Copper Prices in Birmingham
Current local market rate for scrap copper in Birmingham. Compared with the UK national average.
Birmingham Indicative Rate
Last updated: 30/08/2026
A regional guide derived from our UK index, not a quote from a named yard. Confirm with the yard before travelling.
UK National Average
Birmingham vs UK Average
Our indicative rate for copper in Birmingham is £4.80–£5.72/kg — a regional adjustment of 3% below the UK national average of £4.95–£5.90/kg. It is a guide derived from our national index, not a quote from any particular yard: local competition, transport costs and yard capacity all move real prices. Always confirm with the yard before you travel.
Where Copper Pays Most in the UK
Of the 8 cities we hold a local copper rate for, Birmingham ranks 6th. Rates move with local demand, transport costs and how much competition there is between yards, so it is worth checking neighbouring cities if you have a large load and can travel.
| City | Local rate (£/kg) | vs UK average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £5.20–£6.19 | +5% |
| Edinburgh | £4.95–£5.90 | in line |
| Leeds | £4.95–£5.90 | in line |
| Liverpool | £4.95–£5.90 | in line |
| Manchester | £4.85–£5.78 | -2% |
| Birmingham (this page) | £4.80–£5.72 | -3% |
| Sheffield | £4.75–£5.66 | -4% |
| Glasgow | £4.70–£5.60 | -5% |
Local rates are indicative and change with the commodity markets. Always confirm with the yard before travelling.
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.
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.
Copper #2
Copper #2 includes copper with small amounts of solder, light paint, chrome fittings, or oxidation that prevent it from reaching #1 grade.
Copper Tanks & Cylinders
Old hot water cylinders and storage tanks. Remove the foam insulation jacket before taking to the yard.
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.
Insulated Wire Grade 2
Mixed or thin insulated copper wire including multicore cable, alarm wire, telephone wire, and coaxial cable.
Scrap Yards in Birmingham
Frequently Asked Questions – Copper in Birmingham
How much is scrap copper worth in Birmingham?▾
Our indicative guide for scrap copper in Birmingham is £4.80–£5.72/kg. That is a regional adjustment to our UK national index rather than a quote from a named yard, so treat it as a starting point and get at least two local quotes before selling.
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.