Whether you're clearing out a garage, demolishing a shed, or running a trade business, this guide covers everything you need to know about selling scrap steel at UK yards — the legal requirements, how to sort for the best price, and what to expect.
Current UK Scrap Steel Prices
Before you load up, check what your steel is worth today:
| Grade | Price / kg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
HMS 1 Heavy Steel, Heavy Iron | £0.215 | ||
HMS 2 Light Steel, Mix Iron | £0.260 | ||
Light Iron Tin Cans, White Goods | £0.160 | ||
Cast Iron Radiators, Manhole Covers | £0.120 | ||
P&S (Plate & Structural) Girders, Heavy Plate | Awaiting data | ||
Use our steel weight calculator to estimate your total value.
Step 1: Know the Legal Requirements
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 governs all scrap metal transactions in England and Wales. The key rules:
- You must sell to a licensed dealer. All UK scrap yards must hold a licence from their local authority. Check the GOV.UK register to verify a dealer
- Bring photo ID and proof of address. A driving licence or passport, plus a utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months. The yard is legally required to verify and record your identity
- No cash payments. All payments must be by bank transfer, cheque, or prepaid card. This rule was introduced to deter metal theft. Any yard offering cash is breaking the law
- You don't need a licence to sell your own scrap. The licensing requirement only applies to people dealing in scrap metal as a business
Step 2: Sort Your Steel by Grade
This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Sorting can increase your payout by 20–30% because yards pay different rates for different grades, and mixed loads get the lowest price.
Steel Grade Quick Reference
Thick steel 6mm+. Beams, rails, axles, heavy machinery, thick-walled pipe, steel plates.
Thinner steel under 6mm. Car bodies, sheet metal, light structural steel, thin pipe.
Very thin material. Tin cans, biscuit tins, white goods (washing machines, dryers).
Radiators, manhole covers, engine blocks, old pipes, firebacks, cast iron baths.
Heavy plates and girders. Structural steel from demolition. 10mm+ thickness.
Tip: Use a magnet to separate ferrous steel from non-ferrous metals. Steel is magnetic; aluminium, copper, and most stainless steel are not. Separating out any non-ferrous metals (copper pipe, aluminium fittings) and selling them separately will earn significantly more than throwing them in with the steel.
Step 3: Prepare Your Steel
- Remove non-metal attachments. Rubber, plastic, wood, concrete, and insulation reduce value. Pull off rubber grips, knock off concrete, cut away plastic components
- Drain fluids. Radiators, cylinders, and machinery must be drained of oil, water, and coolant. Yards may refuse items containing fluids
- Cut to size if practical. Some yards pay better for material cut under 1.5 metres. Only worth the effort for large quantities
- Remove hazardous materials. Asbestos-insulated pipes, sealed gas cylinders, and items contaminated with chemicals will be refused
Step 4: Find a Licensed Yard and Get Quotes
Prices can vary 10–20% between yards in the same area. Always call ahead to get quotes before making the trip, especially for large loads.
- Search the GOV.UK dealer register for licensed yards near you
- Call 2–3 yards with the grade, estimated weight, and ask for their current buy price per kg
- Ask about minimum load requirements — some yards won't accept under 100 kg
- Check if they charge for weighing or have a gate fee
Step 5: Sell and Get Paid
At the yard, your steel will be weighed on a calibrated weighbridge. The yard calculates the value based on grade and weight, then pays you by bank transfer (usually same day) or cheque. Keep your receipt — it's your proof of transaction.
Larger quantities = better rates. Most yards offer improved per-kg rates for loads over 500 kg or 1 tonne. If you have a small amount, consider accumulating more before selling, or combining loads with neighbours.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
- Sort by grade — the #1 way to increase your payout
- Sell in bulk — yards pay more per kg for larger loads
- Compare yards — 10–20% price variation is common
- Watch the market — check our daily prices before calling. If the CFR Turkey benchmark is trending up, wait a few days for yard prices to follow
- Sell in spring — steel prices tend to be stronger March–May when construction demand picks up
- Separate non-ferrous metals — copper and aluminium mixed with steel waste gets steel prices. Separated, it's worth 5–10x more
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to sell scrap steel?
No. Individual householders selling their own scrap metal do not need a licence. However, if you collect and sell scrap metal as a business, you need a Scrap Metal Dealer Licence from your local council under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
Can I get cash for scrap steel?
No. Cash payments for scrap metal have been banned in the UK since the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 came into force. All payments must be made by cheque, bank transfer, or prepaid card. Any yard offering cash is operating illegally.
How much is a full car worth in scrap?
An average car weighs 800–1,200 kg and is typically classified as light steel (HMS 2 grade). At current prices of around £0.15–0.20/kg, a scrap car is worth roughly £120–240 for the steel alone. Cars with catalytic converters, aluminium wheels, or copper wiring may be worth more when stripped.
What ID do I need to sell scrap metal?
You need photo ID (driving licence or passport) and proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill dated within the last 3 months). The yard is legally required to verify your identity and keep records under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.