The rate per kilo is the first thing anyone asks a scrap dealer, and it is only half the answer. What you get paid is the weight times the rate, for the grade the dealer decides your metal is. A good rate on a short weight, or on a lower grade, is not a good deal.
1. You can see the scale
Metal is bought by weight, so the scale is the whole transaction. You should be able to watch your load go on it and read the number yourself. If you weighed the load somewhere else first, compare. A small difference between two scales is normal. A large one is worth asking about.
2. The grade is explained
When a dealer puts your copper in No.2 rather than No.1, or your aluminium in mixed rather than extrusion, they should be able to show you why: solder on the pipe, steel screws in the frames, insulation on the wire. If the reasons are clear, the grading is probably fair.
3. The rate is for today
Scrap prices move with international metal markets. A dealer who quotes you for the day, and tells you so, is being straight with you. A price that sounds fixed for a month is usually padded to cover the risk.
4. The transport makes sense
Transport costs come out of the value one way or another. For heavy, cheap metal like steel, a dealer close to you is usually worth more than a slightly better rate far away. For copper and brass, travelling further can pay.
5. Payment is clear
Agree how and when you will be paid before the weighing starts. If you are selling for a company, ask what paperwork the dealer can give, such as a receipt or a weighbridge slip, if your accounts team needs one.
6. They tell you what they will not take
Every yard has limits: sealed tanks, gas cylinders, some battery types, hazardous waste. A dealer who says so at the start saves you a wasted trip.
Where we fit
We are a scrap yard at Musaffah M42, Abu Dhabi. The scale is in front of you and the rate is for the day. Call or WhatsApp +971 52 727 0105, or read about the yard.
Common questions
What should I look for in a scrap metal dealer?
A scale you can see, grades that are explained, a rate for the day, transport that makes sense for your load, and clear payment terms.
Is the highest rate per kilo always the best deal?
No. You are paid the weight times the rate for the grade the dealer assigns. A high rate with a lower grade or a short weight can pay less than a fair rate elsewhere.
Should I weigh my scrap before selling it?
If you can, yes. A weight from another scale gives you something to compare against when your load is weighed at the yard.
