How Much Is 500 lbs of Copper Worth in 2026?
"I have about 500 lbs of copper wire I pulled from a job site. New to this — what should I expect to get paid?"
500 lbs of Bare Bright copper is worth approximately $1,900–$2,100 at current prices ($3.80–$4.20/lb). Copper #1 would be $1,750–$1,950. Copper #2 (insulated or dirty) runs $1,400–$1,700. The grade makes a $400+ difference on 500 lbs — sort it before you sell.
Five hundred pounds of copper is a serious load — and the difference between selling it right and selling it wrong can be $400 or more. This guide breaks down exactly what 500 lbs of copper is worth by grade, how to maximize your payout, and why most sellers leave money on the table.
Current Copper Prices by Grade
Copper isn't just copper. The grade determines the price, and the difference between grades is significant. Bare Bright copper — completely clean, uncoated, unsoldered wire 16-gauge or thicker — pays the highest rate at $3.80–$4.20/lb. Copper #1 (clean but may have light tarnish or small fittings) pays $3.50–$3.90/lb. Copper #2 (insulated wire, dirty copper, soldered fittings) pays $2.80–$3.40/lb. On 500 lbs, that spread is $200–$600 depending on what you have.
How to Sort 500 lbs of Copper for Maximum Payout
Before you load the truck, spend 20 minutes sorting. Pull any insulated wire into its own pile — stripping it to bare bright can add $0.80–$1.20/lb. Separate brass fittings from copper pipe — brass pays less and drags down your copper price if mixed. Remove any steel clamps, hangers, or connectors. A clean, sorted load gets you the best grade and the best price.
Should You Strip the Wire?
For thick insulated wire (Romex, THHN, building wire), stripping is almost always worth it. A wire stripper pays for itself in one session. For thin wire under 16-gauge, the labor usually isn't worth it — sell it as insulated copper. For communication wire (Cat5, coax), the copper content is too low to justify stripping — sell it as-is.
Where to Sell 500 lbs of Copper
500 lbs qualifies for commercial pickup service. ScrapMetalBuyers.com will come to your location, weigh the load on certified scales, and pay on the spot. You don't need to haul it anywhere. For loads this size, we consistently beat local yard prices because we have direct access to the commodity market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is copper worth per pound today?
Bare Bright copper is currently $3.80–$4.20/lb. Copper #1 is $3.50–$3.90/lb. Copper #2 is $2.80–$3.40/lb. Prices update daily with the COMEX market.
How do I know what grade my copper is?
Bare Bright must be completely clean, shiny, uncoated, and 16-gauge or thicker. Any insulation, solder, paint, or heavy oxidation drops it to #1 or #2. When in doubt, call us — we'll tell you the grade before you come in.
Do I need to strip copper wire before selling?
For thick building wire (Romex, THHN), yes — stripping adds $0.80–$1.20/lb. For thin wire under 16-gauge or communication wire, it's usually not worth the labor.
Will you pick up 500 lbs of copper?
Yes. 500 lbs qualifies for our free commercial pickup service. Call (754) 310-2984 to schedule.