Councils combine 'purchasing power' for scrap metal

Two councils are seeking a replacement scrap metal contractor after a previous recycling firm went into administration.

Bradford and Leeds' local authorities could earn up to £500,000 a year from the combined income made by the specialist company.

The contractor would collect and process waste metals stored at household recycling centres, with councils then paid for the materials after they are sold on.

Bradford Council said it received about 1,200 tonnes of scrap metal on average per year and the joint procurement with Leeds City Council would "leverage our combined purchasing power to get the best rates possible".

The move follows liquidation proceedings launched against Unimetals Recycling Ltd, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Interim arrangements are currently in place while a new contractor is arranged.

The new joint contract, carrying an expected annual income of £268,000 for Leeds City Council and £278,000 for Bradford Council, would start on 1 September.

"Residents can take scrap metal and lead acid batteries to any of the eight household waste recycling centres across Leeds," a Leeds City Council spokesperson said.

"A new contract is currently being procured as our previous contractor went into administration at the end of 2025."

Bradford Council's spokesperson added: "The joint procurement will leverage our combined purchasing power to get the best rates possible."

For Leeds only, the new contract would also cover the collection and disposal of abandoned vehicles.

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