Types of Metals and uPVC Products We Recycle

At H&S Metals, we take pride in offering a comprehensive recycling service for a wide range of metals and uPVC materials, supporting both environmental sustainability and the UK’s circular economy. Whether you’re a household clearing out old materials or a business handling end-of-life stock, knowing what can be recycled (and how) helps you get the best value and ensure compliance with UK recycling standards.

Ferrous Metals

These are iron-containing metals and are typically magnetic. They form some of the most commonly recycled metals because they are used extensively in construction, manufacturing and everyday products.

Examples we accept include:

• Steel – from structural steel sections, boilerplate, sheet steel and industrial off-cuts.
• Iron & Cast Iron – including engine blocks, pipes, radiators and cast components.

Ferrous scrap is usually collected separately at the yard and processed for reuse or melting down into new construction materials or machinery parts.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are non-magnetic and highly valuable, especially in UK recycling markets. They are highly valued for qualities such as resistance to corrosion, excellent conductivity, and strong yet lightweight performance.

Key non-ferrous metals recycled at H&S Metals include:

• Aluminium – from window frames, sheet, alloy wheels, and fabrication offcuts.
• Copper – including pipework, tubing and electrical cabling.
• Brass & Bronze – from taps, fixtures, fittings and decorative hardware.
• Tin & Zinc – often found in plated parts, roofing materials, and specialty components.
• Nickel & Titanium Alloys – used in specialist industrial and engineering applications.

These metals are stripped, sorted and graded for processing into new materials, often commanding a higher price per kilogram due to strong demand.

Scrap Cable and Electrical Components

Electrical cables consist of valuable metals, especially copper and aluminium, wrapped in insulation. At H&S Metals we strip, sort and recycle a wide range of cables:

• Household cable
• Low grade armoured cable
• Singles & shielded cables
• Aluminium cable
• PVC sheathed variants
• Data & communication cables

Removing the insulation increases the material’s recyclability and value as electrical cables are an important non-ferrous stream in the UK metal recycling market.

Batteries & Electronics (Metal Components)

While whole electronic devices aren’t always accepted at all yards due to hazardous components (and UK waste regulations), metal parts and battery casings can be recycled where compliant. H&S Metals accept certain batteries and electrical metals for safe recycling, separating toxic elements before processing.

UPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) Window Frames & Doors

UPVC is one of the UK’s most durable building plastics and fully recyclable when prepared correctly. H&S Metals actively recycles UPVC window frames offering free same-day payments for accepted frames.

Key points about UPVC recycling:

• Frames must be free from glass panes, wood, other contaminants and rubber seals where possible.
• Handles and minor metal fixings don’t always need removal.
• UPVC can be granulated and re-pelletised into raw material for new products — window frames, piping, trims and outdoor fixtures.
• Recycled UPVC retains strength and can be reused multiple times in new construction materials.

In the UK, specialised UPVC recycling plays a significant role in reducing plastic landfill waste and supports sustainable building practices.

Small Metal Items & Mixed Scrap

Beyond the major categories, H&S Metals accepts everyday metal items found around homes and workplaces, provided they’re recyclable and free from prohibited wastes:

• Copper pipes and fittings
• Brass and aluminium cookware
• Stainless steel cutlery and fittings
• Light fixtures and metal tools
• Mixed scrap metals (sorted on arrival)

Note: UK recycling centres and scrap yards may refuse contaminated or hazardous wastes (e.g., asbestos-contaminated metals, sealed gas bottles, explosives), so always check before bringing them in.

How We Handle Materials (UK Recycling Standards)

When you bring metals or UPVC to H&S Metals, the materials go through several compliant steps to maximise recycling quality and efficiency:

1. Sorting by material type — metal grades and plastics separated.
2. Shredding & Preparation to reduce size and remove contaminants.
3. Cleaning & Separation, including magnetic sorting for ferrous metals.
4. Processing into Raw Material — metals melt down; UPVC is pelletised for reuse.

This rigorous process ensures all recycled materials meet industry standards — reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions and conserving resources across the UK.

If you’re based along the south coast, come to H&S Metals to make money from your scrap metal. We have yards in both Portsmouth and Bishops Waltham. We are registered waste carriers, and offer a scrap metal collection service to domestic, commercial and construction customers, offering free, same day payments for our customers. Find out more about how we recycle metal, and which metals we offer to buy here.