Frequently asked
questions
Can I sell items to EMR?
We welcome all customers, whether you are a business or member of the public. You don’t need an appointment to visit our sites, just call in!
If you have larger volumes of metal and are interested in finding out about how we can help, give us a call on 03330 152 152 or send your enquiry using our online contact form and we’ll call you back.
Why should I recycle metal?
Just like recycling your household items, recycling metal is vital for preserving the planet. Using recycled materials instead of their virgin equivalents not only saves energy, but also reduces greenhouse gases and lessens other environmental impacts associated with the extraction of new materials from the earth.
It is widely recognised that sending old materials to landfill and mining for new is not a long-term solution and at EMR we play an active part in minimising the amount of recyclable material that is disposed of in this way. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also allows you to generate revenue from your old goods and materials, with EMR offering competitive prices for all types of unwanted metal.
You can read more about sustainability here.
Where can I find my local EMR site?
We have over 60 sites across the UK! You can find your nearest EMR recycling site using our online directory.
Does EMR open at the weekend?
Most of our EMR sites are open on a Saturdays. All UK depots closed on a Sunday.
I’m a new customer, do I need to set up an account?
Yes, all new customer need to register an account before we can pay you, as per The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Creating an account is a quick and straightforward process. You can create an account before your visit using our online portal. Or, you can set up an account at your local EMR site when you visit.
What ID do I need to sign up for an account?
You need in-date photo ID and proof of address to sign up. The easiest option is a UK driving licence, as it works for both types of ID.
Other acceptable photo IDs include:
- UK/EU passports
- UK biometric immigration documents
- EU National ID cards
For proof of address, we accept:
- Utility bills (issued within 3 months, not mobile phone bills)
- Bank or credit card statements
- Council Tax letters
- Mortgage or HMRC documents
If your address changes, update your account by providing your new ID and proof of address.
How do I get paid?
We offer a variety of payment options. Whatever method you choose, it’s mandatory that you have up-to-date ID on your account. If your ID is out of date, you can update it at your local EMR site or using our online customer portal.
All sites:
- Bank transfer (same day or next day available) — A quick, secure option.
- SecOre payment card — Instantly load money onto your card and spend wherever you see the Mastercard logo.
- Cheque cashing — If it is your first time cashing a cheque, you’ll need to provide up-to-date ID and complete a registration form. After that, you'll need to show ID every time you use the service.
Selected sites:
- ATM — Simply scan the QR code on your ticket using the ATM machine, confirm the amount on screen, and your money will be dispensed.
How does the customer payment portal work?
With EMR you can now get paid by scanning your payment ticket with a mobile phone, meaning no more waiting at the payment office. You get instant gain access to your customer portal and can request payment straight to your bank account.
Bonus payment portal tip! You can save up your tickets and request multiple ticket payments at the same time to get paid all at once.
What items does EMR buy?
We buy metal of all shapes and sizes. No load is too big or too small! We accept many ferrous and non-ferrous metals, along with end-of-life vehicles.
Here are just some of the common items we accept:
Ferrous metal:
- Bicycles
- Cookers
- Iron
- Steel
Non-ferrous metal:
- Aluminium
- Brass
- Car batteries
- Catalytic converters
- Copper
- Household cable
- Lead
- Stainless Steel
- Zinc
Vehicles:
- Cars
- Motorbikes
- Vans
Waste electricals:
- Microwaves
- Power tools
- Printers
- Washing machines
Do you publish your prices?
Prices can change daily, so please visit your local site or contact us on 03330 152 152 for an up-to-date price.
How do I identify and weigh in my metal?
We have clear signs on-site so you know which area to head to and there will always be someone on-hand to assist you.
- Ferrous metals are those containing iron – a magnet is usually a good way to identify them. If the magnet sticks, the chances are it’s ferrous.
- Non-ferrous metal is a term used to describe everything else that isn’t ferrous, such as copper, brass, lead, aluminium and many other metal types.
Unusual or oversized load? Please call us before you visit so that we can assist you ahead of time.
Do I have to separate my metals before arriving at EMR?
You don’t need to separate your metals into ferrous and non-ferrous before visiting EMR, but doing so can help you get paid more by saving us sorting time. Make sure your metals are clean and free from mud or dirt to increase their value.
Do I need PPE when visiting a site?
Yes. Our customer’s safety is our top priority & PPE is mandatory when visiting one of our sites. When visiting one of our EMR sites to drop off your metal, we require you to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when outside of your vehicle, for your health and safety.
Required PPE includes:
- A hard hat
- Hi-vis vest or jacket
If you do not have an item of PPE, please ask a member of the team on site, who will be able to lend you the PPE for the duration of your visit. In some instances, you can also ask to purchase PPE, simply ask a member of the team.
Can I bring my old car to EMR?
We accept end-of-life vehicles at most of our sites. Please bring the V5C registration document if you have it available (although we can still recycle the car without it). As an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), we can send you a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) to prove that you’re no longer the vehicle's registered keeper, on request.
Who can I contact if I have a question?
There are several ways you can get in touch. For general enquiries, you can contact our Customer Care team on 03330 152 152. Our Customer Care opening times are:
- Monday to Friday — 7:00am to 5:00pm
- Saturday — 7:00am to 12:00pm
You can also email us at ukinfo@emrgroup.com
How do I update my details?
If you need to update your payment details or personal information, please visit your local depot or contact our customer care team on 03330 152 152.
Please bear in mind that you might need to provide proof of ID to change your details.