Scrap metal collection from your door
Tell us what metal you need taken away and we introduce you to up to 3 independent local collectors. Quotes are free and you are under no obligation.
- Free quotes, no obligation
- Household and trade metal
- Up to 3 local collectors
Who needs scrap metal collection
Scrap metal builds up in most homes and workplaces without anyone planning it. A new boiler leaves the old one behind, a kitchen refit produces a pile of pipework and units, and a garage clear out turns up bike frames, tools and broken shelving. Homeowners, landlords, tenants leaving a property and gardeners replacing old railings all end up with the same problem: heavy, awkward metal that will not fit in the bin and is unwelcome in the household waste.
Tradespeople and small businesses have the same need on a larger scale. Plumbers, builders, shopfitters and landscapers regularly strip out radiators, cylinders, filing cabinets, racking and offcuts. Offices closing down may have rows of metal cabinets and desks, while a workshop may hold years of old machinery and spare parts. Regular trade collections can sometimes be arranged, so mention in your enquiry if the metal is a one off or a recurring job.
A scrap metal collector is often the simplest answer. Instead of loading a car, queuing at a recycling centre and lifting heavy items alone, you describe what you have and local providers quote to come and take it. Some will collect at no charge, some will pay for valuable metal, and others will charge a fee. Quotes vary, so it is worth asking about it up front and comparing what each collector offers.
What counts as scrap metal
Scrap metal covers a wide range of everyday items. Around the home that usually means old radiators, boilers, copper and lead pipes, bike frames, garden tools, gates and railings, shelving, filing cabinets, bed frames, cookers, washing machines and fridges. Trade jobs add things like cable, guttering, sheet offcuts, racking, machinery parts and vehicle components. If it is mostly metal and you no longer want it, it is worth asking a collector whether they will take it.
Collectors tend to sort metal into two broad groups. Ferrous metals, such as iron and steel, contain iron and will stick to a magnet. Non-ferrous metals, such as copper, brass, aluminium and lead, will not. Non-ferrous metal is generally more valuable, which is why some collectors will pay for it or take it for free. A simple fridge magnet test at home can help you tell which pile is which before you describe the load.
Mixed items can be harder to value. A radiator with brass valves, a cable with a plastic coating, or a cabinet full of old paperwork all need stripping or emptying before the metal can be recycled. Be honest in your description about what is attached or inside, because collectors price from what you tell them. Surprises on the day can mean a revised quote, or a collector declining part of the load.
Metal waste often turns up alongside other items. Our guides to white goods recycling and hazardous waste disposal cover appliances and specialist items, and garage & shed clearance covers clearing out tools and old equipment.
How a scrap metal collection works
Start by filling in the form on this site with your postcode, a list of what you have and roughly how much of it there is. Photos help if you can add them. We pass your details to up to three independent local collectors, who then get in touch with a quote. Move & Clear does not collect the metal itself and does not set prices. The introduction is free and you can decline every quote.
Each collector will tell you whether they charge, collect for nothing or offer payment for valuable metal, and when they can come. Some will quote from your description and photos alone, while others prefer a quick call or a visit for larger loads. Ask what is included in the price, such as loading, sweeping up and removal of items from inside the property, and whether anything could change the figure on the day.
On collection day the team will check the load, carry it out and weigh or assess it as agreed. Keep a note of the collector's name and vehicle, and ask for a receipt or a record of the collection when they leave. A reputable collector will expect that request and be happy to provide it. Once the metal has gone, it is taken for sorting and recycling rather than being sent to landfill.
Preparing for the collector and access
A little preparation makes the visit quicker and can keep the quote down. Gather everything in one place, ideally at ground level near the door or on the driveway. Separate obvious metal from rubbish, and keep non-metal waste out of the pile. If radiators or pipes are still plumbed in, have them disconnected and drained by a competent person beforehand, as most collectors will not take apart heating systems for you.
Think about weight and access. Old boilers, cast iron radiators, filing cabinets and machinery can be very heavy, and stairs, narrow hallways or a loft hatch make the job harder. Tell the collectors about steps, lifts, long carries and anything stored upstairs or in a cellar. If you are unsure you can lift something safely, leave it where it is and let the collector's team move it. Two people are often needed for the heaviest pieces, so say so when you request quotes.
Parking matters too. A collection vehicle needs somewhere to stop close to the property, and on a busy street the team may need a permit or a loading space. Make sure the way is clear of bins and cars, and tell the collectors about restrictions, shared drives or gated entrances. If you live in a flat, ask the building manager about lift bookings and rules for removing items from communal areas.
