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

Edinburgh copper prices are in line with the UK national average. Prices can vary day to day, so check back regularly.

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

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

Copper Prices in Edinburgh

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

Edinburgh Local Rate

£4.20–£5.00/kg

≈ £4,200–£5,000/tonne

Last updated: 25/03/2026

UK National Average

£4.20–£5.00/kg

≈ £4,200–£5,000/tonne

Edinburgh vs UK Average

Edinburgh scrap yards are currently paying £4.20–£5.00/kg for copper, broadly in line with the UK national average of £4.20–£5.00/kg.

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 Edinburgh

How much is scrap copper worth in Edinburgh?▾

Scrap copper in Edinburgh currently fetches £4.20–£5.00/kg. This is the local market rate based on prices reported by Edinburgh scrap yards.

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

Prices in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh scrap yard pay me cash for copper?▾

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

All prices in Edinburgh All Copper prices UK-wide