How much is scrap lead per kg in the UK?

Scrap lead prices in the UK currently range £1.10–£1.40/kg (£1,100–£1,400/tonne). Prices vary by grade, location, and quantity.

How much is scrap lead per tonne?

UK scrap lead is worth approximately £1,100–£1,400 per tonne, equivalent to £1.10–£1.40/kg. Prices are indicative and vary by grade.

What affects the price of scrap lead?

Scrap lead 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 lead?

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 Lead Prices

Lead is one of the densest common metals, which makes even small amounts surprisingly heavy and valuable. Roofing lead, battery lead, and pipe lead are all commonly scrapped in the UK, and most yards will take them without issue.

UK Average Range

£1.10–£1.40/kg

≈ £1,100–£1,400/tonne

Lead Grade Breakdown

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

Grade	Est. Price (per kg)
Soft Lead (Sheet Lead)high	£1.20–£1.40/kg ≈ £1,200–£1,400/tonne
Battery Leadstandard	£0.90–£1.10/kg ≈ £900–£1,100/tonne

Lead pipe and sheet lead from plumbing renovation

Price Trend Context

UK scrap lead currently trades in the £1.10–£1.40/kg range (£1,100–£1,400/tonne). Battery manufacturing dominates lead demand globally. Lead-acid battery recycling rates are very high, making the scrap market efficient. Price stability is strong compared to most metals.

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

Lead Price History

Battery manufacturing is the dominant demand driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is scrap lead worth per kg?▾

Scrap lead currently fetches between £1.10 and £1.40 per kg at UK scrap yards. Prices vary by grade, yard, and quantity.

What is the difference between lead grades?▾

Lead 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 lead?▾

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 lead?▾

Sort and clean your lead 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.