Secure Metal Skips & Containers for Construction, Industrial & Commercial Sites
When you need secure, convenient metal waste storage on your site, Nationwide Metal Recycling provides skip and container hire services across East England. Whether you're managing a construction project, running a manufacturing facility, or operating a workshop, our range of metal containers keeps your premises organized while allowing you to accumulate scrap metal at your own pace.
Unlike general waste skips, our containers are specifically designed for scrap metal—robust construction, secure lids available, and sized appropriately for metal waste density. When your container is full, we collect it, weigh the contents at our certified weighbridges, and pay you for the scrap metal value.
We offer flexible hire periods from short-term project use to long-term contracts for ongoing operations. Multiple sizes available to suit everything from small workshops to large construction sites or manufacturing facilities.
With over 18 years of experience serving the construction and manufacturing industries, we understand what you need: reliable delivery and collection, secure storage, fair pricing, and proper documentation for compliance.
Choose the right container size for your project. Not sure? Call us for advice on 01206 231534.
1.2m × 1.8m × 1.2m
1.8m × 3.7m × 1.2m
3.6m × 1.8m × 1.8m
6m × 2.4m × 2.4m
Various sizes available
240L - 1100L
Call us or complete our online form. Tell us:
We'll confirm availability and arrange delivery.
We deliver your container at the agreed time:
Start filling it at your convenience.
Use the container throughout your hire period:
We're flexible with hire periods.
When full, we collect and pay you:
Many customers receive net payment even after hire charges.
Our container hire pricing is straightforward and transparent.
Container hire charges vary by:
Prices exclude delivery/collection charges. Contact us for exact quote.
For ongoing container needs, we offer contract rates with significant discounts:
Call 01206 231534 to discuss contract pricing.
When we collect your full container, the contents are weighed and valued. You receive payment for the scrap metal value.
| Container Hire: | £80/week (2 weeks) = £160 |
| Delivery/Collection: | £60 |
| Total Hire Cost: | £220 |
| Calculation separator | |
| Your container holds 800kg mixed metals | |
| Metal value: | £400 |
| You Receive: | £180 (£400 - £220) |
If your container has high-value metals:
...the scrap value often significantly exceeds hire costs.
We calculate: (Metal Value) - (Hire Charges) = Your Payment
If metal value exceeds charges, you receive payment within 2 hours via bank transfer.
If your container has mostly low-value metals (standard steel), the hire charges may exceed scrap value. We'll always tell you the metal value - full transparency.
Even in these cases, container hire is often cheaper than alternative waste disposal and keeps your site organized.
From small electrical jobs to large demolition projects, our container hire service adapts to your industry needs.
Builders and contractors use our containers for:
Manufacturers use our containers for:
Electricians use our containers for:
Plumbers use our containers for:
Garages and body shops use our containers for:
Demolition contractors use our containers for:
Our containers are designed specifically for metal recycling, with features that make your waste management easier and more secure.
Secure enclosed containers with locks available for high-value metals or security-sensitive sites. Prevents theft and unauthorized dumping.
Lidded or enclosed containers keep contents dry and clean. Important for certain metal types and compliance requirements.
For regular users, we offer container exchange - we swap your full container for an empty one, minimizing downtime.
All containers clearly labeled with contents type, contact details, and waste carrier license number for compliance.
We position containers wherever you need them on site (subject to access). Can discuss placement during booking.
Our containers are built for metal waste - reinforced construction handles sharp edges and heavy materials safely.
We deliver containers throughout Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Lincolnshire from our six strategically located facilities.
Colchester, Chelmsford, Harlow, Basildon, Southend, Clacton, Braintree, Witham, Brentwood, and all surrounding towns and villages
Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Sudbury, Haverhill, Stowmarket
Cambridge, Peterborough, Ely, Huntingdon, St Neots, Wisbech
Stevenage, Letchworth, Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Bishops Stortford
Spalding, Boston, Bourne, Grantham, Stamford
Vary by distance from nearest facility. Typical range £30-£80 per delivery/collection cycle. Exact quote provided when booking.
