When it comes to scrap metal recycling in the UK, not all metals are created equal — and if you’re planning to clear out old materials, it’s essential to know which types can actually put real cash in your pocket. At ASK UK, we help homeowners, contractors, businesses, and tradespeople across the country turn unwanted metal into money.

But time and again, we see that people underestimate the value of what they have lying around.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top five scrap metals that earn the highest prices in the UK — explaining why they’re valuable, where you can typically find them, and how to get the best rates when you bring them in to ASK UK.

Copper: The King of Scrap

Copper is hands down the most valuable scrap metal on the market. Why? Because copper is highly conductive, resistant to corrosion, and endlessly recyclable without losing quality. Industries from construction to electronics rely heavily on copper, and that consistent demand keeps its price high.
You might find copper in old electrical wiring (especially if you strip off the insulation), plumbing pipes and fittings, air conditioning units, electric motors, or even in old household appliances. If you’re clearing out an older property or gutting an old heating system, there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a tidy pile of valuable copper. Clean, shiny copper — known as “bare bright” — commands the very highest rates. Even mixed or insulated copper wire can bring in solid cash, especially in bulk.

Brass: The Golden Alloy

Brass, a yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, is another money-maker on the scrap scene. Though it pays slightly less per kilogram than pure copper, brass still offers excellent returns, especially if you have a decent quantity.
Common brass items include plumbing fixtures, door handles, locks, taps, decorative fittings, and sometimes even musical instruments. If you’re doing a home renovation or replacing old fixtures, don’t just toss that old brass hardware — bring it to ASK UK! Make sure to remove any non-brass components (like steel screws or plastic covers) to ensure you get the best price per kilo.

Aluminum: Lightweight but Profitable

Aluminum might not sound like a cash cow because it’s lightweight and pays less per kilogram compared to copper or brass. But here’s the trick: aluminum is everywhere, and when collected in bulk, it becomes a highly profitable material.
You can find aluminum in old window and door frames, car rims, bike parts, drink cans, kitchen utensils, and even old patio furniture. Clean aluminum — free of paint, dirt, or mixed metals — will bring you a better price. While it takes more effort to gather enough aluminum for a significant payout, we promise it’s worth the effort. At ASK UK, we love helping our customers turn lightweight metals into heavy cash!

Stainless Steel: Durable and In-Demand

Stainless steel, known for its durability and rust resistance, is a common material across households, businesses, and industries. Though its price per kilogram is lower than the copper family, it’s easy to gather in large quantities — and volume is the key to making money here.
Think of old kitchen sinks, dishwashers, ovens, industrial equipment, and even cutlery or cookware. Stainless steel scrap is often overlooked, but it can quickly add up to a profitable load. Just make sure to remove rubber seals, plastic parts, or non-steel attachments before bringing it in, as clean stainless steel will always be worth more.

Lead: The Heavyweight of Scrap

Lead is one of the heaviest and most dense scrap metals you can bring in, making even small pieces surprisingly valuable. While its use has declined due to environmental concerns, lead remains in demand, particularly for battery recycling.
You’ll typically find scrap lead in old car batteries, roofing materials, lead pipes (especially in very old buildings), and lead weights or ballast. It’s essential to handle lead safely — particularly when dealing with old batteries — so we recommend taking precautions like wearing gloves and keeping lead pieces separate from other materials. At ASK UK, we follow strict environmental and safety standards to handle and recycle lead responsibly while ensuring you get a fair price.

Maximize Your Scrap Profits with ASK UK

If you want to make the most money from your scrap, here’s our best advice: sort your metals carefully, clean them up as much as possible, and check market prices before you sell. Mixed or contaminated loads often sell at a lower blended rate, while clean, sorted metals can fetch the highest prices per kilogram.

At ASK UK, we offer competitive pricing, fast turnaround, and honest service. Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out your garage, a tradesperson with leftover site materials, or a business with regular scrap loads, we’re here to help you recycle responsibly — and profitably.