Updated · 16 May 2026
Scrap Steel Prices UK
Today's UK scrap steel prices per tonne, updated daily. Steel scrap tracks the Turkish import benchmark (CFR Turkey), not the LME.
Today’s top grade
TodaySteel · HMS 1
£0.26
per kg avg · range £0.17–£0.30 · 5 UK yards
Steel Scrap Prices by Grade
UK yard average · per kg
All steel grades we track. Click through for regional yard prices and grade-specific calculator.
HMS 1
HMS 2
Light Iron
P&S (Plate & Structural)
Updated 2026-05-16 · Based on data from up to 5 UK scrap yards
Steel 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.
Scrap Steel Prices Per Tonne
Scrap steel prices in the UK are typically quoted per tonne, not per kg, because the volumes involved are large. UK scrap steel currently trades in the £150–£300 per tonne range, depending on grade and region. HMS 1 commands a premium over HMS 2 and light iron. Plate & structural (P&S) is the highest-value steel grade because of its predictable chemistry.
Steel Price Today Per Kg
Today's steel price per kg works out to roughly £0.15–£0.30 once you convert from the per-tonne benchmark. Cast iron is graded separately and sits higher (see our iron prices page). Steel is the lowest value-per-kg ferrous scrap but the highest volume by far — you need decent weight to make a yard trip worthwhile, typically at least 200kg.
UK Steel Prices Today
UK steel prices today reflect the Turkish import scrap benchmark (CFR Turkey), which is the global price reference for ferrous scrap. London and the South East tend to pay slightly less than Midlands and North West due to lower industrial demand. Prices are more volatile than other metals because they track shipping rates and Turkish mill demand.
Understanding Steel Scrap Grades
HMS 1 (Heavy Melting Scrap, min 1/4" thick) and HMS 2 (thinner gauge) are the standard grades for export. Light iron (white goods, thin sheet) is the most common grade from domestic sources. P&S (plate and structural) is the premium grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is scrap steel priced per tonne and not per kg?
Steel scrap is priced per tonne because the volumes traded are large — yards process hundreds of tonnes at a time. A typical price quote of £200/tonne works out to roughly £0.20 per kg. Per-kg quotes aren’t practical for steel because you need decent weight (usually 200kg+) to make a yard trip worthwhile.
What is HMS 1 in scrap steel?
HMS 1 stands for Heavy Melting Scrap grade 1 — wrought iron and steel pieces at least 6mm (1/4 inch) thick. It includes structural steel, plate, heavy pipe, and machinery. HMS 1 must not include galvanised material. It’s the benchmark export grade for UK ferrous scrap and the most commonly quoted price.
Does the LME set scrap steel prices?
No. Unlike copper, aluminium, or lead, there’s no LME steel contract. UK scrap steel prices track the CFR Turkey benchmark (the price Turkish mills pay for imported scrap), which is the global ferrous price reference. Turkish demand is volatile, so steel prices move more than non-ferrous metals.
Is galvanised steel worth the same as regular steel?
No — galvanised steel is downgraded because the zinc coating contaminates the melt. Most yards accept galvanised steel as light iron or mixed ferrous at the lowest steel grade. If you have a choice, sell un-galvanised material separately for a better price.