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

Birmingham copper prices are currently around 3% below the UK national average. Getting quotes from multiple local yards is always recommended.

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

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

Copper Prices in Birmingham

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

Birmingham Local Rate

£4.07–£4.85/kg

≈ £4,074–£4,850/tonne

Last updated: 25/03/2026

UK National Average

£4.20–£5.00/kg

≈ £4,200–£5,000/tonne

Birmingham vs UK Average

Birmingham scrap yards are currently paying £4.07–£4.85/kg for copper, which is 3% below the UK national average of £4.20–£5.00/kg. Local competition, transport costs, and yard capacity all contribute to regional price differences.

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

Scrap Yards in Birmingham

Midlands Scrap Metals

42 Industrial Estate, Aston

Frequently Asked Questions – Copper in Birmingham

How much is scrap copper worth in Birmingham?▾

Scrap copper in Birmingham currently fetches £4.07–£4.85/kg. This is the local market rate based on prices reported by Birmingham scrap yards.

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

Yes — Birmingham rates are currently around 3% lower than the UK national average. Regional differences are influenced by local yard competition, transport costs, and market demand.

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

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

All prices in Birmingham All Copper prices UK-wide