A first visit to a scrap yard can be uncomfortable simply because you do not know what to expect — who assesses the material, against what, and whether the scale shows what it should. Below is the whole sequence, step by step, so there are no surprises.

Step 1: driving in and weighing

For a delivery by vehicle you drive onto the weighbridge. Weighing has two stages: the vehicle with its load (gross) and, after unloading, the empty vehicle (tare). The difference is the net mass of the material and it is the basis for settlement. For smaller quantities we weigh on smaller scales, in the same way.

All scales are authorised and legally verified, that is periodically checked for accuracy by an authorised body. Weighing takes place openly, in the supplier's presence — you see the result on the display rather than learning about it from a finished settlement.

Step 2: grading the material

After unloading, a branch employee inspects the material. The basis of the assessment is visual and physical examination — an experienced grader recognises the grade by colour, fracture structure, weight, sound and surface characteristics. For most of the material arriving at a branch this is enough, and it takes little time.

Where the alloy is not obvious — where appearance does not settle the matter and the difference in valuation is material — we reach for a handheld spectrometer. Every branch has a professional spectrometer for elemental analysis; it serves as verification in doubtful cases, not as a routine test of every batch.

If a delivery contains several grades, they are separated and settled individually. Why that works in your favour we explain in the piece on sorting scrap before selling.

Step 3: deductions for contamination

If the material contains elements that are not tradeable metal — rubber, plastic, insulation, concrete, water in turnings — their share is estimated and deducted from the settlement mass. A deduction is not a penalty; it reflects how much material we are actually buying.

The basis for any deduction is always stated openly. If you disagree with it, that is the moment for a conversation — before settlement, not after.

Step 4: documents and settlement

The extent of the formalities depends on who delivers the material.

A private individual — proof of identity is required. Accepting metal waste from a private individual requires a form covering, among other things, the type of waste, the type of product it came from, its source of origin and the supplier's details. We verify identity against the document presented.

A company subject to waste record-keeping — we accept material against a waste transfer note issued in the BDO system. Some businesses are exempt from record-keeping and then no transfer note arises; if you are unsure, confirm it with the branch before delivery. The whole flow is described in the article on BDO and the waste transfer note, and choosing the right code in the piece on waste codes.

We settle cashlessly, by transfer to the account given at acceptance. You can confirm the details and the timing at the branch before unloading.

What to bring with you

A short list that shortens the whole visit:

  • Proof of identity (private individual) or the transfer note where required (company).
  • Bank account details for settlement.
  • Knowledge of where the material came from — it is part of the acceptance form.
  • Where possible, separated material, if you have several grades.

Not sure whether your nearest branch accepts a given material or serves private individuals? Location profiles differ — check the list of branches or call before setting off.

Would you like a valuation before you get in the car? Send photos of the material — we will price it on that basis and tell you which branch to bring it to.