Prices from a London-area yard (Simvic, Chertsey), not a UK average.
Stainless steel grades · Surrey & London
316 Stainless Steel Price per kg today — £1.20 (25 Oct)
316 stainless solids are £1.00–£1.20 per kg (£1,000–£1,200 per tonne), verified 25 Oct 2026.
316 stainless steel is the higher-value of the two common stainless grades, because it contains molybdenum as well as chromium and nickel. It turns up in marine fittings, chemical and catering equipment, tube and fasteners, and it pays well above the 18/8 (304) grade.
316 stainless steel value today
£1.00 – £1.20per kg
Yard price, verified . Final price depends on grade, condition and weight.
| Weight | Estimated value |
|---|---|
| 1 kg | £1.00 – £1.20 |
| 5 kg | £5.00 – £6.00 |
| 10 kg | £10.00 – £12.00 |
| 25 kg | £25.00 – £30.00 |
How yards grade 316 stainless steel
- The grade is for solid 316 pieces — tube, fittings, plate, fasteners — free of other metals and attachments.
- 316 and 304 look identical; grade stamps such as 316, A4 or marine markings are the usual evidence. A yard with an XRF analyser can confirm the alloy.
- If the grade cannot be confirmed, material is usually priced as 18/8 (304), which pays less per kg on our confirmed list.
- Strongly magnetic stainless is a 400-series ferritic grade and is priced lower again.
How to prepare it
- Keep 316 separate from 304 and from ordinary steel — a mixed bag is graded at the lowest metal in it.
- Remove plastic handles, rubber seals, wood and steel brackets.
- Keep pieces dry and free of oil and food residue.
- If you know the source (marine or chemical plant), say so — it supports the 316 grading.
What affects the price
- Nickel and molybdenum market reference prices, which drive 316's premium over 304.
- Confirmed grade identification — unverified material may be bought as 304.
- Contamination with ordinary steel or other metals.
- Load size and sorting quality.
The rules when you sell
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, a licensed dealer in England or Wales cannot pay cash for scrap metal — payment must be by bank transfer or cheque. The dealer must also verify and record your identity, so bring photo ID and proof of address. These rules apply to every dealer, not just one yard.
316 Stainless Steel FAQs
How much is 1kg of 316 stainless steel worth today?
316 stainless steel is £1.00 – £1.20 per kg at Simvic in Chertsey (verified 25 Oct 2026). 5 kg would be worth about £5.00 – £6.00. Final price depends on condition; confirm before travelling.
How much more is 316 stainless worth than 304?
On our confirmed price list, 316 stainless solids are priced at roughly double the 18/8 (304) rate per kg, because of the molybdenum content. The current figures and their verification date are shown in the table above.
How can I tell 316 from 304 stainless steel?
By eye you cannot — they look identical. Look for stamps such as 316 or A4 on fittings and fasteners; otherwise a yard with an XRF analyser can test the alloy. Unidentified stainless is usually bought as 304.
Can I be paid cash for scrap stainless steel?
No. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 bans cash payments for scrap metal at licensed dealers in England and Wales. Expect a bank transfer, and bring photo ID and proof of address.