Summer is well under way and millions of Brits will now be looking to mark the change of season with a house, garage or garden clear-out.

With August also being the busiest month to move home, many others will also be heading off to the recycling centre before loading up their removal van.

Yet many are missing a trick in the way they scrap unwanted metal items.

That’s because what looks like junk or rubbish, could actually be highly valuable and generate rewards to help offset the cost of a house-move or generate some funds for a holiday.

Experts at the British Metals Recycling Association say the soaring prices for some metals is creating the potential for this to be a golden summer for efficient recyclers.

Copper has recently soared as high as $8,000 per tonne while even humble aluminium is up nearly 11% year-on-year.

Recycling is environmentally friendly too an avoids sending items to landfill. Recycling metal can reduce the need to mine ore, saving natural habitats and other precious resources.

Yet despite the benefits lots of people are still failing to reap the rewards.

James Kelly, CEO of the BMRA said: “Metal is 100% recyclable and can have an instant value. Why not check your shed, garage, and even your kitchen for metals that are no longer being used, take it to a local metal recycler and be paid for it.

“Rather than throwing out metal items during a house clearance, it makes environmental and financial sense to recycle them.”

How can I recycle metal?

Recycling metals is simple: do a web search for local scrap yard or check the BMRA’s recycler directory to find your nearest metal recycler: www.recyclemetals.org/recyclerdirectory

It is illegal to pay cash for scrap metal, to discourage metal theft, though you can be paid by BACS, cheque or e-transfer.

Don’t forget to bring a photo ID and proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, as this is needed by law if a payment is to be made.

It is always a good idea to call ahead to check that the yard accepts the material you have.

Your scrap metal will be weighed in the yard, and you will be paid different rates according to the different types of metal.

There are some types of items that metals recyclers may be unwilling to take, such as electronic items and white goods such as fridges and freezers, but you can call the yard in advance to check if you are unsure.

What can I recycle?

The below is a list of items that can be recycled. It is important to check with the yard before to see what material they take:

• Cars
• Bikes
• Garden railings/metal fence
• Metal cooking utensils, cutlery, pots and pans
• Washing machines
• Door handles and hinges 
• Sinks
• Microwaves
• Taps
• Boilers
• Water tanks
• Copper water pipes
• Metal baths
• Radiators/towel heaters