How Scrap Metal Prices Are Set in the UK
Published 15 January 2025
Scrap metal prices are not fixed — they move with global commodity markets, local supply, and seasonal demand. Here is how the UK pricing system works.
Scrap metal prices in the UK are not set arbitrarily. They move in response to a complex combination of global commodity exchanges, local supply and demand, processing costs, and the metal content of what you are selling.
The London Metal Exchange (LME)
The starting point for most non-ferrous scrap prices — copper, aluminium, lead, brass, and bronze — is the London Metal Exchange. The LME publishes daily cash and futures prices for primary (refined) metals. Scrap yards use these as a baseline and discount from them based on the impurity and processing cost of scrap material.
For example, if LME copper is trading at £6,500 per tonne, a UK scrap yard might pay £4,200–£5,000 per tonne for Bare Bright Copper after factoring in their processing margin, transport, and the cost of refining impurities.
Why Prices Vary Between Yards
Different yards have different overheads, customer relationships, and resale markets. A yard close to a copper reprocessor may pay more for copper because their logistics costs are lower. Always compare at least two or three local prices before selling a significant load.
Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous
Ferrous metals (steel, iron) are priced far lower per tonne than non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminium, brass). Steel typically fetches £150–£250 per tonne, while copper can reach £4,500–£5,000.
How Grade Affects Price
The same metal can attract very different prices depending on its purity and condition. Bare Bright Copper pays substantially more than Copper #2. The principle is consistent: the cleaner and purer the metal, the higher the price per kilogram.
Seasonal Patterns
Demand for scrap tends to rise in spring and early autumn as construction activity peaks. Prices for ferrous metals often soften in winter when building slows.
How We Calculate the Price Index
The Scrap Metal Pricer UK Price Index collects price data from a range of UK scrap yards and displays the minimum and maximum range typically available. Prices are shown per kilogram (leading figure) and per tonne (secondary). Our index provides an independent reference point — always confirm the current rate with your local yard before making a trip.