Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Scrap Metal Recycling Services in Bradford
Established in 1964, Bradford Waste Traders has grown into one of Yorkshire's leading scrap metal recycling companies. Our expertise spans ferrous and non-ferrous metal processing, car scrapping, skip hire, and warehouse demolition, supported by a fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles. With three operational sites and decades of family-led experience, we combine traditional values with modern technology to deliver efficient recycling solutions. Our team of 35 professionals utilises advanced machinery, including hydraulic shears and container tilters, to process over 1,800 tonnes of scrap weekly.

As a fully licensed Authority Treatment Facility, we maintain strict compliance with environmental regulations while offering competitive pricing independent of commercial rate benchmarks. Our industry recognition from bodies like the British Metals Recycling Association underscores our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Services
Scrap Metal Recycling Car Scrapping Skip Hire Warehouse Demolition Dismantling Services Metal Collection Exporting Scrap Metal Processing Ferrous Metals Processing Non-Ferrous Metals Car Spares
Details
  • Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
  • We offer some of the most competitive rates in Yorkshire for scrap metal recycling.
  • Our fleet of vehicles is environmentally friendly and dedicated to efficient collections.
  • We provide both drop-off and collection services for all types of scrap metal.
  • All metals are sorted and graded to meet foundry specifications.
  • Payments are processed within one hour of collection via cheque or BACS transfer.
Associations and certifications
  • British Safety Council
  • CarTakeBack
  • Motor Vehicle Distribution Association
  • British Metals Recycling Association
Services
Scrap Metal Recycling
We process all types of ferrous and non-ferrous metals using advanced hydraulic shears and balers. Our facility handles industrial scrap, construction waste, and household metal items. Sorted materials meet strict foundry specifications for reprocessing, with 90% of demolition waste recycled. Export services available via 20ft shipping containers.
Car Scrapping
Our ATF-licensed team offers free same-day car collection across Yorkshire. Vehicles undergo complete de-pollution including fluid removal and component recycling. We pay top market rates with instant payment options via cheque or BACS. Required documentation includes V5 log book and photo ID with utility bill verification.
Skip Hire
Available in 10-40 cubic yard sizes, our skips accommodate various project scales. From small domestic clearances to large commercial demolitions, we provide prompt delivery and free collection. Minimum tonnage requirements apply with expert advice on container selection for optimal waste management.
Warehouse Demolition
Full-service demolition includes structural metal removal and material sorting. Our team handles complete site clearance with HIAB-equipped vehicles. Processed scrap gets recycled while non-metal waste follows appropriate disposal protocols. Projects range from small storage units to industrial complexes.
Metal Collection
We collect all metal types from businesses and individuals across Yorkshire. Our green fleet offers scheduled pickups with competitive pricing. Materials get weighed on-site with immediate payment processing. Services include container tilter-assisted loading for efficient export preparation.
People
David Sandham
Founder
Co-founder of Bradford Waste Traders, David pioneered metal trading operations before retiring in 2000. His vision established the company's core recycling principles and industry partnerships.
Richard Sandham
Founder
Co-founder who managed administrative operations and business expansion. Instrumental in establishing the Newgate Works site and developing the company's environmental policies.
Richard Sandham Jnr
Director
Second-generation leader with over 35 years' experience. Oversees daily operations and maintains the family's commitment to sustainable metal recycling practices.
James Sandham
Director
Key operational manager since 1987. Specialises in materials handling and processing technology implementation across the company's three Yorkshire sites.
Christopher Carroll
Senior Technician
With over 50 years' service, he operates specialized machinery including hydraulic shears and container tilters, ensuring efficient scrap processing and export preparation.
Questions
What types of metal can I recycle?
We accept all ferrous and non-ferrous metals including iron, steel, aluminium, copper, brass, and lead. This includes industrial scrap, vehicle parts, and household metal items.
How do payments work for scrap metal?
Payments process within one hour via cheque or BACS transfer. Bring photo ID and vehicle documentation for verification. Commercial clients receive account-based payment terms.
What skip sizes are available?
We offer 10, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yard containers. Sizes accommodate projects from small clearances to large commercial demolitions. Free collection available with minimum tonnage requirements.
Can you collect scrap metal from my business?
Yes, our green fleet provides scheduled collections across Yorkshire. We handle all quantities with competitive pricing and immediate payment processing upon collection.
What accreditations do you hold?
We're licensed by the Environment Agency and work with industry bodies including BMRA, MVDA, and CarTakeBack. Our operations meet strict environmental and safety standards.
How does car scrapping benefit the environment?
Proper recycling diverts 90% of vehicle materials from landfill. We safely remove hazardous substances and reuse 75% of car components, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to new metal production.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Liam Butler
Oct 06, 2021 Report
Very polite workers however only 4 stars because all the workers were wearing spider-man costumes
Chris H.
Dec 06, 2020 Report
Critical:Professionalism,Value
Only went here because EMR were shut what a dump poor prices paid they do not distinguish between grades of metal seems they prefer to buy rubbish than proper clean good grade metals if its junk take it here if not and its decent goto EMR who will pay good money for good metal
Czujesz W. Powietrzu Cynamon
Aug 08, 2018 Report
Hello, I was a batter Bradford Waste Traders Ltd. Biffy Bowling Back Ln, Bradford BD4 8SJ. What is scandalous is there. the leader line runs shabby. he reloads anger and aggression on employees. "Challenging them from "wh//ore bit//ch" mat and the like saying that my friend is manager Biffy and he can do everything and we are garbage in this work. No one from the Biff Agency can intervene. complaint phones do not help. if there is someone who knows where he will call and what to do. please help or contact me. I would like to leave it that way. the people are intimidated there. that works.
Tony Bond
Nov 16, 2017 Report
Professionals that know their job, fair prices and good returns policy. I've been coming here for many years, I've never been disappointed by Roy and the lads.
Tip: If you don't want to navigate the cobbled road, park on Stamford street and walk through the alley.
Aanton Mann
Oct 12, 2016 Report
Always professional, safety conciousness, helpful and efficient. Staff go about the business with an air of really knowing what they are doing - which in this sphere is essential.