Can You Get Cash For Scrap Metal?

The answer is simple: You can’t get paid in cash for scrap metal in the UK.

Since 2013, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act has made it illegal for scrap yards and metal dealers to pay in cash. The law was introduced to tackle metal theft and make transactions traceable.

Instead, payments for scrap metal can only be made by bank transfer, cheque, or another electronic method that records who sold the metal. This ensures a clear paper trail, protects both the seller and the dealer, and keeps the industry compliant with anti-theft regulations.

So, if a car scrap yard offers to pay you in cash, that’s a major red flag. They’re breaking the law, and you could face legal trouble too. But there are secure and near-instant payment options available.

What types of scrap metal can you sell?

There are two main types of scrap metal you can sell in the UK: ferrous metals (like the iron and steel you’ll find in cars, appliances and machinery) and non-ferrous metals (like copper, aluminium, brass, lead and stainless steel.

Non-ferrous metals are worth more as scrap because they’re in higher demand and easier to recycle. For example, copper wire, aluminium cans and brass fittings all fetch stronger prices thanks to their purity and reusability.

• Copper: One of the most valuable metals to recycle. Found in wiring, pipes, and electronics, and prized for its excellent conductivity.
• Brass: A copper–zinc alloy often used in taps, fittings, and instruments. Bright yellow in colour and fetches a good mid-range price.
• Aluminium: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to recycle. Common in cans, wheels, and household frames.
• Steel: The most common scrap metal. It’s magnetic, heavy, and widely used in cars, appliances, and construction — though lower in value.
• Lead: Dense and soft, found in roofing materials, pipes, and car batteries. Prices vary due to strict handling regulations.
• Stainless steel: Contains chromium and nickel for corrosion resistance. Used in kitchenware, machinery, and medical equipment.
• Titanium: Lightweight yet incredibly strong. Found in aerospace and high-performance parts and is rare but highly valuable when recycled.

Before you visit a scrap yard, check their accepted materials list. Some specialise in certain metals or items, while others handle everything from old cars to mixed industrial scrap.

It’s also smart to separate it into ferrous and non-ferrous piles. This makes weighing and pricing quicker and ensures you get the best possible value for your scrap.

Why don’t scrap yards pay cash?

Scrap yards no longer pay cash because of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, which banned cash payments for all scrap metal transactions. The government introduced this law to reduce metal theft, which had become a serious problem across the UK with criminals stealing cables, rail lines and even memorial plaques for quick cash.

Forcing all payments to be made electronically or by cheque means every transaction now leaves a traceable record. This makes it harder for stolen metal to be sold and helps police track illegal activity.

For legitimate sellers, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 also makes the process safer and more transparent. You know you’re getting paid securely and the scrap yard stays 100% compliant with UK law. Not to mention, digital payments are more convenient these days.

Can scrap cars be paid for in cash?

No, scrap cars can’t be paid for in cash either. The same Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 applies to end-of-life vehicles, so all payments have to be made through a bank transfer or cheque. This rule covers every yard that buys cars for scrap.

If an Authorised Treatment Facility offers you cash for your vehicle, it’s a clear sign they’re operating outside the law and that it might be a scam. Legitimate ATFs will always ask for proof of identity and ownership, then process the payment electronically.

If you accept, you’re technically a participant in the illegal operation, which could lead to trouble later on. Chances are slim that the vehicle is properly deregistered, and you probably won’t get a Certificate of Destruction. That means if the car ends up back on the road, fines, accidents and criminal activity linked to the vehicle will be traced back to you.

Doing things the legal way protects you from all this and guarantees you’re scrapping your car in a way that’s safe and environmentally friendly.

How do you get paid for scrap metal?

Scrap metal dealers must pay you using secure, traceable methods: bank transfer (most common), cheque or a regulated prepaid card like Bread4Scrap. The law doesn’t allow cash, so every transaction has to leave a clear record.

Here’s how payment works:

1. The yard weighs your metal.
2. They give you a price based on the current rates.
3. They send the agreed amount through one of these approved methods.
4. You’ll usually receive the payment on the same day, especially with bank transfer.
5. These systems keep everything 100% safe and transparent for both you and the scrap yard.

How much can you get for your scrap metal?

The amount you can get for scrap metal depends on several factors, primarily the type of metal, how much it weighs and the current market price.

Non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium bring in the highest returns, while ferrous metals like steel and iron sit at the lower end of the scale. Rates shift all the time because they’re tied to global supply and demand, so even a small market change will affect what you earn.

Before selling, it’s best to check current scrap metal prices so you have a realistic estimate of what you should be earning from the sale.

What documents do you need to sell scrap metal?

Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, every dealer is required to verify the identity of anyone and everyone selling scrap metal.

You’ll typically need:

• A valid photo ID, such as a driving licence or passport.
• Proof of address, like a recent utility bill or bank statement.
• Photos of the items, occasionally requested for large or unusual loads.

These checks keep the industry compliant and discourage illegal activity, so the selling process stays safe and secure for everyone.

How do you find a licensed scrap metal dealer?

It’s important to work with a licensed scrap metal dealer, because that’s the only way you stay within the law and get paid fairly for your metal.

Start by checking that the dealer is registered with the local council under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Legitimate yards will display their scrap metal dealer licence number on-site or provide it when asked, and they’ll follow all ID and payment rules without hesitation.

To find a trustworthy dealer, look up local scrap metal dealers online using the Environment Agency’s public register. It’s also a good idea to read recent customer reviews and ask for recommendations from people you trust.

How long does it take to receive payment for scrap metal?

Payment for scrap metal is quick, but the exact timing depends on how the yard sends the money.

Bank transfers normally hit within 1 to 2 business days, while cheques take longer because you’ll need to wait for them to clear. Some prepaid card systems offer same-day payment, which is helpful if you want the funds straight away.

If timing matters, ask the scrap yard how and when they process payments before you sell. It saves you from surprises and helps you choose the option that gets you paid when you need it.

Are you selling to a scrap yard?

Before you hand anything over, make sure you’re actually dealing with a legitimate scrap yard. Only licensed dealers can legally buy scrap metal under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and working with anyone else puts you at tremendous risk.

Check for a visible licence and registration number first. Then ask the dealer to confirm their details or verify their status with your local council. If they don’t have paperwork, give cash offers or just flat-out seem shady, it’s better to walk away. Unlicensed dealers expose you to legal trouble and won’t handle your scrap metal properly or pay you at the market rate.

Always choose a registered, reputable scrap yard so the transaction stays safe, legal, and transparent. And if you’re getting rid of a car, the easiest option is to scrap your car online through a service that works directly with licensed dealers.