If you’re thinking of selling your scrap to make some extra money, then you’ll want to know how to find the highest scrap yard near me. You’ll also need to do your research to make sure you get the most money you can for your old metal.
Selling scrap metal isn’t a new thing, in fact, it’s been around for decades in the UK. We’ve all heard the scrap man doing his rounds with his loudspeaker shouting “any old iron?” Typically, the scrap man only ever shows up around us when we don’t actually have any scrap metal to get rid of! If you’re having the same issue, or you want to start your own small business making money from other people’s scrap metal, then it’s worth knowing how to find the highest-paying scrap yard near me.
If this sounds like something you want to do then it’s a great way to both make some money and also help to save the environment too. Old scrapped metal just sitting rusting away isn’t doing anyone any good. So, here are a few tips to help you to find the highest paying scrap yard near me and get started on the road to making some extra cash.
How do I find a scrap metal yard near me?
If you want to find details of local scrap metal dealers, then there are a few different ways you can do this. Scroll down a little and you’ll see a handy location finder tool that will take you straight to Google maps and list all of the local dealers so that you can choose which ones to contact.
- Google search
- Local Facebook groups
- Listen out for the cries of “any old iron”
- Click the button below
Highest paying scrap yard near me – location finder tool
When you first start looking into selling pieces of metal, you’ll need to shop around a little. Never just settle with the first quote or the first person you speak to. Whenever you’re getting a quote for anything, whether it’s scrapping a car or getting a price to get your bathroom refitted, it’s always a good idea to get at least three separate quotes so that you know that you’re getting a good deal.
There are lots of scrap yards dotted around the country. If you input your postcode into this location finder tool then you will see a map and a list of all the scrap yards near you. You can then make a start contacting them and getting an idea of how much they will pay for your scrap metal.
Here’s an image taken of scrap metal dealers in the London area just to give you an idea of what your results might look like.
Remember, you don’t just want to find any old scrap yard near me, you want to find the highest paying scrap yard near me. So make sure you contact a few from the list and get some quotes before deciding who to go with.
Scrap Metal Prices 2023 – How much can you expect to be paid?
Whenever you’re selling anything, it’s always vital that you do some research first so that you know how much money you can expect to be paid. The same goes for scrap metal. You want to do some research into current scrap metal prices so that you know you’re not being short-changed.
This table gives you an idea of the current scrap metal prices.
| Type of metal | Price per kg | Examples |
| Aluminium | £0.70 | Car parts, window frames, food packaging |
| Brass | £3.80 | Taps, ornaments, letterboxes, door knockers |
| 316 Stainless Steel | £1.80 | Medical equipment, plane parts |
| Bright Copper Wire | £6.60 | Stripped wire |
| PVC Wire | £2.00 | Electrical cable coated with PVC |
| Low Grade Cable | £1.20 | Copper cable with an extra layer of steel |
| High Grade PVC Wire | £2.60 | Large, single core Copper cable, with PVC coating |
| Light Iron | £0.16 | Computer casing |
| Heavy Copper | £6.10 | Circuit boards |
| Braziery Copper | £5.30 | Items made from copper |
| Copper Tanks | £5.70 | Domestic and industrial tanks |
| Lead Wash Copper | £4.50 | Copper tanks lined with foam |
| Aluminium Turnings | £0.25 | |
| Motors | £0.40 | Items with electric motors |
| Stainless Steel Turnings | £0.60 | |
| Lead | £1.20 | Roofing, lead piping |
| Heavy Steel and Cast Iron | £0.21 | Steel beams |
| Stainless Steel | £0.80 | Cooking equipment |
This is just a rough guide but it gives you an idea of what kinds of prices you should be expecting.
Do scrap metal prices change much in the UK?
Scrap metal prices do vary and change quite regularly. In fact, the price you’re quoted one day may differ from the price you’d be quoted the following day. These daily fluctuations occur for a number of reasons but the main reasons are the level of competition in the area and how sought after your particular items are at the time.
You should always check with the dealer for the current price.
Can I make a lot of money selling scrap metal in 2023?
The scrap metal industry in the UK is estimated to be worth around £5.6 billion and plays a huge role in the UK’s economy. That’s a lot of money waiting to be made.
The amount of money you can make depends on a few different factors.
How much metal you can get.
Firstly, the amount of money you can make will depend on how much scrap metal you can get hold of. The more you can get, the more money you can make.
The type of metal you have.
