Scrap shipping containers: signs yours has reached the end of its life

Shipping containers are built for years of hard use, but none lasts forever. When one starts to fail, it is worth dealing with it before it gets worse.

Steel left exposed to the weather will eventually rust. Where it stands, how it has been used and how well it has been looked after all affect how long it lasts.

Common signs

• Rust that has gone through the roof or walls
• Water getting in after rain
• Doors that are seized, bent or will not seal
• A soft, damaged or rotten floor
• Damage to the corner posts or frame

Some of these problems are easy to spot. Others, such as a weakening floor or damage to the frame, may only show when you look closely or try to use it.

Checking yours safely

Look from the ground and from the doorway. Do not climb onto the roof, and do not walk on a floor that feels soft or looks damaged. If the doors are hard to open, do not force them. Photos of what you can see safely are enough for us.

Scrap does not always mean a bill

Condition decides whether you pay for disposal, removal is free or we buy it. One that looks tired can still be worth reusing, while one with serious damage may only be fit for scrap. The only way to know is for us to see photos.

What happens to scrap containers

Anything beyond reuse is scrapped so the steel can be recycled. Those that can still be used are sold on or refurbished.

What to send us

• Photos of each side, the doors, the inside and the floor
• The roof, if you can see it safely from the ground or a window
• Close-ups of rust holes and damage
• The postcode, the size if you know it, and a note about access

We collect scrap units from 8ft up to 45ft, in any quantity, with our own HIAB lorries. That includes homes, businesses, construction sites, ports, schools and colleges across England, Scotland and Wales.

Do not leave it too long

A unit left to rust loses value over time, which can turn a free collection into a disposal cost. Find out more on our scrap shipping containers page, or send us photos for an answer.