These materials are often more valuable because they are non-ferrous, recyclable, in demand and relatively easy to process when kept clean and separate.
Copper pipe, tube and plumbing offcuts are usually among the most desirable scrap metals. Clean copper with minimal brass, solder, plastic or fittings attached is easier to grade and normally worth more than mixed copper loads.
Bright copper wire is clean, bare copper with no insulation, paint or heavy contamination. It is often one of the highest-value copper grades, but cable should only be stripped where it is safe, legal and worthwhile to do so.
Brass is commonly found in taps, valves, meters, fittings, locks and plumbing parts. It is usually worth more than steel but can vary depending on attached plastic, chrome plating, iron inserts or mixed fittings.
Aluminium can be found in extrusion, wheels, window frames, sheet, ladders and lightweight fabricated items. Clean aluminium is usually more useful than mixed aluminium with rubber, steel screws or plastic still attached.
Lead sheet and pipe can be valuable but must be handled responsibly. It is commonly removed from roofing work, older pipework and building projects. Proof of ownership may be requested for certain loads.
Scrap cable value depends heavily on copper content. Household cable, armoured cable, data cable and high-grade cable can all look similar but behave very differently when assessed for recycling value.
Steel, iron and mixed ferrous scrap are usually lower value per kilogram than copper or brass, but they are still worth recycling. Large quantities from garages, sheds, workshops, warehouses and site clearances can be useful collections even when the individual items are not high-value.
Appliances, shelving, frames, radiators, pipe, machinery guards and general mixed metal.
Clearances often contain a blend of steel, aluminium, cable, tools, car parts and appliances.
Warehouses, workshops and factories often generate mixed metal that is best assessed as a whole load.
Copper and brass are generally worth more than steel because they are non-ferrous and more valuable to recover.
Metal with less plastic, rubber, wood, dirt or mixed waste attached is easier to grade and process.
Separating copper, brass, aluminium, lead, cable and steel often gives a clearer assessment than one mixed pile.
Larger loads are easier to justify collecting and assessing, especially for commercial and repeat customers.
Ground-floor access, loading space and clear photos help speed up collection and pricing decisions.
Scrap prices change. Weigh and pay values depend on market movement, grade and the load presented.
Send the details of your collection and we will respond as quickly as possible. Photos, material type, access notes and postcode all help us assess the job properly.