Business waste & recycling

Scrap metal collection and recycling

Metal offcuts, shelving and fabrication waste need a clear description and a suitable recycling outlet. GRIDCO arranges scrap metal collection enquiries across Newcastle, Northumberland and Teesside through appropriate partners, checking the type, condition and quantity before a route is confirmed.

Request a scrap metal collection quote · Call 0191 323 5082 · Discuss your enquiry on WhatsApp

Covering Newcastle, Northumberland and Teesside from our base in Blyth.

Identify the metal and anything attached to it

Steel and iron are handled differently from non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper and brass. Describe whether the load is separated or mixed, and whether paint, insulation, plastics, oil or other residues are present. Photographs are useful but do not replace an honest description of contamination.

Machinery, tanks, cylinders and electrical equipment are not automatically ordinary scrap. Pressure, fuels, refrigerants, batteries and other components can create separate legal and safety requirements. Never cut open a tank or cylinder to prepare it for collection.

Safe loading and lawful ownership

Give approximate dimensions and weights, especially for long lengths, sharp edges or heavy machinery. Tell us about lifting facilities, vehicle access and whether items are fixed to a structure. Dismantling, disconnection and lifting are not included unless specifically assessed and agreed.

You must have authority to dispose of the material. Suitable dealer and carrier arrangements, identification checks and transaction records may be required. We do not promise anonymous collection or cash payment for scrap; any applicable dealer requirements and payment terms must be followed.

Scrap value is not a guaranteed rebate

The net price depends on grade, contamination, quantity, collection and processing costs, and market conditions. Some loads carry a collection charge even when the material has recycling value. Any rebate or charge must be quoted clearly before you agree to the job.

Every waste collection job gets a waste transfer note, and every commercial customer receives a monthly waste report every month. Separate clean metal from general waste where practical, but do not mix batteries, WEEE or hazardous containers into a scrap load to avoid a separate disposal route.

What we can assess

Declared ferrous metal offcuts
Separated aluminium, copper or brass subject to assessment
Metal shelving and fixtures with ownership confirmed
Commercial metal streams meeting partner acceptance terms

Not accepted, or needs separate arrangements

Gas cylinders and pressurised containers in general scrap
Contaminated tanks or unknown residues
Batteries and WEEE without a separately agreed route

What to tell us for a quote

Postcode, metal types and approximate weight
Photos, dimensions and any attachments or contamination
Ownership or authority to dispose
Loading equipment and access requirements

Included with our waste services

Every job includes a waste transfer note.

Commercial customers also receive a waste report every month.

Equipment supplied on a hire-only basis is not a waste collection. Waste transfer notes apply to waste collection jobs, not hire-only delivery.

Scrap metal collection FAQs

Is scrap metal collection free?

Not necessarily. Grade, quantity, access, haulage and contamination determine whether there is a charge or an agreed rebate. We confirm terms before booking.

Can you pay cash for scrap?

Do not expect cash payment. Scrap metal transactions in England are subject to legal dealer, identification and payment requirements; any agreed payment must follow those rules.

Can an old boiler or machine go as ordinary scrap?

It needs assessment first. Disconnection, residues, electrical components and safe lifting can require specialist work or a separate disposal route.

Should I remove plastic and insulation?

Only follow safe, agreed preparation instructions. Do not dismantle unknown or hazardous components; describe attachments when requesting the quote.

Related services

Sources and official guidance

Tell us what you have

GRIDCO confirms scope, acceptance, price and availability before booking.

Request a scrap metal collection quote · Call 0191 323 5082 · Discuss your enquiry on WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions