Resources
Want to dig deeper? We continually create and compile resources to answer all your metal recycling questions.
The Waste Hierarchy and safe disposal advice
The waste hierarchy is all about reducing waste and making the most of what we have. It encourages us to first avoid creating waste, then reuse, recycle, and, when needed, dispose of waste responsibly.
By following this simple approach, we can all help keep the planet healthier and reduce our environmental footprint.
Recycling Non-Metals
Lithium-Ion Batteries recycling
The instability of Lithium-Ion batteries is a huge challenge and danger in our industry.
To safely dispose of WEEE items, click the button below to access a national database of approved collection points.
Recycle your electricals
Disposal of pressurised gas canisters
You should return these to the supplier, all major gas cylinder providers have return details on their websites.
Likewise for draught kegs and casks, these should be returned to the brewery who supplied them. These items don’t only carry a risk of explosion, but also remain the property of the supplier, so arranging to return them is safe and correct.
Disposal of of hazardous waste
There are various hazardous waste companies in and around Edinburgh for commercial disposal.
For all hazardous waste, if the Local Council Recycling Centre cannot help, you should contact SEPA for advice on safe disposal by clicking the button below.
Contact SEPA
For any other waste disposals please contact your local council waste disposal services
The benefits of recycling metal
We will help you recycle all types of metals, and when for safety purposes we can’t take an item, please arrange disposal via the following methods:
Protect the environment
Recycling metal reduces the need to mine and extract new raw materials, conserving resources like iron ore, coal, and bauxite.
Environmental damage caused by mining, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and carbon emissions, is significantly reduced by participating in recycling.
Reduces carbon
Recycling metal uses significantly less energy compared to producing new metal from raw materials. For example, recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than creating it from bauxite. Since recycling metal requires less energy, it also results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping mitigate climate change.
At William Waugh, we assess and improve our own carbon footprint on an ongoing basis.
Every tonne of recycled steel saves:
1.5 tonnes of iron ore
0.5 tonnes of coal
70% of the energy
40% of the water
75% of the CO₂ emissions
0.97 tonnes of CO2
Prevents waste
Recycling metal keeps scrap metal out of landfills, reducing waste and conserving landfill space.
Benefits the economy and the local community
Recycling metal creates jobs and supports the economy. At William Waugh, we are also proud to pass knowledge on to the next generation while maintaining traditional methods of sorting, recycling, and welding to enhance quality in synergy with modern techniques.
We are also excited to be welcoming two Modern Apprentices (MAs) this summer.
Supports a circular economy
Recycling metal supports the concept of a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused and recycled, reducing the need for virgin resources. Download the EuRIC factsheet below to explore in more depth.
Metal we buy
The guide below outlines the major grades of metals we purchase, along with a few examples. If you’re unsure, feel free to bring it to us. Our expert staff will identify the metal for you and provide an appropriate price accordingly.
For safety reasons, there are a few exclusions to what we accept. We encourage responsible and safe disposal of these restricted items.
Metal We Buy
Non-Ferrous Metals
Overview
- Do not contain iron. Generally non-magnetic and less corrosive than ferrous metals.
- Supplied in various volumes.
- Generally weighed on our high-quality, maintained, and calibrated scales.
- Extensive range with many different types.
- Varies across all price categories £ – ££££
Minimum quantities
- Over 5kg
Non-Ferrous Metals We Accept
Metal We Buy
Ferrous Metals
Overview
- Includes all iron and steel products.
- Graded and priced according to thickness and robustness (e.g., heavy structural steel commands a higher price than thin, flexible iron).
- Often supplied in higher volumes.
- Weighed in over the weighbridge.
- Identified by magnet—if a magnet sticks to it, it’s ferrous metal.
- Price indication: £
Minimum quantities
- Over 50kg
ferrous metals we accept
Catalytic Converters (£-£££)
- Please bring catalytic converters in by prior arrangement.
- We can only buy them if we can identify them on a register, and their prices vary.
- To ensure accuracy in valuation and compliance, we require additional time to process these items properly.
- Please contact us to arrange an appointment before bringing in your catalytic converters.
Frequently asked questions
Got a question? Find quick answers to some of the most common queries. If you need more help, feel free to get in touch.
If you’re an individual looking to sell scrap metal, it is a legal requirement that you produce valid photo ID—either a UK driver’s licence; or your passport along with a proof of address (such as a bank statement, utility bill, HMRC/government letter, or phone bill dated within the last 3 months).
You’ll also need to bring your bank account number and sort code, as we’re unable to pay cash because since 1st September 2016, it’s been illegal to pay for scrap metal in cash. We offer payment by bank transfer and cheque.
If you’re a VAT-registered trader or company and this is your first time selling to us, please get in touch before your visit to set up a supplier account. Our Accounts team will guide you through the process.
We don’t sell car spares, as we don’t break vehicles for parts. Instead, we fully depollute every vehicle we receive and process the metal entirely for recycling. If you’re looking for spare parts, we recommend getting in touch with a local car breaker who specialises in that service.
We also don’t sell small quantities or individual pieces of metal to the general public, and for safety reasons, we’re unable to allow public access to operational areas of our yard.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept fridges or freezers at William Waugh, as they are classed as hazardous waste under current regulations.
For safe and proper disposal, we recommend contacting your local council, who can advise you on the best way to recycle or dispose of these items responsibly.
We currently have one job opening, for an experienced 360° Material Handler Operator based in the yard. We would love to hear from you if you have a valid 360° Material Handler Ticket and at least 1 year of experience with a grab and magnet. Email your CV to recycle@williamwaugh.co.uk.
Unfortunately, we do not offer towing or vehicle loading services. If your car is non-operational and you are unable to transport it to us, please visit cartakeback.com for assistance.
No problem at all. If you’re unsure what type of metal you have, just bring it in—our team will be happy to identify it for you on site and let you know if we can accept it, so don’t worry if you’re not sure.
Contact Us
We are happy to help, here’s how to get in touch
12 West Harbour Road
Edinburgh
EH5 1PH
Open Monday – Friday 8.15 – 5pm & Saturday 8-12
*We close for a short lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM. If you urgently need assistance during this time, please call ahead to make arrangements.
