Find scrap collection services near me

Do you have a pile of old appliances or metal waste taking up space? Hiring a specialist in scrap metal collection near you is easier than you think.

As well as decluttering your home, you can earn money from your waste metal, and ensure your scrap metal is dealt with in an environmentally-friendly way.

Keep reading to find out where to find scrap metal collection services that cover your area and how to hire the right tradesperson for the job.

How to find an approved scrap metal collection near me

If you’re fed up with looking at your old washing machine sitting in the garage or you’re having a general clearout, we can help you find the local right scrap metal expert.

Finding approved and experienced tradespeople near you is quick and easy with Checkatrade…

1. Download the Checkatrade app

Search, chat, and book with ease in the Checkatrade app to find scrap metal collection near you. You can contact trades directly to discuss the job in more depth before committing.

2. Search online for scrap metal collection

Why not enter your postcode in search tool to browse a list of scrap metal collection services that work in your area?

3. Use our request a quote form

Want trades to contact you based on the job requirements? Fill in our request a quote form and a selection of tradespeople will get in touch directly.

What to look for in a scrap metal collection service

It’s important to find the right scrap metal collection service near you. You want to hire tradespeople who are reliable, charge fair prices, and handle waste responsibly.

With that in mind, here's what to look for:

• Licensing and certifications – Check that the company holds a valid waste carrier license from the Environment Agency so you know they can legally transport and dispose of scrap metal

• Transparent pricing – Before hiring, you want to know exactly how much you have to pay and how they calculate their prices (e.g. based on weight, metal type, market rates)

• Positive customer reviews – Read their online reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of service they provide and choose a business with lots of positive comments

• Range of metals accepted – Make sure they collect the specific types of scrap metal that you have to get rid of

• Responsible waste disposal – Only use a scrap metal collection service that can prove that they meet legal guidelines regarding waste disposal and prioritise recycling

Take time to consider collection of scrap metal by tradespeople that cover your area so that you can confidently hire someone that is right for the job.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

Preparing your scrap metal for collection

To make sure that your scrap metal collection goes smoothly, here are a few simple steps you can take:

• Separate your scrap metals into ferrous and non-ferrous piles – ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic, while non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium are not

• Remove any non-metal parts, such as plastic elements, wooden handles, etc

• Organise your scrap metal by size to make the loading process easier

• Create clear access to your scrap metal by moving any obstacles – and ideally position your metal close to where the collection vehicle will park

• Have your ID ready as some collectors will require proof of ID, and proof of address before they’ll remove scrap metal

By following these steps, you can help ensure a quick and hassle-free scrap metal collection.

How to recycle scrap metal for the best price

Recycling scrap metal will not only earn you some extra money, but it's also much better for the environment. The energy it takes to recycle scrap metal vs using new materials is significant. Plus, recycling scrap metal for money reduces the volume of waste that goes to landfill. In a world of

Learn more

Common scrap metal collection services

Here are some of the most common jobs and services that local metal collection experts near you will typically offer:

• Household appliance collection, e.g. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

• Scrap car/vehicle removal

• Industrial scrap collection

• Construction site scrap clearance

• Farm scrap metal removal

• Factory clearance

• General metal waste collection (copper, brass, aluminium, steel, iron, etc)

To understand exactly which services are available in your area, speak to local scrap metal collection companies near you.

How much does scrap metal collection cost?

The good news is that there aren’t always costs for scrap metal collection – often it can be free or you could even be paid for your metal items.

However, it will massively depend on the type of metal that you’re getting rid of and its potential value.

Factors affecting costs or payments for scrap metal collection

Various factors will affect how much you have to pay – or get paid – for scrap metal collection near you, including:

• Types of metal – For valuable non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, and aluminium, you'll generally get paid, subject to demands and current market prices

• Quantity – For larger quantities of metal you’ll often be quoted better prices or free collection

• Where you live – Collection charges and payment rates will vary in different parts of the country, with urban areas often having more competitive pricing

• Demand for metals – Scrap metal prices change constantly based on global market demand

Have other types of waste to dispose of? Check out our guides to furniture disposal service costs and house clearance costs.

What to expect from scrap metal collection experts on Checkatrade

At Checkatrade, we're to help you save time and find the right professional for the job.

Before we give our seal of approval, every tradesperson who signs up to join Checkatrade must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding The Checkatrade Standard to:

• Deliver high-quality work

• Maintain high standards of personal conduct

• Work safely, ethically, and within their skill set

• Communicate clearly and honestly

• Agree on costs and contract terms up front

• Encourage and welcome customer reviews

Checkatrade Guarantee

We also guarantee our members work up to £1,000, giving you a helping hand if the quality of the job isn’t what it should be (eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply).

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply