Selling Scrap Metal as a Private Individual — What You Need to Know Before You Arrive
Many people visiting a scrap metal yard for the first time are unsure of what to expect. In practice, the process for private customers is straightforward and takes no more than a few minutes. At EURO-SCRAP Group, located at ul. Górecka 6 in Poznań, we serve both businesses and private individuals — and for each group, there are clearly defined procedures that follow directly from applicable regulations. Below, we walk you through the entire process step by step.
The FPO Form — What It Is and Why It Is Mandatory
The FPO form, or Waste Acceptance Form, is a document that every scrap metal yard is legally required to complete for each transaction involving a private individual not engaged in business activity. Its legal basis is the Waste Act and associated implementing regulations governing the trading of scrap metal and metallic waste. The form includes the seller's personal details, a description of the material being handed in, its weight and the transaction value.
The purpose of the FPO is to ensure full documentation of the origin of purchased scrap metal — both for the yard itself and for regulatory authorities. In practice, this means that every tonne of steel scrap, cast iron or non-ferrous metals received is recorded and attributed to a specific individual. This forms part of a broader waste tracking system, including the BDO (National Waste Database) records, which we maintain continuously as a registered entity in that registry.
What Does the FPO Form Include?
- Full name of the seller
- Residential address
- ID document number (national ID card or passport)
- Description of the material being delivered (type of scrap, grade/fraction)
- Weight of the material confirmed by a ticket from a certified weighbridge
- Transaction amount and payment method
- Seller's signature confirming the accuracy of the details
The form is completed by a member of yard staff based on the ID document presented — the seller does not need to fill in anything by hand. They simply sign the printed form, confirming that all details are correct.
ID Document — Why It Is Essential
Presenting a valid ID document (national ID card or passport) is a mandatory requirement for completing any transaction with a private individual. Regulations place an obligation on scrap metal yards to verify the identity of the seller and record their details in the documentation. Without a valid ID, it is not possible to accept the scrap or process payment — regardless of the value or volume of the material.
It is advisable to have your ID document ready when you arrive at the yard. This speeds up the process and allows weighing, valuation and payment to be completed efficiently.
Weighing on a Certified Weighbridge — The Weight Ticket as the Basis for Settlement
Our yard at ul. Górecka 6 is equipped with a certified weighbridge with a capacity of 50 tonnes. Once a loaded vehicle enters, we carry out a gross weighing (vehicle with load), followed by a tare weighing (vehicle without load). The difference gives the precise net weight of the delivered material — and this is the figure used as the basis for settlement.
The seller receives a weight ticket with the printed weighing result. This document confirms the transaction and protects the interests of both parties — there is no ambiguity about how much material was accepted or at what price.
What Types of Scrap Do We Accept from Private Individuals?
The scrap buying offer in Poznań through EURO-SCRAP Group covers a wide range of materials. From private customers, we accept, among others:
- Charge-grade and non-charge steel scrap — structural steel, sections, sheet metal, bars, pipes
- Machine and commercial cast iron — radiators, castings, engine blocks
- Non-ferrous metals — copper, aluminium, brass, zinc, lead, bronze
- Scrap from installation dismantling, fencing, tools and metal components from renovation works
Before making the trip, it is worth contacting us by phone to obtain the current scrap metal price for your specific material grade. Scrap prices fluctuate in line with market rates — which is why we provide them on request rather than publishing a fixed price list on the website.
Cash on the Spot — How Payment Works
Once the material has been weighed, the ID document verified and the FPO form completed, immediate cash payment is made. There is no waiting for a bank transfer and no settlement period — the seller receives their money on the same day, before leaving the yard. This is a key advantage for those making a one-off delivery who want a quick and simple transaction.
The maximum cash payment amount is subject to regulations governing cash transactions — above certain thresholds, payments are processed by bank transfer. Our staff will inform the seller of the applicable limits at the time of the transaction.
Scrap Metal Collection Beyond Poznań — We Serve the Entire Greater Poland Region
In addition to our yard at ul. Górecka 6, we offer scrap metal collection in Poznań with the option of HDS vehicle pickup directly from the customer's property or premises. We supply containers ranging from 5 to 36 m³ — for both private individuals collecting scrap over a longer period and businesses handling larger collections following renovations or dismantling projects.
We also serve customers from the surrounding agglomeration area — operating as scrap metal collection in Przeźmierowo and Baranowo and scrap metal collection in Czerwonak and Koziegłowy. Our coverage extends across the entire Greater Poland region. For details on specific locations and collection terms, please contact us or visit the full scrap metal and non-ferrous metals buying offer at EURO-SCRAP.
Summary — Your Yard Visit Step by Step
- Arrive at ul. Górecka 6 in Poznań with your loaded vehicle and a valid ID document
- Drive onto the weighbridge — gross weight will be recorded
- Unload your scrap in the area indicated by a member of staff
- Drive back onto the weighbridge — tare weight will be recorded
- A member of staff will complete the FPO form based on your ID document
- Sign the form and collect your weight ticket
- Receive your cash payment on the spot
The entire process is transparent and fully documented — the weight ticket, FPO form and BDO records together create a complete transaction trail. If you have scrap to sell and would like to know the current price before making the trip, give us a call or check our location details.
