The price displayed per kilo says almost nothing about what you will actually receive. Between the discount applied during sorting, the required documents on-site, and the lots rejected for non-compliance, the gap between the showcase rate and the final payment at Derichebourg can reach several dozen percent. Understanding this mechanism is essential to optimize metal sales in 2026.
Net price after sorting at Derichebourg: what the pricing grid doesn’t show
The buyback grids published by recyclers, including Derichebourg, display a price per kilo by category (bare rigid red copper, electric copper cable, brass, aluminum, steel scrap, cast iron, zinc). These rates correspond to a perfectly sorted lot, free from contaminants and delivered with all the required regulatory documents.
In practice, the net price received depends on the actual classification performed on the scale. Bare copper presented as “rigid red” but slightly oxidized or varnished will be reclassified as mixed copper, with a substantial discount. A copper cable containing plugs or fiber optics will simply be rejected or bought back at a much lower rate.
We observe that the majority of occasional sellers compare the displayed prices without factoring in this reclassification step. Yet, this is where real profitability is determined. A lesser-known local depot, but more flexible on classification, can offer a better net yield than a Derichebourg site whose gross grid seems more advantageous. To track the metal prices at Derichebourg today and compare them to independent depots, one must think in terms of cash received, not displayed prices.
Mandatory documents and identity check: the regulatory filter of 2026
No metal buyback transaction can be conducted in cash. This prohibition, already in effect for several years, remains the most frequent bottleneck for individuals who arrive unprepared at a recycling site.
Here are the documents systematically required by Derichebourg and most compliant operators:
- Valid identification (national identity card or passport) for each seller, with a copy retained by the recycler.
- Proof of residence less than three months old, sometimes supplemented by a sworn statement of the lawful origin of the metals.
- Waste tracking slip (BSD) for professionals or lots exceeding a certain volume, in accordance with the traceability obligations reinforced by European regulation.
The European waste framework continues to tighten in 2026, with an increased focus on documentary traceability. DREAL inspections can target any site, and an operator who accepts lots without traceability is exposed to sanctions. As a result, a lot without a BSD or proof of origin will be refused, regardless of its weight or quality.
For a dismantling professional, preparing these documents in advance avoids a wasted trip and the loss of half a day. We recommend contacting the targeted Derichebourg site before traveling to verify the expected documents, as requirements may vary from one agency to another.
Copper, aluminum, and steel scrap prices: gaps to watch in 2026
The first half of the 2025-2026 fiscal year for Derichebourg was marked by a turnover of 1.829 billion euros, an increase of 7.9% compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. This growth is supported by a surge in the volumes of scrap processed and the rise in copper and aluminum prices.
Copper: the metal that drives margins
Copper remains the most valued non-ferrous metal in buyback. The reference rates observed among independent recyclers position bare rigid red copper above ten euros per kilo, while non-bare copper cable trades at significantly lower levels. The gap between bare copper and raw cable can exceed a factor of three, which fully justifies the time spent stripping for large lots.
Aluminum and steel scrap: volumes that matter
Aluminum and steel scrap trade at unit levels well below copper, but the volumes compensate. A demolition site or a mechanical workshop rarely generates copper in quantity but often produces several hundred kilos of scrap or cast iron.
Steel scrap is sold by the ton, not by the kilo, and prices fluctuate significantly from week to week based on global rates. Zinc, lead, and brass complete the grids, with sorting conditions varying by site.
Where to sell your metals in 2026: Derichebourg, local depots, or independent scrap dealers
Derichebourg has a dense network of agencies across the territory. This coverage facilitates logistics, especially for professionals delivering regular volumes. However, independent scrap dealers and local depots sometimes offer higher rates on certain categories, particularly bare copper and brass.
The choice criterion is not limited to the price per kilo. Three elements determine the best option:
- Tolerance for sorting: a site that less strictly reclassifies mixed lots pays better net, even if its displayed grid is slightly lower.
- Hours and payment terms: some depots pay immediately by transfer, while others impose a delay of several business days.
- The capacity to handle volumes: for a lot of several tons of steel scrap, only an operator equipped with a truck scale and shear can receive effectively.
Public aid for modernizing recycling sites, notably through the ORMAT 2026 program from ADEME, allows some mid-sized operators to invest in more efficient sorting equipment. A modernized site sorts more finely and can therefore pay more for well-prepared lots, whereas a less equipped site will apply a broader flat-rate discount.
The choice between Derichebourg and a local depot is made lot by lot. For clean copper in small quantities, an independent scrap dealer often offers a better net rate. For steel scrap in volume, the Derichebourg network remains competitive due to its logistical capacity and direct steel mill outlets.