Not all scrap yards are the same. Some specialise in ferrous metals, others in non-ferrous or electronics. Some offer container pickup, others only accept drop-offs. Knowing how to compare them saves you money and avoids problems.

Price — but not only price

Price per kilo is the obvious comparison, but it depends on how the yard grades your material. A yard offering €4.50/kg for copper that grades your cable as "mixed" rather than "bright" will pay less than one offering €4.20/kg that grades it correctly. Always ask how they classify and weigh.

Weighing method

Ask whether the yard uses a calibrated, certified weighbridge. In the EU, scrap yards handling more than small quantities are required to use approved weighing equipment. If a yard weighs your load on a portable scale or estimates by eye, that is a red flag.

Documentation

A reputable yard provides a weighbridge ticket and an invoice or receipt showing material, weight, unit price, and total. If you are a business, you need this for your accounting and for environmental compliance. If the yard cannot or will not provide documentation, look elsewhere.

Pickup and logistics

If you have a large volume, pickup matters as much as price. Ask: do they provide a container? Is there a minimum weight for free pickup? How quickly can they collect? A yard that picks up 5 tonnes free is often better than one that pays 5% more but requires you to deliver.

Verification and trust

In most EU countries, scrap yards must be licensed environmental operators. Ask for their permit number and check it against the national environmental register. On European Scrap Market, we verify yards before they join — but you should still do your own due diligence.

Payment terms

Most yards pay on collection or within a few days. If a yard wants to pay "when they sell it on" or offers significantly above-market prices with delayed payment, be cautious. Traceable payment — bank transfer, not cash — protects both parties.

Summary

Compare on: price per kg at the grade you expect, weighing method, documentation, pickup options, permit status, and payment terms. The cheapest per-kg is not always the best deal once logistics and trust are factored in.