Last updated: 15 October 2026. Indicative US scrap-yard buying prices. Prices vary by yard, grade, quantity, and location — always confirm locally. These are not COMEX/LME exchange prices.
Current Scrap Copper Prices
| Grade | Indicative price (USD/lb) |
|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper (clean, uncoated, unalloyed wire) | $5.70 – $6.50 |
| #1 Copper (clean tubing, flashing, bus bar) | $5.40 – $5.85 |
| #2 Copper (painted/soldered tubing, thin wire) | $4.50 – $5.25 |
| Insulated copper wire | priced by copper recovery (ICW%) — see below |
Copper Grades Explained
Bare Bright vs #1 vs #2
Bare bright is thick, clean, uncoated wire — the top grade. #1 is clean copper that isn’t bare bright (tubing, sheet). #2 has paint, solder, or heavy tarnish. Each step down costs roughly 10–15% in price.
Insulated wire and ICW%
Yards strip or estimate the copper inside insulation (insulated copper wire percentage). High-recovery wire (thick gauge) pays far more than thin low-recovery wire — sometimes stripping it yourself pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do scrap yards pay less than the COMEX copper price?
Yards typically pay 70–90% of the exchange spot price — the gap covers transport, processing, and their margin.
Is it worth stripping insulated wire?
For thick, high-recovery wire, often yes. For thin low-recovery wire, the labor usually isn’t worth it — sell it insulated.
How can I get the best price for my copper?
Separate grades (never mix bare bright with #2), clean off attachments, and call 2–3 yards — prices vary locally.
Related: full scrap price list and copper metal guide.
