Is scrap copper more expensive in Belfast than the UK average?

Prices vary across the UK. The best way to ensure a fair rate in Belfast is to get quotes from at least two local scrap yards before selling.

Can a scrap yard in Belfast pay me cash for copper?

No. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, all UK scrap yards — including those in Belfast — must pay by bank transfer or cheque. Cash payments for scrap metal are illegal.

Copper Prices in Belfast

Current local market rate for scrap copper in Belfast. Compared with the UK national average.

Belfast Local Rate

No local price data yet for Belfast

UK National Average

£4.20–£5.00/kg

≈ £4,200–£5,000/tonne

Belfast vs UK Average

The UK national average for copper is £4.20–£5.00/kg. Local Belfast rates may vary — check individual yards for the most accurate quote.

Grades of Copper

Bare Bright Copper

The top grade of copper scrap in the UK. Must be clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire with no insulation, no solder, no paint, and a minimum diameter of 1mm.

£4.80–£5.00/kg

≈ £4,800–£5,000/tonne

Copper #1 (Millberry)

Copper #1 covers clean copper pipe, bus bars, and sheet copper with no significant contamination. Must be free of solder joints, excessive corrosion, and paint.

£4.40–£4.70/kg

≈ £4,400–£4,700/tonne

Copper #2

Copper #2 includes copper with small amounts of solder, light paint, chrome fittings, or oxidation that prevent it from reaching #1 grade.

£4.00–£4.30/kg

≈ £4,000–£4,300/tonne

Copper Tanks & Cylinders

Old hot water cylinders and storage tanks. Remove the foam insulation jacket before taking to the yard.

£3.80–£4.20/kg

≈ £3,800–£4,200/tonne

Insulated Wire Grade 1

Thick single-core insulated wire such as mains wiring. The price reflects the estimated copper recovery once the insulation is stripped.

£2.20–£2.80/kg

≈ £2,200–£2,800/tonne

Insulated Wire Grade 2

Mixed or thin insulated copper wire including multicore cable, alarm wire, telephone wire, and coaxial cable.

£1.20–£1.80/kg

≈ £1,200–£1,800/tonne

Frequently Asked Questions – Copper in Belfast

How much is scrap copper worth in Belfast?▾

Scrap copper prices in Belfast vary by grade and yard. Check our UK metals page for the national average.

Is scrap copper priced differently in Belfast vs the rest of the UK?▾

Prices in Belfast are currently tracking close to the UK national average. Regional differences do occur and can shift week to week, so always get a local quote.

Can a Belfast scrap yard pay me cash for copper?▾

No. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, all scrap dealers in the UK — including those in Belfast — are legally required to pay by bank transfer or cheque. Never accept a cash offer.

All prices in Belfast All Copper prices UK-wide