Scrap Copper Prices
Scrap copper in the UK is £4.76–£5.66 per kg (£4,758–£5,664 per tonne) on our index, last changed . It is an indicative range, not a quote from any yard.
Copper is the king of scrap metals in the UK. It pays more per kilogram than almost any other common material, which is why sorting and cleaning your copper before you sell is always worth the effort. Even the difference between grades can add hundreds of pounds per tonne.
Scrap Copper Price Facts
| Fact | Value | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK range per kg | £4.76–£5.66 | Spot-indexed (metalpriceapi.com) | |
| UK range per tonne | £4,758–£5,664 | Spot-indexed (metalpriceapi.com) | |
| How it is set | Base range moved with spot price | Our methodology | — |
| What it is | Indicative yard price range, not a quote | Our methodology | — |
Copper Grade Breakdown
Prices vary significantly depending on the grade and purity. Select a grade for identification tips. Grade ranges were set by hand when the site was built in March 2026 and are not moved by the weekly market check, so they can lag the UK range above.
| Grade | Est. Price (per kg) |
|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copperpremium | £4.80–£5.00/kg ≈ £4,800–£5,000/tonne |
| Copper #1 (Millberry)high | £4.40–£4.70/kg ≈ £4,400–£4,700/tonne |
| Copper #2standard | £4.00–£4.30/kg ≈ £4,000–£4,300/tonne |
| Copper Tanks & Cylindersstandard | £3.80–£4.20/kg ≈ £3,800–£4,200/tonne |
| Insulated Wire Grade 1lower | £2.20–£2.80/kg ≈ £2,200–£2,800/tonne |
| Insulated Wire Grade 2lower | £1.20–£1.80/kg ≈ £1,200–£1,800/tonne |
Price Trend Context
UK scrap copper currently trades in the £4.76–£5.66/kg range (£4,758–£5,664/tonne). Copper scrap value closely follows the London Metal Exchange (LME) spot price, driven by global manufacturing demand — particularly from China's construction and electronics sectors.
What Drives Copper Scrap Prices?
Tracks the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper contract.
Copper scrap value closely follows the LME spot price, which is driven by global manufacturing demand — particularly from China's construction and electronics sectors. Energy costs, USD strength, and supply disruptions from major mines in Chile and Peru also move prices significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap copper worth per kg in the UK?▾
Our UK index puts scrap copper at £4.76–£5.66 per kg (£4,758–£5,664 per tonne), last changed 9 November 2026. It is an indicative range, not a quote: what a yard pays depends on grade, quantity and the yard.
Where does this copper price come from?▾
A base range set by hand on 26 March 2026, moved in line with the sterling spot price of copper (metalpriceapi.com): +13.3% since the base date. The spot price is checked every Monday.
What is the difference between copper grades?▾
Copper is graded by purity and condition. Higher grades (cleaner, unmixed, uncoated) attract a premium. The grade table on this page lists a range for each grade.
Can a scrap yard pay me cash for copper?▾
Not in Great Britain. Licensed scrap yards in England and Wales must pay by bank transfer or cheque under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, and Scotland has banned cash payments for metal since 2016. Northern Ireland has no equivalent ban, but reputable yards there pay by bank transfer too.
How do I get the best price when selling scrap copper?▾
Sort and clean your copper 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.
Local Copper Prices
Prices vary between cities. Select your nearest city to see local rates and scrap yards.
Remember: in England, Wales and Scotland the law requires licensed scrap yards to pay by bank transfer or cheque. Cash payments for scrap metal are illegal there.
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