Last updated: September 2026 · Prices sourced from live UK scrap market data
Current UK Scrap Metal Prices
The prices below reflect current market rates being paid by UK scrap dealers and authorised treatment facilities. Prices move with global commodity markets, so check back each month for the latest figures.
↑ Rising — price up over the past month → Stable — broadly unchanged ↓ Falling — price down over the past month
How Scrap Metal Prices Affect Your Car Value
The single biggest driver of your scrap car value is the price of steel. A typical family car is made up of roughly 60% steel by weight, so when steel prices rise, so does the amount a dealer is willing to pay for your vehicle. The relationship is not quite one to one — dealers have running costs to cover — but a sharp move in the steel market is felt immediately in the quotes you will receive.
At the current HMS steel rate of around £145 per tonne, a mid-size hatchback in average condition is typically worth between £200 and £380. If steel were to fall back to £100 per tonne, that same car might fetch only £150 to £250. If prices were to push toward £180 per tonne — the kind of spike seen in early 2022 — offers would climb to £260 or more for smaller cars and well over £400 for larger ones. The table below shows how the relationship works across three price scenarios.
It is worth checking prices before you decide to scrap. If steel is in a trough, waiting even a few weeks can sometimes make a meaningful difference. That said, the cost of tax, insurance and storage while you wait can offset a modest price improvement, so compare the numbers carefully before holding out.
| Steel price (HMS, per tonne) | Typical car value (small) | Typical car value (medium) |
|---|---|---|
| £100/t — low market | £150 – £250 | £200 – £330 |
| £145/t — current (Sep 2026) | £200 – £380 | £260 – £460 |
| £180/t — elevated market | £260 – £460 | £330 – £570 |
Why Prices Vary Between Dealers
You will often find that two dealers give very different quotes for the same car. There are three main reasons for this, and understanding them helps you compare offers on a fair footing.
Location and transport costs
Dealers based close to a major shredder or steel mill have lower haulage costs. A dealer 80 miles from the nearest processing site has to absorb those costs from the metal value of your car. Rural collections can attract a transport charge that reduces your net payout.
Whether they strip parts first
Some dealers will remove and resell parts before crushing. A working engine, alloy wheels or infotainment system can be worth more sold individually than as part of a bulk metal price. Dealers who do this can afford to pay more for your car overall, because their margins come from the parts, not just the steel weight.
Whether they use a broker
Some services operate as brokers rather than collecting your car themselves. The broker takes a cut and passes the remainder to a local collector. Comparing direct collectors versus broker networks often reveals a meaningful difference in the final figure you receive.
What Metal Is in Your Car?
A standard petrol or diesel car is a mix of several metals, each with its own scrap value. The proportions vary between models, but the breakdown below is a reasonable guide for a typical family car weighing around 1,300 kg.
| Component | Material | Share of weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body panels and chassis | Steel | ~60% | The dominant factor in scrap value |
| Engine block and components | Cast iron or aluminium | ~15% | Modern engines are increasingly aluminium |
| Wheels | Aluminium alloy | ~5% | Higher value metal; often resold as parts |
| Wiring loom | Copper | ~2% | Small by weight but copper commands a high price per tonne |
| Catalytic converter | Platinum, palladium and rhodium | Varies | Weight is low but precious metal content adds significant value |
| Other components | Mixed (plastics, glass, rubber) | ~18% | Largely non-metal; little or no scrap value |
Catalytic Converter Prices
Catalytic converters are the most variable item in a scrap car's value. A common cat from a mainstream petrol car — a Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa or similar — might fetch £50 to £80. At the other end of the market, catalytic converters from hybrid vehicles and premium cars can command £300 to £400 or more, because they contain higher concentrations of platinum, palladium and rhodium. The precise value depends on make, model, engine size and the current precious metal spot price.
Most dealers will assess your cat as part of the overall quote and factor its value into the total they offer for the car. If a dealer asks to remove the cat before collection, or offers to pay for it separately at a reduced rate, compare that offer carefully against a full-car quote. In most cases you will be better off keeping the car complete.
Important: It is a criminal offence to sell a catalytic converter that has been removed from a vehicle you do not own. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, dealers are required to verify the identity and ownership of anyone selling a cat. Always use a licensed dealer and ensure you can prove ownership of the vehicle.
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