Mobile scrap metal collector

Collect scrap metal from homes and trades in a van and sell it on to a local recycler by weight.

Startup cost£1.5k to £7.5k

Monthly revenue£800 to £4k

Time needed10+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

£1.5k-7.5k
Side hustle
Out and about
Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

Official data

221 UK companies in this field, 31% registered in the last 2 years

SIC 38310 “Dismantling of wrecks”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.

What it is

You collect unwanted metal such as old appliances, pipework, radiators and offcuts from households and small trades. You sort it and sell it to a scrap yard or metal recycler.

Your first three steps

Contact your local council about a scrap metal collector's licence and register as a waste carrier with your environment agency
Get a suitable van, scales, gloves, basic tools and goods-in-transit and public liability insurance quotes
Phone two or three local recyclers to compare prices, then advertise on community groups and offer free collections to neighbours

Who pays

Recyclers pay you for the metal by weight. Some customers also pay you a fee to clear bulky items such as old boilers or cookers.

How it makes money

You earn the difference between what you pay or charge at collection and the price per tonne at the recycler. Clearance fees add to this. Metal prices go up and down, so income can vary.

Skills that help

Physical fitness and safe lifting
Knowing different metals and their value
Reliable driving and route planning

Watch out for

In England and Wales a collector's licence is normally only valid in the council area that issued it, so check where you plan to work
Scotland and Northern Ireland have different licensing rules, so check with your council
Scrap metal dealers generally cannot pay cash in England and Wales and must verify ID and keep records, so check the current rules
Waste carrier registration, public liability and vehicle insurance that covers carrying goods for hire
Never take catalytic converters, cable or street furniture without clear proof of ownership, as theft is a real concern and trading may be restricted
Heavy lifting and sharp metal carry injury risks, so use proper protective kit

Deep research report · UK

Everything you need to start: mobile scrap metal collector

Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

Startup costs with real prices
Licences, registration and rules
Pricing: what others charge
Break-even example
Finding your first customers
30-day launch plan
Risks and how to reduce them

Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a scrap metal collection round?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending mainly on the van and equipment you need. Also check waste carrier registration, public liability and vehicle insurance that covers carrying goods for hire.

How much can a scrap metal collector earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on how much metal you collect, what you sell it for and any clearance fees you charge. These are revenue estimates, not profit.

Do I need a licence to collect scrap metal in the UK?

In England and Wales a collector's licence is normally only valid in the council area that issued it, so check where you plan to work. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules. Also check current rules on payment and record keeping.