Appliances, batteries and hazardous items
Not everything made of metal can simply be thrown on a pile. Fridges, freezers and air conditioning units contain gases that need correct handling, and should be dealt with by someone set up to do so. Washing machines, cookers and other electrical appliances have electrical parts that are usually recycled separately. When you describe your load, list every appliance clearly, so the collector knows what to bring and how to handle it.
Batteries and oil need particular care. Car batteries, lithium cells from power tools and mobility gear, and any container with leftover oil, fuel or chemicals should be mentioned in your enquiry, not hidden in the load. Drain fluids only if it is safe and you know how. Gas bottles, paint and solvents are hazardous and need specialist disposal, so ask the collector whether they take them or can point you elsewhere.
Be cautious with anything old and unknown. If a boiler, pipe lagging, roofing sheet or water tank may contain asbestos, do not touch, break or move it. Asbestos must be dealt with by licensed specialists, and a general scrap collector should not be asked to remove it. Sharp edges, rust and heavy items also carry risks, so wear sturdy gloves and footwear if you must handle metal, and keep children and pets away.
What to check before you accept a quote
Anyone who takes waste away should be able to show they are a registered waste carrier, and that applies to many scrap metal collectors. Ask for the licence or registration number and check it on the public register for your part of the UK. Ask for proof of insurance too. You also have a duty of care for waste you hand over, so ask for a receipt or waste transfer note that records what was taken.
Metal dealers are expected to keep records of what they buy and sell, so ask the collector how they record and pay for metal. A trustworthy collector will explain their process, ask for your name and address and record the transaction without fuss. Be wary of anyone who offers a vague cash deal with nothing written down, who refuses to say who they are, or who arrives without a clearly marked vehicle.
Compare quotes on more than the headline figure. Check whether the offer is free collection, a fee, or a payment to you, what is covered, and whether any extras apply. Only offer metal that genuinely belongs to you. Never hand over, or accept, items that look like they have been stolen, and if you suspect metal theft in your area, report it to the police. Sound common sense protects you and your neighbours.
Providers cover different postcode areas, so browse the areas we cover to see local information, or enter your full postcode in the quote form at the top of this page.
What affects the cost of scrap metal collection
Prices are set by each local provider, so we do not publish fixed figures. These are the things that move a quote up or down. Compare up to 3 free quotes to see a fair price for your job.
- Type and mix of metal: valuable non-ferrous metals may reduce the cost or earn payment, quotes vary.
- Volume and weight: a few items cost less to move than a full van load.
- Access: stairs, lofts, cellars and long carries add time and labour.
- Appliances containing gases or electrical parts may need extra handling or a separate charge.
- Items still fitted, such as plumbed radiators, may need disconnecting or stripping before collection.
- Parking, distance and timing: restricted access or urgent same day jobs can affect the quote.
Our transparency promise: quotes are free and come direct from the providers. We don't add fees to your price, and you're never obliged to accept.
FAQs: scrap metal collection
Will a scrap metal collector pay me for my metal?
It depends on what you have. Some collectors take metal for free, some pay for valuable items such as copper or brass, and others charge a fee for bulky or mixed loads. Quotes vary, so ask each collector to explain exactly what they will pay or charge and how they have worked it out.
What can I put out for a metal collection?
Most collectors take old radiators, boilers, bike frames, gates, railings, shelving, filing cabinets, pipes, tools and many appliances. List everything in your enquiry, including fridges, batteries or anything containing oil. Some items need special handling, so a collector may decline them or quote separately.
How do I know a collector is legitimate?
Ask for their waste carrier registration number and check it on the public register for your part of the UK. Ask for proof of insurance and a receipt for the collection. You should also ask how they record and pay for metal. A genuine collector will answer these questions openly.
Do I need to take radiators and pipes off the wall first?
Usually yes. Most collectors will not disconnect or drain a heating system, so have a competent person remove and drain radiators and pipework before the visit. Tell the collector if anything is still fitted, because it may affect the quote or what they are able to take.
Can I get rid of a fridge or freezer this way?
Many collectors can take them, but fridges and freezers contain gases that need correct handling, so mention them when you request quotes. Ask the collector how they deal with them and get a receipt. Some may charge extra, and some may suggest a specialist appliance recycler instead.
Does Move & Clear collect the metal itself?
No. Move & Clear is a free introduction service. You fill in one form and we match you with up to three independent local providers, who send their own quotes. We do not set prices, there is no obligation to accept, and you choose whether to book any of them.
Related services
Find scrap metal collection in your area
Providers cover different postcode areas. Pick your nearest area to see local information, or use the form at the top of this page and enter your full postcode.