Scrap prices move with global commodity markets, but there is a lot sellers can control before they ever get a quote.
Sort before you sell. Mixed loads are priced at the rate of the lowest-value material in the batch. Separating ferrous from non-ferrous, and pulling out copper, brass, or aluminium components, can lift the average price per kilogram significantly.
Remove contamination. Insulation, plastic housings, oil residue, and attached fasteners all reduce the net weight buyers will pay for. A clean load is a faster, higher-value transaction.
Weigh before you commit. Getting an accurate weight — even a rough one from a bathroom or luggage scale for smaller loads — helps you sanity-check any offer against current per-kilogram rates.
Compare more than one offer. Rates vary between buyers depending on what they need that week. Getting two or three quotes before arranging pickup is standard practice for anyone selling in volume.