A simple, practical guide to scrap recycling in Kent — what to clear, what you can recycle, and why it pays to book early at the start of the year.
If you’re continuing the tidy-up into spring, our Spring clear-out guide for Kent shows how to separate household scrap early and avoid last-minute rush.
Why the New Year is the best time to clear your yard
The New Year is when most households finally tackle the jobs they’ve been putting off.
If your garden, driveway, or shed has slowly filled up with old metal, broken appliances, or leftover DIY materials, now is the easiest time to deal with it properly.
Clearing scrap metal early helps free up space, improves safety around the home, and sets you up for any projects planned later in the year.
It also means you’re more likely to secure a convenient collection slot before things get busy.
A simple 10-minute clean yard plan
- Walk the usual spots: shed, garage, side access, and garden corners.
- Create three piles: scrap metal, unsure items, and non-metal waste.
- Group similar metals together where possible.
- Clear a safe access route for loading or collection.
Even doing the first two steps puts you in a good position to book a collection.
Planning a clear-out? Book your scrap collection early to avoid delays.
What scrap metal do households usually have?
Most domestic scrap metal falls into two categories: non-ferrous and ferrous.
You don’t need to sort perfectly — rough separation is enough.
Non-ferrous metals
- Copper pipe and cable
- Brass fittings and taps
- Aluminium frames and trims
- Lead flashing
Ferrous metals
- Steel fencing and gates
- Old shelving or racking
- Metal bed frames
- Broken tools and machinery
Why sorting helps (but don’t overthink it)
Even basic sorting speeds things up and avoids confusion on collection day.
You don’t need to strip or clean metal — just keep similar items together where you can.
Safety tips when clearing scrap metal
- Wear gloves when handling metal.
- Watch for sharp edges.
- Bundle loose cables and small pieces.
- Keep children and pets clear of the area.
Two easy ways to recycle scrap metal in Kent
Weigh & Pay (drop-off)
Ideal for smaller loads if you can transport the metal yourself.
Your scrap is weighed and paid electronically.
Scrap metal collection
Best for bulky items or larger clear-outs.
A collection can be arranged using your postcode and a couple of photos.
What you need to know before recycling
- Photo ID is required when selling scrap metal.
- Cash payments are not permitted under UK law.
- Payments are made electronically.
✔ Serving Kent & Medway
✔ Clear, straightforward process
✔ Domestic & trade friendly
Not sure what you’ve got?
Send us a couple of photos and your postcode and we’ll help you plan the next step.
Quick clean-yard checklist
- Separate metals where possible.
- Remove obvious non-metal waste.
- Bundle loose items.
- Clear access routes.
- Take 2–3 clear photos.
- Book early.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ID to recycle scrap metal?
Yes. A valid photo ID is required when selling scrap metal in the UK.
Can I be paid in cash?
No. Cash payments are not permitted. All payments are electronic.
Do you offer collections across Kent?
Yes — we cover Kent and Medway, subject to availability.
Ready to start the year with a clear yard?
Book early to avoid delays and get your scrap recycled properly.