Featured · Scrap Metal 101
How to Sell Scrap Metal in the UK: A Beginner's Guide
A plain-English guide to selling scrap metal in the UK, what's worth money, where to take it, what ID you need, and how to get a fair price.
14 Apr 2026 · 9 min read
More articles
4 articlesScrap Metal 101
What Scrap Metal Is Worth: A Plain-English Price Guide
A plain-English guide to what scrap metal is actually worth in the UK, copper, brass, aluminium, lead, steel, and common household items.
14 Apr 2026 · 6 min read
Scrap Metal 101
Do I Need ID to Sell Scrap Metal in the UK? Rules Explained
Yes, UK law requires photo ID and proof of address every time you sell scrap metal. Here's what ID you need, why, and what happens if you don't have it.
14 Apr 2026 · 5 min read
Scrap Metal 101
Where's My Nearest Scrap Yard, and What Will They Take?
How to find a reputable scrap metal yard near you in the UK, what they'll accept, and what to ask before loading up the car.
14 Apr 2026 · 5 min read
FOR TRADESPEOPLE
Sell now or hold? What the Iran war means for your copper and aluminium pile
The Iran war pushed scrap copper and aluminium higher. The ceasefire is wobbling. Here's a plain-English guide to whether you should cash in this week or sit tight.
9 Apr 2026 · 6 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sell scrap metal in the UK?
Find a licensed scrap metal dealer, bring photo ID (driving licence or passport), and sort your metal by type before you arrive. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, yards must pay by BACS or cheque — cash is illegal. Weigh-in, grading, and payment typically take under ten minutes per load.
Do I need ID to sell scrap metal?
Yes. UK scrap dealers are legally required to verify your identity using a photo ID such as a driving licence or passport. They must also record the vehicle and transaction. Bring ID every time — yards cannot buy your metal without it.
What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap?
Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic — steel, cast iron, and stainless steel all stick to a magnet. Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminium, brass, lead, zinc) are not magnetic and are worth significantly more per kilo. A simple fridge magnet is all you need to separate the two.
What is copper worth per kg in the UK?
UK copper scrap typically trades at £5–£8 per kg depending on grade. Bright wire (clean, unoxidised) commands the highest price; heavy copper tube is next; braziery and burnt copper sell at a discount. Check today's live prices on the ScrapIQ copper page for the current figure.
How are scrap metal prices set?
Yard prices track the London Metal Exchange (LME) for non-ferrous metals and global steelmaking demand for ferrous. Yards apply a margin for processing, transport, and sorting. Prices can move daily — especially copper, aluminium, and steel — which is why tracking national averages matters.