Copper is one of the most valuable and in-demand recyclable metals. If you have old wires, pipes, or other copper items lying around, you're sitting on a potentially profitable pile. But before you cash in, it’s important to understand current copper recycling prices, how the value is determined, and how you can maximize your return.
???? Current Copper Price Estimates (General Range)
⚠️ Note: Prices fluctuate daily and vary by location. Always check with your local scrap yard for accurate rates.
| Type of Copper | Price per kg (USD) | Price per ton (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper Wire | $6.50 – $8.00 | $6,500 – $8,000 |
| #1 Copper (clean pipe/wire) | $6.00 – $7.50 | $6,000 – $7,500 |
| #2 Copper (mixed/dirty) | $4.50 – $6.00 | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| Insulated Copper Wire | $1.50 – $4.00 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Copper Radiators | $3.00 – $5.00 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
???? Factors That Affect Copper Recycling Prices
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Type and Purity
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Clean, uncoated, and stripped copper (like bare bright wire) gets the best prices.
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Copper mixed with other metals or insulation (like #2 or insulated copper) is worth less.
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Global Demand
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Copper is heavily used in electrical, plumbing, automotive, and construction industries. When demand is high, prices go up.
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Market Conditions
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Global metal trading, economic trends, and even geopolitical events can influence pricing.
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Local Competition and Yard Rates
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Scrap yards may offer slightly different rates depending on supply, demand, and operating costs.
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???? Common Items with Recyclable Copper
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Electrical wires and cables
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Plumbing pipes and fittings
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Old air conditioners and fridges
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Motors and transformers
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Copper coils and radiators
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Power tools and electronics
???? How to Get the Best Price for Copper
✅ Strip Wires – Removing insulation from copper wire increases the value significantly.
✅ Separate by Grade – Don’t mix clean copper with lower grades. Keep #1, #2, and bare bright separate.
✅ Clean Your Scrap – Remove any solder, paint, or non-copper attachments.
✅ Check the Market – Timing matters. Selling when prices are up can earn you more.
✅ Compare Yards – Call a few local recyclers to get the best offer.
♻️ Why Recycle Copper?
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High Payout – Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals.
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Eco-Friendly – Recycling copper uses 85–90% less energy than mining new copper.
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Endless Recyclability – Copper can be recycled over and over without losing quality.
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Reduces Waste – Keeps useful metal out of landfills and in circulation.
Final Thoughts
Copper recycling is not only good for the environment—it’s a great way to earn money from leftover wires, plumbing, and electronics. Whether you're a contractor, electrician, or just doing a home clean-out, understanding copper recycling prices will help you get the best value.