Copper Tanks & Cylinders
Copper hot water cylinders are graded separately because of the insulation jacket and the steel fittings usually attached. Once the foam and fittings are removed, the copper underneath is typically Copper #2 quality. Yards will normally take them whole but pay a deduction for the material they have to strip.
Set by hand on ; not moved by our weekly market check. How we set prices
Compare all Copper gradesHow to Identify
Cylindrical copper tanks (hot water cylinders), usually with a foam insulation jacket. Remove the jacket completely before weighing.
Common Sources
Domestic hot water cylinders replaced during a boiler upgrade or bathroom refit, header and storage tanks from airing cupboards and lofts, and copper calorifiers from commercial hot water systems.
About Copper Tanks & Cylinders
Old hot water cylinders and storage tanks. Remove the foam insulation jacket before taking to the yard.
How This Grade Compares
Copper Tanks & Cylinders is a standard grade of Copper scrap. At £3.80–£4.20/kg, it sits within the typical range for this metal. This is among the higher-value grades — sorting and cleaning pays off significantly here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Copper Tanks & Cylinders scrap worth per kg?▾
Our guide range for Copper Tanks & Cylinders is £3.80–£4.20 per kg (approximately £3,800–£4,200/tonne). It was set by hand on 25 March 2026 and is not moved by our weekly market check, so treat it as a guide and get a quote from the yard.
How do I identify Copper Tanks & Cylinders?▾
Cylindrical copper tanks (hot water cylinders), usually with a foam insulation jacket. Remove the jacket completely before weighing.
Can I get paid cash for Copper Tanks & Cylinders at a scrap yard?▾
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.
What lowers the grade of Copper Tanks & Cylinders?▾
Any contamination reduces your payout. Common issues include: attached fittings or connectors, paint or coating, solder, corrosion, or mixing with lower-grade Copper material. Sort and clean before selling.