How do you decide between recycling metal for free and selling it as scrap?
Short answer: For small, light amounts and packaging, putting metal in the recycling bin is the easiest option, but for anything with real weight or value, such as copper, brass, aluminium offcuts or heavy steel, selling it as scrap returns money and is only a little more effort, so the dividing line is whether the metal weighs enough, and is valuable enough, to be worth a trip or a pickup.
Bin full? Compare offers from verified buyers.
List Free →Convenience first
For cans and small items, the kerbside bin is simplest.
Value second
Copper, brass and larger loads are worth selling, since the money can be considerable.
Combine both
Most people end up using the bin for packaging and a scrap buyer for the rest.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade is the route for the metal worth selling, and you can combine loads to make it worthwhile.
A routine only works if it is easy. ScrapTrade connects you with verified buyers, transparent weighing and escrow-protected payments for the metal worth selling.
List or Find Scrap on ScrapTrade →