The three components of a scrap offer
Every legitimate scrap quote comes down to the same three inputs. Everything else is negotiation.
- Kerb weight — heavier vans contain more recoverable steel
- The current ferrous and non-ferrous metal market, which moves weekly
- Non-ferrous extras: catalytic converter, aluminium components, wiring loom copper, battery
Why the price changes week to week
Scrap steel is a globally traded commodity. When demand from mills softens, yard prices fall within days, which is why a quote from a month ago means very little today. Ask any yard whether the price is guaranteed on the day of collection.
Where the extra money is
A yard prices the metal. A parts buyer prices what still works: a sound engine, a healthy gearbox, straight panels, a recent clutch or turbo, wheels and glass. That is why RubbishVans routinely pays above weight-only scrap for vans that are mechanically broken but not stripped.
Cash payment is illegal
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, dealers in England and Wales cannot pay cash for scrap vehicles. Payment must be traceable — bank transfer or cheque. Similar rules apply in Scotland. A cash offer is a red flag about everything else in that transaction.
Always use an Authorised Treatment Facility
End-of-life vehicles must be destroyed at an ATF, which issues a Certificate of Destruction and notifies the DVLA. If your van is genuinely going for destruction, insist on that certificate.
Common questions
- Is my van worth more scrapped or sold?
- If it still has usable parts, sold. If it is a stripped, burnt or flooded shell, scrapped. Get both numbers before deciding.
- Do I get paid on collection?
- Payment is made by bank transfer, not cash, and we confirm the transfer before the vehicle leaves.
- Who tells the DVLA?
- We notify the DVLA of the change of keeper for every van we buy and send you written confirmation.