How much is scrap iron per kg in the UK?

Scrap iron prices in the UK currently range £0.12–£0.20/kg (£120–£200/tonne). Prices vary by grade, location, and quantity.

How much is scrap iron per tonne?

UK scrap iron is worth approximately £120–£200 per tonne, equivalent to £0.12–£0.20/kg. Prices are indicative and vary by grade.

What affects the price of scrap iron?

Scrap iron 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 iron?

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 Iron Prices

Cast iron and wrought iron are heavy, dense metals that scrap for less per kg than steel, but they often come in large quantities — old radiators, wood burners, gates, and machinery can represent significant weight. Most yards accept iron without issue.

UK Average Range

£0.12–£0.20/kg

≈ £120–£200/tonne

Iron Grade Breakdown

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

Grade	Est. Price (per kg)
No grades detailed yet.

Cast iron and ferrous scrap at a UK recycling centre

Price Trend Context

UK scrap iron currently trades in the £0.12–£0.20/kg range (£120–£200/tonne). Iron and steel scrap is the world's most recycled material. The UK price is set by domestic electric arc furnace steelmakers plus export demand from overseas buyers such as Turkey.

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

Iron Price History

UK price is set by domestic steel mills and export demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is scrap iron worth per kg?▾

Scrap iron currently fetches between £0.12 and £0.20 per kg at UK scrap yards. Prices vary by grade, yard, and quantity.

What is the difference between iron grades?▾

Iron 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 iron?▾

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 iron?▾

Sort and clean your iron 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.