Secondly, some types of scrap metal are worth more than others. For example, one kg of bright copper wire will currently get you around £6.60, whereas one kg of light iron is only worth around £0.16 at current prices.
The weight of the metal.
Finally, it’s important to remember that you will be paid for your scrap metal by weight. So, you could have a huge pile of metal that doesn’t weigh much and will make you less money than fewer but heavier items.
Do I need a scrap metal licence in the UK?
If you want to collect scrap metal, you must hold a valid mobile collector’s licence. You can find details of how to apply for a licence on the gov.uk website. Licences will expire after three years and you will then need to reapply.
What is scrap metal?
According to ASM Metal Recycling:
“Put simply, scrap metal is the combination of waste metal, metallic material and any product that contains metal that is capable of being recycled from previous consumption or product manufacturing.”
Here are a few examples of old items that would be classed as scrap metal:
- Appliances
- Bed frames
- Bicycles
- Cast iron sinks and bathtubs
- Computers
- Cooking pots and pans
- Doorknobs
- Electrical wire
- Farm equipment
- Food containers
- Glasses frames
- Hospital equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Light fixtures
- Locks
- Office equipment
- Office furniture
- Playground equipment
- Roofing
- Telephone wire
- Tools
- Toys
How does a scrap yard work?
A scrap dealer works as the middleman between you and the manufacturers.
Scrap yards buy scrap metal which is then bought by manufacturers who recycle it to reuse and make new products.
Even if you’re not looking to make money doing this, taking your scrap metal to a scrap yard near me is a great way to do your bit for the planet. In the same way that you would either sell or donate your old clothing, recycling metal is a great way to get more use out of it rather than just adding to landfill sites.
What types of scrap metals can I take to the scrap yard?
You will be able to take different types of scrap metal to different yards, they won’t all accept the same things. Some won’t take appliances such as fridge freezers whilst others won’t be able to take old vehicles off your hands. Make sure you do your research before you get started.
What are the two main categories of metals?
Metals fall into two main categories – ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals.
Ferrous metals
Ferrous metals contain iron. Most ferrous metals are magnetic.
Examples of ferrous metals:
- Steel
- Cast Iron
- Wrought Iron
Non-ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals don’t contain any iron and as such they are not magnetic.
Examples of non-ferrous metals:
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Lead
- Silver
- Brass
- Gold
How to sell scrap metal for money – how to get started
Selling scrap metal doesn’t lead to quick money, but if you take some time and really put in the groundwork, then you can soon start making money, particularly if you find the highest paying scrap yard near me.
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting started selling metal at scrap yards.
Know where to look
As with any business or money-making idea, the first thing you need to figure out is where to get hold of scrap metal.
Fortunately, people are often more than happy to give away their old metal as they just want to get rid of it. So it’s often easy to get hold of without it costing you a penny.
Here are a few places you can look for scrap metal:
- Facebook – most towns have local Facebook groups and I know that ours regularly have people asking for the details of the local scrap man. Make sure you sign up to these groups and check them regularly. You can also advertise your services on some of them too.
- Keep an eye out when you’re out and about – look for houses that are obviously having work done and might have scrap metal to get rid of.
- Word of mouth – make sure you always turn up when you say you will and offer a good service. People will be happy to shout about your services if you do a good job.
- Shop re-fits – from small corner shops to large supermarkets, keep an eye out for refits as shops are likely to want to get rid of their old shelving and fridges etc as quickly and simply as possible, you could make a lot of money from this.
- Construction sites – get to know local site managers and offer your services. Let them know that you’re always available to take away any scrap metal they may have.
- Contact hospitals – old medical equipment can make for perfect scrap metal.
- Contact farmers – farms can be a real treasure trove so it’s a great idea to get to know local farmers and let them know about your services. For safety purposes, you’ll need to be extra careful around farm equipment particularly as it may need cleaning up before you can sell it. Cleaner metals are far more attractive to scrap dealers who won’t want to have to spend time and money cleaning items before they can sell the metal on.
Cover yourself
Scrap men don’t always get shown in the best light. I’ve seen quite a few Facebook posts where people have claimed that a scrap man has taken items from properties without getting permission. You don’t want to get caught up in this kind of thing. It’s important to build up a good reputation.
It’s always a good idea to have a paper trail in the scrap metal business. Whenever you’re taking items from people, make sure you get a signature to say that you have their permission. Make sure that you also continue the paper trail right through to the end by also getting paperwork from the scrap metal business you’re selling to.
