willing to pay. This is done in different categories and grades. Once you know the type of metal you are looking to scrap it is best to shop around your local merchants and see what their scrap metal prices are - this way you can ensure you are getting the best deal!

Prices at scrap yards & metal recyclers

Scrap yards deal in base metals of both ferrous and non-ferrous varieties. If you are looking for prices in precious metals such as Gold, then they are not for you! Ferrous metals, those containing iron, such as steel are the most common metal and the prices reflect that. Other metals such as brass, copper is worth a lot more and are therefore worth recycling if you have any spare laying around! Many scrap metal dealers also provide prices for commonly recycled metal items such as scrap cars, engines, car batteries, aluminium cans and more. 

Scrap metal price guide

How do recyclers provide me with a scrap metal price?

When you take your scrap metal to a recycler they will weigh and grade your load. Most industry experts have vast knowledge here and can grade the load by looking at it. Certain items may require specialist machinery that is able to measure the different metal content in some alloys where they are not sure. All places though should accurately weigh your items and pay you accordingly. In certain situations, the amount may be knocked if your load contains non-metal items that are a cost for the recycler to dispose of. This is why it is important that you only take your metal in. That way you can secure the best price for your scrap metal.

Top tips to get the best scrap metal price!

• Stay local - Support local! Find a recycler in your local area. Travelling less means time and petrol saved. Alternatively, depending on how much scrap metal you possess to recycle, many operators may be willing to collect from you for FREE!
• Be Informed - Have knowledge of what metals you are taking to be recycled and have an idea of its value.
• Clean up - Avoid taking any items with you that are non-metal, otherwise you may be charged for their removal.
• Check Licence - Only deal with licenced and honest operators. Remember it is illegal for anyone to pay you cash for scrap metal, this is outlined in the Scrap Metal Dealers Act
• Take Identification - All scrap metal recyclers will require photo identification from you
• Looking for a scrap my car service? Save yourself the hassle and use Car.co.uk’s scrap quote comparison where we only deal with licenced ATF’s and have free collection

Not sure of the price of your scrap metal? Find out what your item is!

In helping you determine the price of your scrap metal make sure to research what metal it is made from. Cars are mainly composed of steel, alloy wheels - as their name suggests are made from alloy and trade at their own price, old pans are likely to be aluminium. Left over building supplies can range from copper pipes to steel girders. It is worth while taking the time to find out, so you know the price of your scrap.

Disposing of your scrap metal via a recycler is a great way to go green and show your commitment to the 3 R’s of recycling - reuse, reduce, recycle. 

Scrap metal is big business in the UK and a vital part of the UK economy. Figures show that revenue from this sector is over £7 billion annually. Scrap metal is also the most efficient way to produce new metal products that are used throughout the country and overseas.