Sell Copper Scrap Metal

Welcome to Clear Recycling. Copper is one of the most consistently valuable and highly sought-after metals in the recycling industry due to its essential use in electrical components, plumbing, and construction. Whether you are a dedicated professional such as an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician or an individual with a small collection of materials, partnering with a trustworthy recycler is essential to ensure you receive the maximum return on your valuable scrap. We provide transparent pricing and expert classification services to help you convert your copper scrap into cash efficiently.

Copper Scrap Grades & Classification

Understanding the grade of your copper is the single most important step in maximizing your payout. The value is determined by purity, with the highest grades requiring minimal processing before they can be melted down and reused. We categorize materials based on industry standards to ensure precise valuation.

Bare Bright Copper

The highest value tier is reserved for Bare Bright Copper. This grade commands the most competitive price because it is the purest form of scrap copper. It must be clean, bright, uncoated, and unalloyed wire or cable, typically 16-gauge or thicker, and completely free of insulation, paint, fittings, or any signs of tarnish or corrosion. Common sources include new electrical wire offcuts and decommissioned bus bars.

#1 Copper Scrap

Falling into the high payout tier, #1 Copper Scrap is still exceptionally valuable. This classification includes clean, unalloyed copper tubing, pipes, or heavy gauge industrial wire that is free from solder, paint, or excessive corrosion. While slight surface oxidation is acceptable, it must be clean and free of any non-copper attachments, such as brass fittings or steel components. This is the highest grade acceptable for copper pipe, provided all fittings are removed.

#2 Copper Scrap

The mid-payout tier consists of #2 Copper Scrap, which has a slightly lower purity level (94-96% copper content) due to minor contamination. This grade includes miscellaneous unalloyed copper that may contain solder residue, light coatings, or minor tarnishing. Common sources are plumbing pipes that still have soldered joints or electrical motor windings.

Insulated Copper Wire

Insulated wire is priced based on its recovery yield, which is the percentage of copper metal compared to the weight of the insulation. This is why stripping insulation often results in a higher overall payout, as the material can then be classified as Bare Bright or #1 copper. Wire with thick copper conductors and minimal insulation is considered "high-grade insulated wire," while thinner appliance cords and communication cables are classified as "low-grade insulated wire."

Other Copper & Brass Alloys

We also process various alloys and composite copper materials. This includes Copper Radiators, which are considered mixed metal scrap requiring separate classification due to the inclusion of brass or aluminum fins. Similarly, Brass Fittings and Valves are priced as a separate alloy, as the presence of zinc significantly changes the melt value compared to pure copper.

How to Sell Your Copper Scrap Metal

Our process is designed to be straightforward and transparent, ensuring you get paid quickly and fairly.

Sorting and Preparation

Proper preparation is key to maximizing your return. We highly recommend separating your copper by grade before arriving, as pre-sorted material ensures the fastest and most accurate valuation. Always perform a simple magnet test; if a magnet sticks, the material is not pure copper but likely copper-clad steel, which is graded differently.

Documentation

As required by state and local laws, all sellers must present a Valid Photo ID for every transaction. Furthermore, proof of ownership or documentation may be required for large volumes of material, particularly items commonly associated with theft, such as large spools of industrial wire or utility components.

Drop-Off and Payment

Once your material has been accurately weighed on our certified scales and graded by our experts, we proceed immediately to payment. We offer immediate, secure cash payment options for your convenience.

Specific Services for Commercial Clients

Clear Recycling specializes in managing the high-volume scrap generated by commercial enterprises, ensuring that your workflow remains efficient and profitable.

For Plumbers & HVAC Technicians

We provide streamlined bulk handling for copper tubing, coils, and insulated wire. We are equipped to handle high-volume materials such as ACR/Refrigeration coils and condenser scrap, offering specialized pricing reflective of their composite material makeup.

For Electricians & Contractors

We focus on comprehensive wire scrap management derived from demolition and new construction projects. We ensure competitive pricing for large-volume, clean Bare Bright Wire to enhance your project’s profitability.

Industrial Container Service

Our Industrial Container Service provides custom-sized roll-off containers placed directly at your job site or facility, specifically tailored for high-volume copper scrap generation, minimizing downtime and streamlining your cleanup process.

Why Choose Clear Recycling?

Choosing the right recycling partner is crucial for both your finances and the environment. At Clear Recycling, our difference lies in our commitment to transparency and accurate pricing.

Competitive Payouts

We constantly monitor global commodity markets, including the London Metal Exchange (LME), to ensure the rates we offer for your copper are among the best available. Our commitment to transparent weighing on federally certified scales means you can be confident that you are receiving an honest and top-tier return on your metal.

Convenience & Professional Service

We offer easy drive-up and drop-off facility access, and we are structured to serve both large commercial accounts requiring dedicated service and individual residential sellers. Our staff is trained to efficiently handle and grade your material, making the recycling experience quick and seamless.

Environmental Impact

By recycling with us, you are making a tangible contribution to global sustainability. Copper recycling is significantly more energy-efficient than primary production, requiring up to 95% less energy than mining and refining new ore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What determines the price of copper scrap today? A: Copper scrap prices are determined primarily by the global commodity market (tracked by the LME), the specific grade and purity of the metal you bring in, and the current level of regional demand.

Q: Do I need to strip the insulation off copper wire? A: We accept both insulated and stripped wire. However, wire that has been stripped and is clean (Bare Bright) commands a much higher price because it requires less processing, resulting in a significantly higher payout for you.

Q: What is Bare Bright Copper? A: Bare Bright Copper is the highest-value grade, defined as clean, uncoated, unalloyed wire that shows a bright, shiny appearance, free of any contaminants or tarnish.

Q: Do you accept copper plumbing pipes with solder? A: Yes, we accept soldered copper pipe, but it will be classified as #2 Copper Scrap due to the presence of the solder, which acts as a contaminant lowering the overall purity.

Q: What is the difference between #1 and #2 copper? A: The difference is primarily purity and contamination. #1 copper is clean and free of solder, coatings, and excessive tarnish, while #2 copper contains some contaminants like solder, light coatings, or minor burning.