What metal goes in the kerbside recycling bin and what goes to a scrap buyer?
Short answer: Small, clean packaging such as steel and aluminium food cans, drink cans, foil and trays normally go in the kerbside recycling bin, subject to your council's rules, while larger and heavier metal such as pipe, appliances, tools, cookware, offcuts and cable is too big or too valuable for the bin and belongs with a scrap buyer or at a council drop-off, so the rule of thumb is packaging in the bin and everything else to scrap.
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List Free →Packaging goes in the bin
Cans, foil and trays are designed for kerbside collection and are accepted almost everywhere.
Everything else goes to scrap
Pipes, tools, cookware and appliances are too big for the bin and are worth more to a scrap buyer.
Check your council
Rules about what is accepted, how clean it must be and whether lids stay on vary from place to place.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade is the right place for the metal that does not belong in the bin.
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 →