Scrap and recycling prices UK
Average UK prices per tonne for scrap metal, cardboard, paper, plastic and glass in July 2026, with the trend for each material. The figures are average export values from HMRC, so they show where the market is heading. A dealer's offer for your material will be lower.
Prices at a glance, July 2026
| Material | Jul 2026, per tonne | Month before | Change | A year earlier | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper scrap | £7,728 | £8,023 | down 3.7% | £5,877 | up 31.5% |
| Brass scrap | £6,409 | £6,993 | down 8.4% | £5,626 | up 13.9% |
| Aluminium scrap | £1,930 | £1,865 | up 3.5% | £1,517 | up 27.2% |
| Lead scrap | £1,470 | £1,536 | down 4.3% | £1,392 | up 5.6% |
| Stainless steel scrap | £544 | £585 | down 7.0% | £316 | up 72.2% |
| Steel scrap | £287 | £300 | down 4.3% | £248 | up 15.7% |
| Cardboard | £119 | £120 | down 0.8% | £148 | down 19.6% |
| White paper | £181 | £193 | down 6.2% | £230 | down 21.3% |
| HDPE plastic | £261 | £306 | down 14.7% | £318 | down 17.9% |
| LDPE plastic | £177 | £162 | up 9.3% | £217 | down 18.4% |
| PET plastic | £223 | £211 | up 5.7% | £347 | down 35.7% |
| Glass cullet | £56 | £58 | down 3.4% | £60 | down 6.7% |
Prices by material
- Scrap metal prices UK
- Scrap copper prices UK
- Brass scrap price UK
- Aluminium scrap price UK
- Scrap steel prices UK
- Stainless steel scrap price UK
- Cast iron scrap prices UK
- Lead scrap price UK
- Cardboard and waste paper prices UK
- Plastic recycling prices UK
- Glass recycling prices UK
How to read these figures
These are average values, not offers. HMRC records the value and weight of the scrap and recovered material that leaves the UK, and dividing one by the other gives a price per tonne.
- They reflect large, sorted loads that are ready for export.
- A dealer buying from your business will pay less, to cover collection, sorting and their margin.
- Use them to follow the direction of the market and to judge whether a quote is reasonable.
Register and list your material Read the selling guides
Frequently asked questions
Is this the price a dealer will pay me?
No. These figures are the average value of UK exports recorded by HMRC, which reflects large, sorted loads that are ready for export. A dealer buying from your business will offer less, depending on grade, quantity and distance.
Which recyclable material is worth the most?
In July 2026 the highest value on this page was copper scrap at £7,728 per tonne, followed by brass scrap at £6,409. The lowest was glass cullet at £56 per tonne.
Where do these prices come from?
From HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics. HMRC records the value and weight of the material exported from the UK each month, and we divide one by the other to give an average price per tonne.
How often are these prices updated?
Monthly. HMRC publishes trade figures about six weeks after the end of each month, and these pages update automatically when new figures arrive.
Can I use these prices to value my own material?
Yes, as a guide. Multiply the price per tonne by the weight you have, then expect a dealer to offer less, because these averages are for large, sorted loads ready for export.