Scrap Copper Value Calculator
Current copper spot price: $2.04/troy oz
Scrap Copper Value Calculator
Common Scrap Copper Items
| Item | Grade | Typical Weight | Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Wire (1 lb) | Bare Bright | 453.6g | $29.74 |
| #1 Copper Tubing (1 lb) | #1 | 453.6g | $29.47 |
| #2 Copper w/ Solder (1 lb) | #2 | 453.6g | $28.58 |
| Insulated Wire (1 lb) | Insulated | 453.6g | $25.30 |
| Copper Pipe (per ft) | #1 | 150g | $9.75 |
Copper Scrap Grades Explained
Scrap copper is classified into grades that determine its value at the scrap yard. The three main grades are Bare Bright, #1 Copper, and #2 Copper, each with different purity requirements and pricing.
Scrap Value = Weight (troy oz) × Recovery Rate × Spot Price
Bare Bright is the highest grade — clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire thicker than 16 gauge. It commands the best price, typically 95–99% of spot. #1 Copper includes clean copper tubing, bus bars, and wire free of solder, paint, and coatings, paying around 90–95% of spot. #2 Copper has solder, paint, or light coatings and pays 80–90% of spot.
Insulated copper wire is priced based on its copper recovery rate, which depends on the insulation thickness. Standard household wire (Romex) yields about 75–85% copper by weight. Scrap yards may buy insulated wire at a discounted rate or require you to strip the insulation first for the best price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Copper
How do I get the best price for scrap copper?
Sort your copper by grade (Bare Bright, #1, #2) before taking it to the scrap yard, as mixed loads receive lower prices. Remove any insulation, solder, or fittings to upgrade the grade. Call multiple scrap yards to compare prices, and consider selling when copper spot prices are at or near recent highs.
Should I strip insulated copper wire?
Stripping insulated copper wire is usually worth the effort for thicker gauge wire (10 AWG and larger), as the upgrade from insulated wire price to Bare Bright price can be significant. For thin wire like CAT5 or phone cable, the time spent stripping often outweighs the price difference. A wire stripping machine can make the process much faster and more profitable.
What tools do I need for scrapping copper?
Essential tools include a wire stripper or stripping machine, side cutters, a reciprocating saw for cutting pipe, and a digital scale for weighing. Heavy-duty gloves protect your hands from sharp edges. A magnet is useful for quickly separating copper from steel or other ferrous metals.
How much is copper wire worth per pound?
Bare Bright copper wire typically sells for 90–99% of the spot price per pound, while insulated copper wire sells for 40–70% depending on the copper recovery rate. Prices fluctuate daily with the commodity market. Check with your local scrap yard for current per-pound pricing, as rates vary by location and market conditions.
Where can I find scrap copper?
Common sources of scrap copper include old electrical wiring from renovations, plumbing pipes and fittings, appliance motors and compressors, and discarded electronics. HVAC systems contain significant amounts of copper tubing and coils. Always ensure you have proper authorization before collecting scrap from any property or job site.
Do scrap copper prices vary by region?
Yes, scrap copper prices can vary by 10–20% between regions depending on proximity to smelters, local supply and demand, and transportation costs. Coastal areas near ports and inland areas near copper mills tend to offer better prices. Urban areas with more competition among scrap yards also tend to pay higher rates.