A scrap dealer buys and sells scrap materials such as metal, paper or furniture, for recycling or for resale. They may work for a large waste management company, a small local firm or be self-employed.

The Work

You could be:

• clearing scrap from buildings which are being demolished
• collecting items from business clearances such as factories or offices
• reading newspapers to find out about house clearances
• separating different materials, particularly metals
• using machines to cut up or crush waste metal
• operating machinery, such as a fork lift truck, to lift and move materials
• keeping accounts and legally required paperwork for all transactions.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2026 the National Minimum Wage is £8.00 an hour for workers under 18, £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour.

Pay can rise to around £9.00 an hour or more.

Conditions

• You will sometimes work outside in all weathers.
• You may sometimes work indoors in dusty conditions.
• You may handle dirty, rusty and decaying material as well as broken glass.
• You will probably have to carry heavy objects.
• You should wear protective clothing, such as gloves, overalls, boots, goggles and a safety helmet.
• You may drive about to local sales and clearances.
• You may work irregular hours including evenings and weekends.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful.
• You need to be over 18 to work crushing machines.
• You should be physically fit.
• You will usually need a driving licence.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

3633

0.8 %

RISE

2031

3661

  United Kingdom

2026

58790

2.4 %

RISE

2031

60199

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• good at bargaining with people
• good at judging the value of things
• good at numbers
• able to make decisions quickly
• prepared to get dirty
• able to work alone or in a team
• responsible when it comes to health and safety.

Training

Training is on the job, working with an experienced scrap dealer.

Getting On

• Many jobs are with small local firms, where there are few opportunities for promotion.
• There are large scrap contractor companies which recycle glass, paper and fabrics. If you work for one of these, you might gain promotion to management.
• To become a self-employed scrap dealer you need a licence from the council for any premises where you will be dealing in or processing metal. A licence is also required to deal in other second-hand goods. You also must register with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) as a carrier or manager of waste. There are restrictions on the recycling or disposal of electrical goods such as refrigerators.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.