How Much Is Scrap Copper Per Pound?

Scrap copper holds significant value in the recycling industry, playing a substantial role in sustainable resource management. Its price, however, is not static; it constantly shifts due to a complex interplay of global economic forces and local market conditions. Understanding these dynamics helps individuals and businesses maximize the return on their copper materials.

Current Copper Pricing

The value of scrap copper fluctuates daily and varies by geographic location. As of August 2025, common grades like Bare Bright copper can fetch approximately $3.35 to $3.80 per pound. #1 Copper ranges from $2.80 to $3.60 per pound, while #2 Copper sells for $2.65 to $3.45 per pound.

Insulated copper wire prices vary more widely, depending on the copper content within the insulation. For instance, high-yield insulated wire might command $2.15 to $2.55 per pound, while lower-yield types could be as low as $0.20 to $0.70 per pound. To determine the most current local prices, check the websites of nearby scrap yards, contact them directly, or consult industry price guides.

Factors Influencing Copper Value

Economic and market factors influence daily fluctuations in scrap copper prices. A primary driver is the fundamental balance between global supply and demand. Copper is widely used across numerous industries, including construction, electronics, and power generation, making its demand a reflection of economic health.

Economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates and manufacturing output, directly correlate with copper consumption. Strong economic expansion increases demand for infrastructure projects and industrial production, which in turn drives copper prices higher. Conversely, economic slowdowns or recessions reduce industrial activity and copper demand, leading to price declines.

Other significant factors include currency exchange rates, particularly the strength of the U.S. dollar, as copper is primarily traded in this currency. A stronger dollar can make copper more expensive for international buyers, potentially dampening demand. Energy costs also play a role, as mining and refining copper are energy-intensive processes; fluctuations in oil and electricity prices can impact production costs and, subsequently, market prices. Geopolitical events, trade policies, and technological advancements that affect mining and recycling techniques can disrupt supply chains and contribute to price volatility.

Common Grades of Scrap Copper

The value of scrap copper is highly dependent on its grade, which reflects its purity and cleanliness. Bare Bright copper is considered the most valuable grade, consisting of clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire that is free from any attachments, insulation, or corrosion. This grade comes from stripped electrical wiring and must be thicker than 16 gauge.

#1 Copper is another high-value grade, encompassing clean, unalloyed copper tubing, pipe, or wire that is free of insulation, solder, paint, or heavy oxidation. It is thicker than 1/16th of an inch. #2 Copper includes unalloyed copper material with minor impurities, such as light solder, small amounts of paint, or slight oxidation. It may also include burnt copper wire or thinner gauge copper.

Insulated copper wire grades are categorized based on their copper recovery rate, which is the percentage of copper metal within the insulated material. For example, #1 Insulated Wire might contain 70-80% copper, while less valuable communication wire or low-yield insulated wire could have significantly lower copper content. Other copper alloys, such as various types of brass (e.g., yellow brass, red brass) and bronze, also have distinct values based on their composition and cleanliness.

Preparing Scrap Copper for Sale

Maximizing the value of your scrap copper involves proper preparation before taking it to a recycling facility. The primary step is to sort your copper materials by grade, separating high-purity items from those with contaminants or insulation. This allows the scrap yard to accurately assess and pay for each specific quality of copper.

Cleaning the copper by removing any non-copper attachments, such as steel, plastic, or excessive solder, is crucial. For insulated copper wires, stripping the insulation can significantly increase the value, as bare bright or #1 copper commands a much higher price per pound than insulated wire. Specialized wire stripping tools can make this process more efficient, though manual methods are also possible. Contaminants like paint or heavy corrosion should be cleaned off, as these can downgrade the material.

Selling Your Scrap Copper

When you are ready to sell your prepared scrap copper, the first step is to locate reputable local scrap yards. Many yards list their current prices online or can provide them over the phone, allowing you to compare rates. Upon arrival at the facility, your materials will be weighed on calibrated scales to ensure accuracy.

Scrap metal transactions are subject to various state and local regulations, often designed to prevent theft and ensure traceability. Many jurisdictions prohibit or restrict cash payments for certain types of scrap metal, especially non-ferrous metals like copper, or for transactions exceeding a specific monetary threshold. Instead, payments are frequently made by check or electronic transfer, sometimes with a waiting period before the funds are released or the check is mailed. You should also be prepared to present a valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, as scrap yards are required to record seller information for compliance purposes.