How much is scrap aluminium per kg in the UK?

Scrap aluminium prices in the UK currently range £0.80–£1.20/kg (£800–£1,200/tonne). Prices vary by grade, location, and quantity.

How much is scrap aluminium per tonne?

UK scrap aluminium is worth approximately £800–£1,200 per tonne, equivalent to £0.80–£1.20/kg. Prices are indicative and vary by grade.

What affects the price of scrap aluminium?

Scrap aluminium prices are affected by purity and grade, global commodity markets, the quantity you're selling, and which scrap yard you visit. Cleaning and sorting your metal before selling can significantly improve your payout.

How do I get the best price for scrap aluminium?

To get the best price: identify the grade you have, clean the metal of attachments, weigh it yourself, get quotes from multiple local yards, and always insist on bank transfer payment (cash payments are illegal for scrap dealers in the UK).

UK Price Index

Scrap Aluminium Prices

Aluminium (also spelled aluminum in North America) is one of the most plentiful and consistently recycled metals in the UK. It weighs roughly a third of steel, so you need larger volumes to get a good payout — but it is everywhere, and yards will buy it in almost any form.

UK Average Range

£0.80–£1.20/kg

≈ £800–£1,200/tonne

Aluminium Grade Breakdown

Prices vary significantly depending on the grade and purity. Select a grade for identification tips.

Grade	Est. Price (per kg)
Extruded Aluminiumhigh	£0.90–£1.10/kg ≈ £900–£1,100/tonne
Cast Aluminiumstandard	£0.75–£0.95/kg ≈ £750–£950/tonne
Aluminium Turningslower	£0.50–£0.75/kg ≈ £500–£750/tonne

Price Trend Context

UK scrap aluminium currently trades in the £0.80–£1.20/kg range (£800–£1,200/tonne). Aluminium production is highly energy-intensive, so electricity prices directly influence scrap value. Automotive lightweight programmes and packaging demand also create sustained buying pressure.

The interactive chart below shows recent price movements. Use the time-window buttons to view 30-day, 6-month, or 12-month trends.

Aluminium Price History

Energy-intensive to produce — energy prices are the primary driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is scrap aluminium worth per kg?▾

Scrap aluminium currently fetches between £0.80 and £1.20 per kg at UK scrap yards. Prices vary by grade, yard, and quantity.

What is the difference between aluminium grades?▾

Aluminium is graded by purity and condition. Higher grades (cleaner, unmixed, uncoated) always attract a premium. Check the grade table above for a breakdown of current prices per grade.

Can a scrap yard pay me cash for aluminium?▾

No. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, UK scrap yards are prohibited from making cash payments. All payments must be made by bank transfer or cheque. Any yard offering cash for metal is acting illegally.

How do I get the best price when selling scrap aluminium?▾

Sort and clean your aluminium before selling (remove attachments, strip cables). Weigh your metal at home first, get at least two quotes from local yards, and sell in larger quantities when possible for better rates.