Published June 11, 2026 • ScrapMetalBuyers.com

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 how much depends entirely on the grade of copper you have. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect and how to maximize your payout.

Current Copper Scrap Prices (2026)

Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals, and prices fluctuate daily based on the COMEX copper futures market. As of mid-2026, here are typical scrap yard payouts:

• 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: Uncoated, unalloyed wire, shiny and clean. No solder, no paint, no fittings. Highest value.
• Copper #1: Clean, unalloyed copper pipe, bus bar, or wire. May have light oxidation but no solder or coatings.
• Copper #2: Copper with solder joints, light coatings, or small amounts of other metals attached.
• Dirty Copper: Copper heavily contaminated with other metals, paint, or insulation. Lowest copper payout.

How to Maximize Your 500 lbs Payout

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Weigh it before you go. Know your weight so you can verify the yard's scale reading.
5. Call ahead for quotes. Prices vary by yard. At ScrapMetalBuyers.com, we offer same-day quotes and same-day payment — call 954-488-0700.

Why Sell to ScrapMetalBuyers.com?

For large quantities like 500 lbs, a local scrap yard isn't always your best option. ScrapMetalBuyers.com specializes in industrial and commercial copper purchases and offers:

• Competitive above-market pricing for large lots
• Free logistics and pickup nationwide
• Same-day payment — no waiting for checks
• No hassle — we handle the paperwork and transport

FAQ

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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