Can you recycle radiators and towel rails?
Old radiators are heavy, valuable scrap (steel, sometimes aluminium or cast iron). Drain the water out, then take them to the recycling centre's scrap-metal skip — or call a scrap-metal collector, who will usually take radiators free from your kerb. Plumbers fitting replacements will often remove old ones if asked.
Tips
- Drain black radiator water outside, not on carpet
- Scrap collectors take them free — try a local Facebook group
Which bin does it go in?
Scrap-metal skip at the recycling centre — drain first
🏭 Find the nearest suitable location
Check booking, proof-of-address and vehicle rules before travelling.
Background: Recycling symbols explained.
Also searched as: central heating radiators, towel radiators.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?