Updated · 16 May 2026
Scrap Lead Prices UK
Today's UK scrap lead prices per kg, updated daily. Covers clean lead sheet, lead pipes, and lead-acid batteries.
Today’s top grade
TodayLead · Clean Lead Sheet
£1.02
per kg avg · range £1.00–£1.15 · 6 UK yards
LME spot£1.48/kg · £1481/t
Lead Scrap Prices by Grade
UK yard average · per kg
All lead grades we track. Click through for regional yard prices and grade-specific calculator.
Clean Lead Sheet
Lead Batteries
Lead Pipes
Updated 2026-05-16 · Based on data from up to 6 UK scrap yards
Lead Scrap Calculator
Instant estimate
Select grade and weight above.
Indicative estimate. Actual yard prices vary by region, volume, and metal condition. Always confirm with your local scrap yard before driving.
Lead Price Per Kg UK
Lead price per kg in the UK is currently in the £0.70–£1.20 range for scrap, depending on grade. Clean lead sheet from roofing trades at the high end — around 55–70% of LME lead spot. Lead pipes sit slightly lower at 45–60%. Lead-acid batteries are the lowest grade at 15–25% of spot because of the acid, plastic, and processing required to recover the lead.
Scrap Lead Prices UK Today
Scrap lead prices UK today are updated daily from London Metal Exchange spot and aggregated yard rates. Check the table above for current low, average, and high prices per grade. Lead prices typically move with the LME but can lag for a day or two as yards re-quote.
How Much Is Lead Per Kg?
Lead is heavy, so even small quantities have worthwhile value. A single car battery typically weighs 10–15kg. Old lead pipe from plumbing renovations can add up quickly. Clean lead sheet from a roofing job is the highest-value form — 1kg of clean sheet might fetch £1.00–£1.20, while 1kg of lead from a battery is worth around £0.20–£0.30 once the yard accounts for separation.
Understanding Lead Scrap Grades
Clean lead sheet from roofing and flashing is the most valuable grade. Lead-acid batteries are the most common source for domestic sellers but are worth less per kg due to the acid, plastic casing, and lead plates that need separating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is lead per kg in the UK?
Lead scrap is worth roughly £0.70–£1.20 per kg depending on grade. Clean lead sheet from roofing trades at the high end (55–70% of LME lead spot). Lead pipes sit at 45–60%. Lead-acid batteries are at the bottom at 15–25% because of the acid, plastic casing, and processing required to recover the lead.
How much is a car battery worth in lead value?
A typical car battery weighs 10–15kg and contains around 7–8kg of lead. At UK scrap prices (around £0.20–£0.30 per kg for battery-form lead), a single car battery is worth £2–£4. Yards must accept whole batteries and pay by weight — never break them open, as the acid is hazardous and illegal to release.
How can I identify lead?
Lead is a soft, heavy, dull grey metal you can scratch with a fingernail. It’s much heavier than aluminium for the same volume and noticeably heavier than steel. Lead doesn’t spark when struck and has a slightly oily feel. If a metal piece feels surprisingly heavy and is grey and dull, it’s likely lead.
Is selling lead scrap legal in the UK?
Yes, but you must sell to a licensed scrap metal dealer (Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013). Cash payments are not allowed — payment is by bank transfer or crossed cheque. You’ll need photo ID such as a driving licence or passport. The yard keeps a record of every transaction for three years.