Latest Scrap Zinc Prices in the UK (2025)
Among the various metals recycled and traded, scrap zinc has gained increased attention due to its consistently strong demand and wide range of applications in industries such as construction, automotive, electronics, and others. Whether you are a dealer involved in zinc trading or simply an individual with a few kilograms of zinc scrap, staying informed about current market trends can offer both financial advantages and environmental benefits.
In this guide, we will explore the current market trends for scrap zinc prices in the UK, the factors influencing market fluctuations, tips on maximising returns, and projections for the future.
Scrap Zinc Prices Trends in the UK (2025)
As of 2025, the UK scrap zinc market has experienced notable volatility. However, current clean zinc scrap prices range from £0.50 to £1.20 per kilogram, depending on various factors such as quality, type, and demand in the market.
| Type of Scrap Zinc | Price Range (£/kg) | Price Range (£/tonne) |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Zinc Scrap | £0.80 - £1.20 | £800 - £1,200 |
| Zinc Die-Cast | £0.70 - £1.00 | £700 - £1,000 |
| New Zinc Clippings | £0.85 - £1.15 | £850 - £1,150 |
| Mixed Zinc Scrap | £0.50 - £0.80 | £500 - £800 |
| Old Rolled Zinc | £0.60 - £0.90 | £600 - £900 |
| Zinc Dross | £0.45 - £0.75 | £450 - £750 |
Factors Affecting Scrap Zinc Prices
Like all types of metals, the price of scrap zinc is directly linked to several interrelated factors. The following are the key factors that are responsible for the fluctuation of the scrap zinc price.
1. Purity and Grade
Like in the case of most of the other metals, the purity and the grade significantly impact its valuation in trading and processing. Higher-purity materials, like clean zinc die-cast, command better prices due to their quality and lower processing costs. Lower-grade materials, such as mixed or contaminated zinc scrap metal, require additional processing, which reduces their value.
This principle applies broadly to almost all metals in the scrap market.
2. Global Market Demand
Zinc metal is traded globally, and its rates in the United Kingdom are also impacted by international demand, especially from large consumers like China, Canada, the USA, Japan, and India. So, an increase in the infrastructure projects across the world can drive prices higher. As global zinc prices rise, scrap zinc prices often follow, as recycled zinc becomes a cost-effective alternative, though this correlation may vary based on various factors.
3. Local Demand
Another major factor that drives the prices upwards or downwards is the local demand for the scrap zinc metal. The local industrial sectors that rely on zinc metals, such as automotive, construction, and others, mainly influence the demand for zinc metal. So, when demand for primary zinc metal surges nationally, scrap zinc also goes in demand to fill the market needs as a cost-effective alternative, resulting in higher rates.
4. Processing Costs
Recycling metals like zinc is an energy-intensive process, so whenever energy prices increase, this impacts the scrap metal processing costs. When energy costs rise, scrap yards or recycling centres may pay less than what a seller actually deserves to maintain profitability or higher ROI. The cost of collecting, sorting, and transporting the scrap metal across the UK also influences the market pricing.
These decisions directly impact sellers’ returns, and indirectly, the businesses involved, such as scrapyards or recycling centres, are also affected.
5. Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
The UK’s commitment to a greener economy and achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has heightened the focus on metal recycling. Apart from existing regulations, if government authorities impose new regulations, such as stricter landfill regulations, mandatory machinery upgrades for recycling facilities, and enhanced waste management standards, in that case, this step will impact scrapyards, scrap dealers, recycling centres, and everyone involved in the business.
As the regulations are imposed by the government, these stakeholders do not have any other option than complying with such regulations, which may increase operational costs for scrap zinc recycling. To maintain profitability, businesses may adjust pricing for scrap metals.
Trends in the UK Scrap Zinc Market
Several reports suggest that its demand is estimated to have increased by approximately 3% compared to last year, driven partly by the global electric vehicle (EV) boom, which uses zinc in galvanised steel and zinc-based batteries, but more significantly by growth in construction and infrastructure.
Scrap zinc is not as valuable as scrap copper and aluminium, but it is still a solid contributor to the UK’s metal recycling economy, because it is highly sought after and widely used in the top industries, such as in galvanising steel and alloys for construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. However, currently, the global zinc supply chains have faced disruptions from trade tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and energy crises, causing volatility in primary zinc prices that impacts its scrap version in the scrap market.
Final Thoughts
Different global and local factors influence zinc scrap metal prices in the United Kingdom. As discussed above, its prices typically range from £0.50 to £1.20 per kilogram, depending on various factors. However, it’s recommended that everyone involved in the business stay informed about the market trends to make the right decisions.
Aniq Akram