Find answers to the most common questions about our container hire service.
It depends on your project and space:
If unsure, describe your project when booking and we'll recommend the appropriate size. You can always start smaller and upgrade if needed.
Hire periods are flexible. Common options:
You can extend hire periods - just call us before the end date. Pro-rata charges apply for extensions.
Simply call us to arrange early collection. We'll collect the full container, weigh the contents, and can deliver a replacement if you need to continue. There's usually no penalty for early collection - we're happy to collect when you're ready.
Yes, mixed metals are fine. However, separating high-value metals (copper, brass, aluminium) from standard steel will maximize your returns. If separation isn't practical, don't worry - we sort materials at our facilities, but returns may be lower for mixed loads.
On private property: No permit needed if container is on your own land or site.
On public highway: If the container needs to be on a road or pavement, a permit from the local council is usually required. We can advise on this, but permit applications are typically the customer's responsibility. Most customers position containers on private property to avoid this.
Our containers are for scrap metal only. Please don't include:
For mixed waste, you'll need a general waste skip from a different provider.
Delivery times depend on container size and location:
For urgent requirements, call us in the morning and we'll do our best to arrange same-day delivery subject to vehicle availability.
Small/medium skips: Standard delivery vehicle similar to a large van. Needs approximately 3m width and 3.5m height clearance.
Large skips: Require lorry access - approximately 3.5m width and 4m height.
Extra-large containers: Need HGV access - wide, clear routes with no low bridges or narrow lanes.
If you have access concerns, discuss when booking and we can advise or arrange a site visit.
Yes, this is our "exchange service" - very popular with regular users. When your container is full, we collect it and simultaneously deliver an empty replacement. This minimizes downtime and keeps your operations running smoothly. Ideal for manufacturing facilities and busy construction sites.
Absolutely. For businesses with ongoing container needs, we offer contract arrangements with:
Contact us to discuss contract options tailored to your requirements.
"We've had an 8-yard skip at our builder's yard for 3 years. Weekly exchange service works perfectly - they swap the full one for empty every Monday like clockwork. The copper and steel we collect more than covers the hire costs."
Mark Thompson
Thompson Construction, Colchester
"Hired a 12-yard skip for our renovation project in Cambridge. Delivered on time, positioned exactly where we needed it, and collected promptly when full. We received £420 for the scrap after hire charges. Great service."
Sarah Mitchell
Project Manager, Heritage Developments
"As an electrical contractor, the 6-yard skip at our yard is essential. We fill it with cable offcuts monthly. The copper value always exceeds the hire cost, so it's money in our pocket plus convenient waste management."
James Russell
Russell Electrical Services, Chelmsford
"We needed secure containers for high-value brass from our manufacturing process. NM Recycling provided lockable containers and the exchange service means we're never waiting for collection. Professional throughout."
David Palmer
Production Manager, Engineering Firm, Hitchin
"Demolished a commercial building in Ipswich and hired their largest container. It handled all the structural steel perfectly. Collection was smooth and we were pleasantly surprised by the payment for the scrap metal."
Robert Collins
Collins Demolition, Suffolk
"Simple, straightforward service. Called Monday, container delivered Tuesday, filled it over 2 weeks, collected when we requested. Payment came through within 2 hours. Will definitely use again."
Andrew Harris
Harris Building Services, Spalding
Explore our full range of metal recycling solutions for your business.
Complete the form below and we'll contact you to confirm delivery details and pricing.
Get the most value from your container hire and ensure safe, compliant operations.
If practical, separate metals by type:
Remove:
Fill containers to just below the rim:
Call for collection when:
Position containers:
For valuable metals:
Keep on file:
Fast delivery across East England. Flexible hire periods.
You get paid for your scrap metal. Call us now.