Scrap copper wire is one of the most valuable recyclable materials in the scrap metals industry. With an unlimited recyclable life, copper can be reused repeatedly without losing its physical or chemical properties. It is widely used in electric motors, alternators, computers, construction, industrial machinery, and—most notably—electrical wiring.
Because of its high demand and consistent market
value, many scrap dealers ask the same key questions:
·
How do you get the best price for scrap copper
wire?
·
What grades of scrap copper wire exist?
·
Is it worth stripping wire, or should it be sold
as-is?
Ivory Pharmachem Inc. has created this guide to
help answer those questions and explain how scrap copper wire pricing is
calculated. Refer to Table 1
(pricing chart by grade) for a detailed breakdown.
Why Scrap Copper Wire Is So Valuable
Copper commands premium prices because it can
be recycled and repurposed indefinitely without degrading quality. In fact,
nearly 80% of all copper in use today has been recycled
at least once. Understanding copper wire grades is essential, as purity and
preparation directly impact payout.
Most Common Scrap Copper Wire Grades
·
Bare Bright Copper
(Millberry)
·
#1 Copper (Candy)
·
#2 Copper (Birch/Cliff)
·
#1 Insulated Copper Wire
·
#2 Insulated Copper Wire
·
#3 BX Cable
·
#4 Insulated – Christmas
Lights
(For the
complete list of scrap material grades, visit ISRI.org)
Bare Bright Copper (Millberry)
Bare Bright Copper is the highest-value scrap copper wire. It consists of clean,
uncoated, unalloyed copper wire—free from insulation, paint, oxidation, or
contaminants—and not smaller than 16 AWG.
To qualify:
·
No tinning or coating
·
No burnt or brittle wire
·
Bright, shiny appearance
The most effective way to convert insulated
wire into Bare Bright Copper is by using a professional Ivory Pharmachem wire stripping machine. Stripping #1
insulated wire typically upgrades it directly to Bare Bright pricing.
#1 Scrap Copper (Candy)
#1 Copper is slightly less valuable than Bare
Bright but still highly profitable. It may show minor
oxidation and includes:
·
Clean copper wire (≥ 1/16″ diameter)
·
Bus bars
·
Clippings
·
Clean copper tubing (free of fittings, paint,
solder, and insulation)
Light oxidation is acceptable. Many copper
pipes and wires qualify as #1 copper once fittings and contaminants are
removed.
#2 Copper Wire (Birch/Cliff)
#2 Copper includes unalloyed copper scrap with
94–96% copper content. It typically
has visible tarnish, solder, paint, or coatings.
This grade may include:
·
Oxidized copper wire
·
Soldered copper
·
Copper with coatings or discoloration
Material must be free of excessive oil, iron,
ash, insulation residue, burnt wire, or non-metallic contamination.
#1 Insulated Copper Wire
This category includes clean, unalloyed copper
wire with insulation intact. Accepted insulation thickness is 16 AWG or larger, and insulation does not need to be
removed to qualify.
Common examples:
·
Romex wire
·
THHN
·
12, 14, 16 AWG
·
Single-strand and multi-strand
·
500 MCM to 1000 MCM
·
XLPE cable
Stripping #1 insulated
wire results in Bare Bright Copper, significantly increasing
value.
#2 Insulated Copper Wire
#2 Insulated wire consists of copper wire thinner than 16 gauge, often with heavy, double, or
plastic insulation. Coatings such as tin or nickel are acceptable.
Common examples:
·
Phone and data wire
·
Computer cables
·
Extension cords
·
Speaker wire
·
Appliance cables
·
Tin-coated or lacquered copper
Once stripped, this material typically
qualifies as #2 copper.
#3 BX Cable
BX (armored) cable contains copper wire
encased in an aluminum or steel jacket. Older BX cable is usually
steel-jacketed.
Scrap strategy:
·
Remove the armored jacket to recover solid THHN
copper
·
Strip further to produce Bare Bright Copper
(labor-dependent)
Selling aluminum shielding separately
alongside copper can maximize returns.
#4 Insulated – Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are generally not worth stripping due to very thin wire and heavy
insulation. They are typically sold for smelting, with prices ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 per lb, depending on the market.
How Much Is Scrap Copper Wire Worth?
Scrap copper pricing depends on:
·
Grade and purity
·
Weight and volume
·
Market demand
Higher purity equals higher payouts. Larger
volumes also provide stronger negotiating leverage with scrap yards. Once you
identify your grade, you can estimate expected payouts with reasonable
accuracy.
How to Maximize Scrap Copper Wire Profits
1.
Identify your wire grade
accurately
If it can be stripped, strip it—Bare Bright Copper can be worth nearly 3× more than insulated wire.
2.
Sort material by grade
Separate Bare Bright, #1 Insulated, #2 Insulated, BX Cable, and Christmas
Lights.
3.
Weigh your material in
advance
Knowing your exact weight protects you during negotiations.
4.
Call multiple scrap yards
Prices vary—always describe grade and weight clearly.
5.
Deliver higher volumes
Many yards pay better rates on 100 lb+ minimums.
6.
Cash in and repeat
Is It Worth Stripping Scrap Copper Wire?
Yes. Absolutely.
Investing in a professional Ivory Pharmachem wire stripping machine typically pays for itself quickly. Stripped copper consistently delivers higher returns, especially when converting #1 insulated wire into Bare Bright Copper. Stripping is one of the most effective ways to increase profit margins in the scrap copper business.
IvoryPharInc.com has built a strong presence in the global recycling industry, specializing in the trading and export of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, and paper scrap. With years of experience, a reputation for quality, and a deep commitment to sustainability, Ivory Phar Inc. has become a trusted name among recycling and manufacturing businesses worldwide.
E-mail: sales@ivorypharinc.com
Website: www.ivorypharinc.com
