Manchester’s scrap metal market continues to offer strong opportunities for sellers, especially as demand from manufacturing and construction remains steady. As of June 2025, average prices for key metals in Manchester are:
- Bright Copper Wire: £6.30–£7.00 per kg
- Heavy Copper: £5.80 per kg
- Brass: £3.00–£3.60 per kg
- Aluminium (Clean): £0.80–£1.10 per kg
- Light Iron/Steel: £0.08–£0.18 per kg
- Lead: £1.00–£1.15 per kg
- Stainless Steel (304 Grade): £0.60–£1.00 per kg
Prices can fluctuate weekly based on global commodity trends, local supply and demand, and the purity of the scrap. Clean, sorted metals always fetch higher rates, so taking the time to separate and prepare your scrap pays off.
What’s driving scrap metal prices in 2025?
The UK scrap metal recycling industry can fluctuate depending on several factors:
- Global market trends: International demand, especially from Asia, impacts UK prices.
- Local construction activity: Increased building and infrastructure projects in Manchester boost demand for recycled metals.
- Supply chain stability: Disruptions or surpluses can cause rapid price shifts.
- Environmental policies: Growing focus on sustainability encourages recycling, supporting steady demand.
The good news is that Manchester remains one of the best regions in the UK for competitive scrap metal prices, thanks to a robust local industry and high recycling rates.
Tips to maximise your scrap metal returns:
Sort and clean your scrap: Remove contaminants and separate metals for higher payouts.
Monitor weekly prices: Check rates regularly to time your sale for peak prices.
Sell in bulk: Larger loads often command better rates due to lower handling costs.
Choose a trusted scrap metal dealer: Work with established scrap yards (like J Davidson) for transparent, top market rates and free collection services across Manchester.
Why choose J Davidson for scrap metal in Manchester?
We’re proud to offer some of the highest prices for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the North West. With a state-of-the-art processing facility in Altrincham, we provide fast drop-off, free collection, and skip hire for larger loads. Whether you’re scrapping a car, van or metal, we’ll make sure you get the best deal.
To find out how much your scrap metal is worth or to arrange a collection, contact our team today.