Lead is very dense, so small quantities carry real value, and that is precisely why it is a target for theft from church roofs, listed buildings and construction sites. Expect us to be thorough about where it came from. That is not suspicion of you; it is the reason legitimate sellers still have a market.
The grades we buy
Soft lead (Racks)
Roofing sheet, flashing, code lead, pipe and cable sheathing. Clean lead free of nails, felt and mortar pays best.
Balance and ballast weights
Wheel weights, keel and diving ballast, counterweights. Steel clips are deducted.
Lead-acid batteries
Handled as hazardous waste under separate arrangements. Do not include them in a general load, and never break or drain one. Tell us in advance if you have them and we will bring the right containment.
Zinc
Die-cast components, galvanising dross and roofing zinc. Distinct from lead and priced separately, though the two are often collected together.
Provenance and identification
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 we verify the identity of every seller and keep the record. With lead in particular, expect to be asked where it came from, and for a contractor to be asked which site. If you are a roofing or building contractor selling regularly, a short standing note from the property owner saves time on every visit.
Safety
Lead is toxic. Wash your hands after handling it, do not eat or smoke while working with it, and keep offcuts away from children and animals. Never burn or melt it in an unventilated space. If you are stripping a roof, follow the HSE guidance on lead at work.
Preparing lead for collection
- Remove nails, screws, felt and bitumen where practical.
- Roll or fold sheet lead into manageable bundles; it is heavier than it looks.
- Keep zinc separate from lead.
- Never include batteries in a general load.
- Have documentation of ownership available, particularly for roofing lead.