Make sure you’re acting within the law
In the UK, there are strict rules that all scrap collectors and scrap dealers must adhere to:
- When you’re collecting scrap metal, you must get written details of the person’s name and address.
- You must not buy scrap metal for cash. There needs to be a paper trail.
- Licences must be clearly displayed.
- For all scrap metal, you must keep a record of:
- a description including type, form, condition, weight, any marks identifying previous owners or distinguishing features
- the date and time it was collected or delivered
- the registration mark of the vehicle it was delivered/collected in or on
- the full name and address of the person received from
- the full name of the person who makes the payment acting for the dealer
- For all scrap metal you dispose of, you must keep the following details:
-
- a description including type, form and weight (site licence holders only)
- the date and time
- the full name and address of the person disposed to
- if payment is made (by sale or exchange), the price of other consideration received (site licence holders only)
-
Have adequate transport
If you want to start making a decent income from scrap metal, then you’re going to need a truck. If you can source an old truck to get started, then that would be ideal. There’s definitely no point in paying a fortune for a brand new truck or van as it’s only going to get bashed about when you start hurling scrap metal into it. You also don’t want to have large overheads, particularly when you’re just starting out.
Obviously, it goes without saying that you will also need to have car tax, MOT and adequate insurance that covers you for collecting and delivering scrap metal.
Learn about the different types of scrap metal
If you’re going to be working in the industry, then it’s vital that you know your stuff. If you don’t know the value of different types of metals, or how to tell one type of metal from another, then you are leaving yourself open to being taken for a ride.
Make sure you keep an eye on the market and understand the fluctuating prices of scrap metal. You want to make sure you get paid the going rate for your scrap metal at scrap yards.
Wear protective clothing
Working with metal can be dangerous. There could be sharp, rusty items that could cause a nasty injury. Make sure you always protect yourself as much as possible by wearing the right clothing.
Sort your metals
When you’ve discovered the highest paying scrap yard near me, and you’ve collected your scrap metal together, it’s then time to separate your metals and sort them into different categories. This will help to ensure that you receive the right amount of money for each type of metal.
Think about security
Sadly, there are plenty of dishonest people around who would happily steal your scrap metal if they could. We’re always hearing stories about metal items going missing, particularly things like lead from the rooves of abandoned buildings and even catalytic converters from cars parked on the street.
The best way to protect yourself against theft is to take your metal straight to the scrap yard. If that’s not possible, then try to make sure it’s locked away every evening and ideally not kept in your vehicle.
Protect your scrap metal
If you do need to store your scrap metal for any length of time then you need to take a few precautions to ensure it doesn’t rust or start to corrode depending on the type of metal you have. The best way to store it is in an airtight container that you can then also use to transport it to the scrap yard near me.
Scrap metal should never be stored near water or in a damp environment.
You should also avoid leaving metal on any grassy areas as this will kill the grass underneath.
Research prices before you go to the scrap yard
Hopefully, you will already of researched the highest paying scrap yard near me, but it’s important to remember that scrap metal prices do fluctuate, sometimes on a daily basis. For that reason, you will need to keep on checking the current prices regularly so that you know you’re always getting the best deal.
The last thing you want is to travel to the scrap dealer with your loot and discover that they’re not prepared to pay you what you thought you’d be receiving. You’re then left in the difficult position of walking away or selling for less than you planned.
You always need to know the current prices, especially if you’re paying to take someone’s scrap metal. You need to know that you’re going to be making a profit otherwise it might not be worth your while.
How to Get the Most Cash for Your Scrap Metal
Obviously, you want to make as much money as you can from your scrap metal. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
- Keep your eyes and ears open at all times – there is always scrap metal lying around just waiting to be collected.
- Make sure you always, always get written permission before you remove any scrap, the consequences of not doing this could put your business at risk.
- Have a roadworthy mode of transport with room to collect large appliances. Ideally, you’ll want to have a backup option too.
- Know the current scrap metal prices.
- Organise your metal into different categories to make it easier when you take it to the scrap yard.
- Get your name known. Advertise on social media and always show up when you say you will – word of mouth is one of the best ways to build your customer base.
- Get to know the scrap metal dealers in your area well.
Where else can you sell scrap metal?
The scrap yard is definitely the main place you’ll be able to sell your scrap metal, but there are a few other options open to you too.
- Advertise locally
- Use social media
- Sell in bulk online
How much are my appliances worth?
The simple answer is that scrap appliances are usually worth far less than people expect them to be. This is largely because they are difficult for scrap dealers to handle. There are strict laws on what can be scrapped and some appliances require specialist treatment.
