When Is the Best Time to Sell Scrap Metal in the UK?
Scrap metal prices are not fixed — they move with commodity markets, seasons, and demand cycles. Here is when UK prices tend to be strongest, and how to time your sale.
Scrap metal prices are not fixed — they change daily in response to global commodity markets, domestic supply, and seasonal patterns.
Spring and Early Summer (March–June)
This is typically the strongest period for scrap prices in the UK. Construction activity ramps up, renovation projects increase, and demolition work generates more material. Higher demand from UK yards and processors tends to support prices.
Copper is particularly well-priced in spring as construction demand peaks.
Autumn (September–November)
A second peak typically occurs in autumn as building work continues before winter slowdowns. Steel and aluminium prices can be solid in this period.
Winter (December–February)
Construction slows, scrap volumes drop, but so does demand from processors. Winter is generally a weaker period for scrap prices — though global commodity movements can override seasonal patterns.
Watch the LME
For non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminium, brass), track the London Metal Exchange price for a few days before selling. A rising LME trend suggests yards will be paying more; a falling trend suggests lower buying prices ahead.