If you have scrap metal laying around on your property, you’re probably wondering how much cash you can get for it! Scrap yards will pay you for old metal, broken appliances and even spare car parts, but not all scrap is worth the same. So, what do scrap yards pay the most for? Keep reading this blog for our breakdown of scrap material prices. Let’s get started!
Top-Paying Scrap Metals
The materials that will fetch you the best price for your scrap are non-ferrous metals, i.e. metals that do not contain significant amounts of iron, like copper, brass, aluminium and lead.
Copper
Copper is by far the most common and valuable scrap metal as its ability to conduct electricity and heat makes it essential for electrical wiring and plumbing. The most valuable kind of copper is bare bright copper which is clean, uncoated and unalloyed copper wire. Copper with corrosion, paint and solder can also be valuable, but fetches a lower price. The average scrap price for copper is around £2,600 – £3,600 per tonne.
Brass
Brass is a high-value metal alloy made from a mixture of copper and zinc. It is commonly found in plumbing fixtures, musical instruments, keys and doorknobs. Its high copper content and resistance to corrosion makes it sought after in the recycling industry, usually fetching around £2,000 to £3,000 per tonne.
Aluminium
Although aluminium is lightweight and therefore lower in value per pound, it is incredibly common, found everywhere from drinks cans to car doors, making it easy to collect in bulk. Clean aluminium that is free of screws, paint and insulation is worth the most, with most scrap yards offering around £400 to £800 per tonne.
Lead
Lead is a dense metal often found in car batteries, weights and shielding materials. It’s toxic so many scrap yards require you to follow special handling procedures when selling it. Thanks to its density, lead can be worth a fair amount, usually between £900 to £1,600 per tonne.
Factors That Can Increase Payouts
Cleanliness and Purity
The cleaner a metal is, the more efficient it is for recyclers to process. Removing contaminants like paint, rubber and plastic takes time and effort and so less corroded and contaminated metal is more valuable.
Quantity
Scrap yards often offer better prices for bulk quantities of metal because it’s more cost-effective for them. The larger the piece of scrap metal, the lower the processing costs and transportation expenses. This economy of scale allows scrap dealers to spread their fixed operating costs over more material, making bulk purchases of scrap metal more profitable and efficient for their operations.
Vehicle Parts
Specific car parts like catalytic converters, batteries, brake rotors and engines are also more high value items due to rarity and the high demand for repairs. Parts that are difficult to source new, like components for older models, can fetch far more at scrap yards as there is less competition and a dedicated market of mechanics and enthusiasts willing to pay more.
*
So, if you’re looking to make the most out of your scrap, prioritise collecting clean, high-value metals like copper, brass, aluminium and lead that are free from contaminants.
Plus, scrapping isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s good for the planet! So, next time think twice before throwing your old metal scraps away, scrap yards like us at A&L will be more than happy to recycle your scrap and turn it into something new!
If you have any questions about our scrap metal prices or processes, please get in touch with us today and a member of our team will be happy to help!
Contact Us