My car is a non-runner, should I scrap it?
Old cars are definitely worth selling for scrap if they’re no longer roadworthy. The scrap price can be anything from £170-£195 per tonne according to National Scrap Car.
If you’re willing and able to sell the parts of the car individually, then you will get far more money. But not everyone has the knowledge and skills to be able to do this. Contact a breaker who deals with scrap local to you to get up-to-date prices. Catalytic converters are particularly well sought after, but even wing mirrors and radiators can bring you in a nice, tidy sum.
How to protect yourself from a scam
Unfortunately, the scrap metal business is particularly open to scams and you need to be aware of a few common scams so that you don’t get caught out.
Be aware of dealers who give you one price on the phone but then quote you a much lower price when you arrive. You should be prepared to walk away in this situation. They are hoping that you’ll just accept the lower price once you’re there.
Another common trick is for a dealer to say that they don’t have the money to pay you today but if you leave the scrap metal with you they’ll settle the bill at a later date. Don’t be tempted to go along with this. They should be paying you electronically anyway so there shouldn’t be any reason why they can’t pay today.
Just like some of the same day car buying companies, some dealers like to add fees on, but they don’t always make these fees clear upfront. It’s a good idea to clarify right from the start whether there will be any additional fees.
Scrapyard near me FAQ
If you’re still looking to find out more about how to find the highest paying scrap yard near me, or how to make a decent amount of money from scrap metal, then here are some of the most frequently asked questions around the subject.
How do I scrap electronic items?
You will need to check with individual yards whether they accept electronic items. Some do, some don’t. You can also sell electronic items online through sites such as eBay and you might get more money doing that. Always shop around for a few quotes before you sell.
Will a scrap yard take my fridge freezer?
Most scrap yards won’t accept fridge freezers as they need to be disposed of in a certain way.
Will a scrap dealer take my microwave?
Many scrap dealers will take microwaves as they can be taken apart and broken down. These kinds of items are great if you’re looking to make some quick money.
I want to scrap my car. What do I need to take with me?
If you want to scrap your car, you will need to take a few different documents with you:
- Vehicle Registration Document (V5C)
- Photo ID
- Proof of Address
The breakers yard will need to get a Certificate of Destruction which allows them to notify the DVLA to permanently close the vehicle records.
Can I take my old car to the nearest scrap yard?
If you’ve got an old car to sell that’s a non-runner, then you might struggle to sell it privately or to companies such as We Buy Any Car. So can you just head to your nearest scrap yard with it and hope they’ll take it? The simple answer is no, you can’t.
Many different car components can be reused which makes them perfect for scrap yards. We’ve even bought secondhand car parts from a scrap yard in the past. Some cars that end up on the scrap heap are fairly new and have been in a crash which has led to them being written off, but many of the internal parts are still in perfect working order. This means the scrap dealer can resell those parts individually and make a good deal of money from a non-runner. However, cars have lots of parts that have to be disposed off in a particular way. This includes things like the car battery and any oil left in the car. For that reason, in the UK, only Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) are allowed to buy and sell scrap vehicles. Make sure that you check with the salvage yard that they have a valid ATF permit so that you can be sure your car is going to be disposed of correctly and safely.
Is a breakers yard the same as a scrap yard?
A breakers yard usually refers to a scrap yard that deals solely with vehicles, so it’s not quite the same thing. So, if you’re planning on dealing purely with vehicles, then you might want to research a breakers yard near me rather than a scrap yard near me.
I want to apply for a scrap metal collector’s licence, what details do I need to provide?
- your name, address, date of birth, telephone number and email address
- the name, address and registered number of your company
- the name, address and date of birth of each partner (if partnership)
- proposed trading name
- address of any site in any council area you carry on, or propose to carry on, business as a scrap metal dealer
- details of any relevant environmental permit or registration
- details of any other scrap metal licence issued in the last 3 years
- details of the bank account that will be used to pay for scrap metal
- details of any conviction for a relevant offence or any relevant enforcement action
- address of each site to be identified in the licence
- name, address and date of birth of site manager named in the licence
You must tell the council within 28 days if you change your trading name or no longer carry on business as a scrap metal dealer.
You will also need to pay a licence fee. You can find the current prices by contacting your local council.
Finding the highest paying scrap yard near me – final thoughts
If you’re looking to star making money by selling scrap local to you, then hopefully this article has helped to answer a few of your questions so that you can get started.
Use the box below to find a scrap yard near me by entering your postcode.
