Updated June 12, 2026 • ScrapMetalBuyers.com • All Guides
How Much Is 500 lbs of Copper Worth at the Scrap Yard?
If you're new to scrapping and sitting on 500 lbs of copper, you're holding real money — but exactly how much depends entirely on the grade of copper you have. This guide breaks down what to expect and how to maximize your payout at any yard or buyer.
Market Copper Scrap Prices (2026)
Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals, and prices fluctuate daily based on the COMEX copper futures market. Here are typical scrap yard payouts as of mid-2026:
- Bare Bright Copper (Bright & Shiny #1 Wire): $3.80 – $4.50/lb
- Copper #1 (Clean pipe, bus bar, no solder): $3.50 – $4.20/lb
- Copper #2 (With solder, paint, fittings): $3.20 – $3.90/lb
- Insulated Copper Wire (ICW): $0.80 – $2.50/lb depending on insulation thickness
- Copper Radiators (ACR): $1.50 – $2.20/lb
So for 500 lbs of Bare Bright copper, you're looking at $1,900 – $2,250. For 500 lbs of mixed #2 copper, expect $1,600 – $1,950. The difference in sorting pays off significantly at this volume.
How Copper Is Graded
Scrap yards classify copper into grades that determine your payout. The cleaner and purer the copper, the higher the grade and price. Bare Bright must be completely clean, shiny, uncoated wire with no solder or fittings. Copper #1 allows clean pipe and bus bar with light oxidation. Copper #2 covers copper with solder joints, paint, or light coatings. Dirty copper — heavily contaminated with other metals, paint, or insulation — receives the lowest payout.
How to Maximize Your 500 lbs Payout
- Sort by grade before you go. Mixing grades forces the yard to price everything at the lowest grade. Separate bare bright, #1, and #2 into different containers.
- Strip insulated wire if the copper percentage is high. Thick-gauge wire (like THHN or Romex) is worth stripping. Thin wire (like phone wire) is usually not worth the labor.
- Cut off solder joints. If you have copper pipe with brass fittings, cut the fittings off and sell the pipe as #1. The fittings go in the brass pile.
- Weigh it before you go. Know your weight so you can verify the yard's scale reading.
- Call ahead for quotes. Prices vary significantly by buyer. ScrapMetalBuyers.com offers same-day quotes and same-day payment — call 954-488-0700.
💰 What ScrapMetalBuyers.com Pays for Copper
As of June 12, 2026 — Prices updated daily. Call to confirm current rate before delivery.| Copper Grade | Market Range | SMB Drop-Off Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright (BB) | $3.80 – $4.50/lb | Up to $4.60/lb |
| Copper #1 (Clean pipe/bar) | $3.50 – $4.20/lb | Up to $4.30/lb |
| Copper #2 (Solder/paint) | $3.20 – $3.90/lb | Up to $3.90/lb |
| Insulated Wire (THHN/Romex) | $1.20 – $2.50/lb | Up to $2.60/lb |
| ACR Coil (Alum/Copper) | $1.50 – $2.20/lb | Up to $2.30/lb |
ⓘ Drop-off rates apply when you deliver to a confirmed ScrapMetalBuyers.com U.S. location. Call 954-488-0700 to find your nearest drop-off point and lock in your price before you haul.
📍 Drop Off & Get Paid More
Did you know that sellers who deliver directly to one of our U.S. drop-off locations receive a premium above our standard pickup rate? We pass the logistics savings straight to you.
Drop-off locations are available across the United States. Contact us first so we can confirm the nearest location, verify your material, and lock in your price before you make the trip.
📞 Call 954-488-0700 to Find Your Drop-Off Location Get a Drop-Off Quote OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
Is 500 lbs of copper worth sorting before selling?
Absolutely. At 500 lbs, even a $0.30/lb difference between grades equals $150. Spending 30 minutes sorting can easily earn you an extra $150–$300.
What's the difference between bare bright and #1 copper?
Bare bright must be completely clean, shiny, uncoated wire. Copper #1 can include clean pipe and bus bar but allows light oxidation. Both command premium prices, but bare bright is slightly higher.
Do scrap yards pay the same as the COMEX price?
No. Scrap yards typically pay 85–95% of the COMEX spot price to cover their processing costs. The gap narrows with larger quantities and established buyers like ScrapMetalBuyers.com.
Can I get picked up for 500 lbs of copper?
Yes. ScrapMetalBuyers.com offers free nationwide pickup for large copper lots. Call 954-488-0700 to schedule. Alternatively, deliver to a drop-off location for an even higher rate.
How do I know if my copper wire is bare bright or #2?
Bare bright must be shiny, completely uncoated, and free of solder. If there is any insulation residue, solder, or paint, it's at minimum #2. When in doubt, separate it and let the buyer grade it — don't mix it with your clean pile.
Does ScrapMetalBuyers.com pay more for large lots?
Yes. For lots of 500 lbs or more, we offer above-market pricing that local yards can't match. Call 954-488-0700 to discuss your lot size and get a custom quote.
Ready to Sell? Get a Same-Day Quote
Call us now or fill out our form. We respond within 2 hours, pay same-day, and handle all logistics at no cost to you.
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