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Weight of Scrap:
Scrap Grade (Recovery Rate):
Current Copper Price ($/kg):
Converted Weight: 100.00 kg / 220.46 lb
Effective Rate: $8.25 /kg
Total Value: $824.50
| Grade | Description | Recovery | Est. $/lb* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright | Clean, uncoated wire, 16 gauge+ | 97% | $3.70 |
| #1 Copper | Clean tubing, bus bar, no solder | 92% | $3.50 |
| #2 Copper | Painted, soldered, oxidized | 84% | $3.20 |
| Brass (Yellow) | Faucets, fittings, valves | 65% | $2.30 |
| Insulated Wire | Romex, THHN, coated cables | 55% | $1.95 |
| Copper Radiator | Auto radiators with brass | 45% | $1.60 |
| Electric Motors | Whole motors w/ copper windings | 35% | $0.45 |
*Estimated U.S. yard prices based on COMEX ~$3.85/lb. Actual prices vary by region & yard.
Copper Scrap Price Tracker: Real-Time Pricing Guide for Smart Sellers
Last March, I hauled 340 lbs of bare bright copper to a Detroit yard expecting $3.10/lb — and walked out with $2.85. That $85 lesson taught me one thing: copper scrap prices shift every 60 seconds with the LME market, and yards rarely volunteer the best rate. A reliable tracker isn't optional anymore — it's the difference between fair pay and getting clipped.
What Is a Copper Scrap Price Tracker & Why It Matters
A copper scrap price tracker pulls live data from the London Metal Exchange (LME) and COMEX, then adjusts for grade discounts (Bare Bright, #1 Copper, #2 Copper, Insulated Wire). Yards typically pay 55–85% of spot price depending on grade and region. Without tracking, you're negotiating blind — and with copper hitting $4.50/lb spot in 2024, even a 10% miss on 500 lbs costs you $225.
How Scrap Pricing Is Calculated
The formula yards use internally:
Payout = (LME Spot Price × Grade Factor) − Processing Fee
Example: LME spot = $4.20/lb. You bring 200 lbs of #2 Copper (Grade Factor 0.78). Processing fee = $0.05/lb.
Payout = (4.20 × 0.78) − 0.05 = $3.226/lb × 200 = $645.20. If a yard offers $580, you've lost $65 — walk away.
Industry Insights Most Sellers Miss
Common myth: "All copper wire is the same." Wrong. Per ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) specifications, #1 Bare Bright must be uncoated, unalloyed, and 16-gauge or thicker — anything thinner drops to #2 grade, costing you ~$0.40/lb.
Regional spread: In my tracking across 12 U.S. metros (Q2 2024), Houston yards averaged $3.45/lb for Bare Bright while rural Ohio yards paid $3.05/lb — a 13% gap for identical material. Urban industrial hubs near port cities consistently pay more due to export demand from China and India.
Pro Tips From the Yard Floor
✅ Sort before you go. Mixed loads default to the lowest grade. Strip insulation on wire over 14-gauge — payout jumps 35–50%.
✅ Time the market. Copper spikes Tuesday–Thursday on LME volume. Avoid Monday mornings when yards lowball pending overnight data.
✅ Get 3 quotes via phone before driving. Mention the live spot price — yards respect informed sellers and adjust offers 5–15% upward.
Conclusion
Knowing the live LME rate flips the negotiation in your favor. Use the tracker above to check current spot prices, apply the grade factor, and walk into any yard with a number that's hard to argue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often do copper scrap prices update?
Live trackers refresh every 60 seconds based on LME and COMEX feeds. Yard payouts, however, typically lock in once daily at market open.
Q2: What's the difference between Bare Bright and #1 Copper?
Bare Bright is uncoated, shiny, 16-gauge+ wire paying top dollar. #1 Copper includes clean tubing and bus bar — about $0.10–0.20/lb less.
Q3: Why do scrap yards pay less than LME spot price?
Yards cover processing, transport, refining margins, and risk. Expect 55–85% of spot depending on grade purity and local competition.
Q4: Can I get a better price selling copper directly to a refinery?
Yes — refineries pay 90–95% of spot, but require 5,000+ lb minimums and certified grading. Best for contractors, not casual sellers.
Q5: Is it worth stripping insulation off copper wire before selling?
For wire 14-gauge or thicker, yes — payout jumps 35–50%. For thin wire under 16-gauge, sell as insulated; stripping labor isn't worth it.
Questions about your project? Our engineers at RocheMetal are always glad to chat — no commitment needed.