Create a free account, then buy or sell scrap metal in a few simple steps: browse or list material, agree a price through bidding or a direct request, and get paid safely through escrow. Here's exactly how each part works.
Sign up with your email and basic details, it takes a couple of minutes. You can start browsing straight away. To actually trade, verify your identity (and your business, if you're trading as one), which unlocks the trust badges buyers and sellers look for before dealing with someone new.
One account covers both sides: you don't need separate buyer and seller accounts, and many traders do both. Create your free account to get started.
Pick whichever fits your material and how quickly you want to move it. You're not locked into one method, different listings can use different approaches.
Set your price and list your material. Buyers purchase directly or send an offer to negotiate.
List material and let verified buyers compete by bidding in real time. The highest bid at close wins the lot.
Browse what buyers are actively looking for and respond directly with a quote for material you already have.
Check current market prices before you commit to anything, then choose how you'd rather find material.
Search listings by material, grade, quantity, and location, then buy directly or send an offer.
Join an active auction and place competitive bids. You'll be notified if you're outbid.
Describe exactly what you need and let matching sellers come to you with direct quotes.
Once a fixed-price purchase, a won auction, or an accepted Wanted Board quote is confirmed, the buyer's payment moves into escrow: held securely by ScrapTrade, not sent to the seller yet. That single step is what protects both sides.
Pickup or delivery is then arranged between buyer and seller. Once the buyer confirms the material arrived as agreed, escrow releases payment to the seller. Neither side is exposed: the seller doesn't ship into the unknown, and the buyer doesn't pay for something that never turns up.
Once you're logged in, your dashboard is where everything lives. Four things you'll use most often:
Everything you've listed for sale or purchased, with current status at a glance.
Active and past bids you've placed or received, whether you're buying or selling.
Direct messages with buyers or sellers you're currently negotiating or transacting with.
Alerts when you're outbid, a deal is confirmed, payment clears, or delivery is due.
Badges on a profile tell you who you're actually dealing with before you commit to anything. Identity (KYC) verification confirms a real, checked individual is behind the account. Business verification confirms a registered company. Neither is required just to browse, but most active traders complete both, since counterparties tend to trust verified profiles first, especially on larger deals.
No. Creating an account and browsing listings, auctions, and the Wanted Board is free. ScrapTrade also offers paid subscription plans with expanded listing features, but they're optional, not required to buy or sell.
Basic sign-up is instant. Identity (KYC) and business verification, which unlock trust badges on your profile, are usually reviewed within one to two business days once you've submitted the required documents.
In a live auction, a seller lists material and buyers compete by bidding, the seller starts the process. On the Wanted Board, a buyer posts what they need and sellers respond with quotes, the buyer starts the process. Same escrow protection either way.
Once a deal is confirmed, the buyer's payment is held in escrow, not sent directly to the seller. It's released to the seller only after the buyer confirms pickup or delivery, which protects both sides from paying (or shipping) before the other side follows through.
Yes, the site works on mobile browsers, and there's no separate app required to buy, sell, bid, or message. Everything in this guide works the same way on a phone as on a desktop.
Message the other party directly first, most issues are resolved that way. If you can't reach an agreement, ScrapTrade's support team can step in, and since payment sits in escrow until delivery is confirmed, funds aren't released while a dispute is open.
No. One account can both buy and sell. Many traders on ScrapTrade do both, sourcing material from one deal and selling it on through another.
