Scrap metal prices UK
In July 2026 UK scrap metal exports averaged £7,728 for copper scrap, £6,409 for brass scrap, £1,930 for aluminium scrap, £1,470 for lead scrap and £287 for steel scrap, all per tonne. These are average UK export values from HMRC. They show the market trend, and a dealer's offer for your material will be lower.
Scrap metal prices UK in July 2026
| Material | Jul 2026, per tonne | Month before | Change | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper scrap | £7,728 | £8,023 | down 4% | £5,877 |
| Brass scrap | £6,409 | £6,993 | down 8% | £5,626 |
| Aluminium scrap | £1,930 | £1,865 | up 3% | £1,517 |
| Lead scrap | £1,470 | £1,536 | down 4% | £1,392 |
| Stainless steel scrap (8% nickel or more) | £544 | £585 | down 7% | £316 |
| Steel scrap | £287 | £300 | down 4% | £248 |
| Cast iron scrap | £304 | £509 | down 40% | £433 |
Copper scrap price trend
| Month | Average per tonne | Tonnes exported |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | £7,728 | 9,677 |
| June 2026 | £8,023 | 10,898 |
| May 2026 | £7,610 | 14,364 |
| April 2026 | £7,192 | 9,755 |
| March 2026 | £7,582 | 13,233 |
| February 2026 | £7,071 | 11,009 |
| January 2026 | £6,472 | 10,217 |
| December 2025 | £6,115 | 12,159 |
| November 2025 | £5,936 | 13,994 |
| October 2025 | £5,332 | 12,310 |
| September 2025 | £5,723 | 11,061 |
| August 2025 | £5,983 | 12,870 |
| July 2025 | £5,877 | 13,676 |
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.
What affects the price you are offered
- Grade and cleanliness. Sorted, clean material earns the most.
- Quantity. Regular, larger loads earn better terms.
- Distance. Haulage comes out of the price.
Our guide explains the grades and how to prepare your material: How to sell scrap metal.
Register and list your scrap metal
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. Use the figures to follow the market and to judge whether a quote is reasonable.
Which scrap metal is worth the most?
Of the common metals, copper is worth the most, followed by brass. Aluminium, lead and stainless steel sit in the middle, and steel and iron are worth the least per tonne.
How often are these prices updated?
Monthly. HMRC publishes trade figures about six weeks after the end of each month, and this page updates automatically when new figures arrive.
More prices: Scrap copper prices, Scrap brass prices, Scrap aluminium prices, Scrap steel prices, all prices.