How much is scrap copper per kg in the UK?

Scrap copper prices in the UK currently range £4.20–£5.00/kg (£4,200–£5,000/tonne). Prices vary by grade, location, and quantity.

How much is scrap copper per tonne?

UK scrap copper is worth approximately £4,200–£5,000 per tonne, equivalent to £4.20–£5.00/kg. Prices are indicative and vary by grade.

What affects the price of scrap copper?

Scrap copper prices are affected by purity and grade, global commodity markets, the quantity you're selling, and which scrap yard you visit. Cleaning and sorting your metal before selling can significantly improve your payout.

How do I get the best price for scrap copper?

To get the best price: identify the grade you have, clean the metal of attachments, weigh it yourself, get quotes from multiple local yards, and always insist on bank transfer payment (cash payments are illegal for scrap dealers in the UK).

UK Price Index

Scrap Copper Prices

Copper is the king of scrap metals in the UK. It pays more per kilogram than almost any other common material, which is why sorting and cleaning your copper before you sell is always worth the effort. Even the difference between grades can add hundreds of pounds per tonne.

UK Average Range

£4.20–£5.00/kg

≈ £4,200–£5,000/tonne

Copper Grade Breakdown

Prices vary significantly depending on the grade and purity. Select a grade for identification tips.

Grade	Est. Price (per kg)
Bare Bright Copperpremium	£4.80–£5.00/kg ≈ £4,800–£5,000/tonne
Copper #1 (Millberry)high	£4.40–£4.70/kg ≈ £4,400–£4,700/tonne
Copper #2standard	£4.00–£4.30/kg ≈ £4,000–£4,300/tonne
Copper Tanks & Cylindersstandard	£3.80–£4.20/kg ≈ £3,800–£4,200/tonne
Insulated Wire Grade 1lower	£2.20–£2.80/kg ≈ £2,200–£2,800/tonne
Insulated Wire Grade 2lower	£1.20–£1.80/kg ≈ £1,200–£1,800/tonne

Coils of bare bright copper wire ready for scrap

Price Trend Context

UK scrap copper currently trades in the £4.20–£5.00/kg range (£4,200–£5,000/tonne). Copper scrap value closely follows the London Metal Exchange (LME) spot price, driven by global manufacturing demand — particularly from China's construction and electronics sectors.

The interactive chart below shows recent price movements. Use the time-window buttons to view 30-day, 6-month, or 12-month trends.

Copper Price History

Tracks the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is scrap copper worth per kg?▾

Scrap copper currently fetches between £4.20 and £5.00 per kg at UK scrap yards. Prices vary by grade, yard, and quantity.

What is the difference between copper grades?▾

Copper is graded by purity and condition. Higher grades (cleaner, unmixed, uncoated) always attract a premium. Check the grade table above for a breakdown of current prices per grade.

Can a scrap yard pay me cash for copper?▾

No. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, UK scrap yards are prohibited from making cash payments. All payments must be made by bank transfer or cheque. Any yard offering cash for metal is acting illegally.

How do I get the best price when selling scrap copper?▾

Sort and clean your copper before selling (remove attachments, strip cables). Weigh your metal at home first, get at least two quotes from local yards, and sell in larger quantities when possible for better rates.