Electrician's Scrap Metal Guide
"I'm an electrician and I have a lot of copper wire scrap — Romex, THHN, some bus bar. Is it worth setting up a commercial account or just going to the yard?"
Commercial account is worth it if you're generating 100+ lbs/month. The buyer comes to you, pays above-yard rates, and you spend zero time hauling. For wire: strip Romex and THHN to Bare Bright ($3.80–$4.20/lb) instead of selling insulated ($2.80–$3.40/lb). On 100 lbs that's $100–$140 extra.
Strip Your Wire — It's Worth It
Romex (12-2, 14-2, 10-2) and THHN are the most common electrician scrap. Insulated, they're Copper #2 at $2.80–$3.40/lb. Stripped to bare bright, they're $3.80–$4.20/lb. A commercial wire stripper processes 100–200 lbs/hour. On 100 lbs, stripping adds $100–$140. On 500 lbs/month, that's $500–$700 extra monthly income.
Copper Bus Bar — The Premium Grade
Bus bar from panel upgrades and switchgear is Bare Bright or Copper #1 — the highest grades. Don't mix it with insulated wire. Keep bus bar in its own container. It's worth $3.80–$4.20/lb clean.
Commercial Account vs. Yard Trips
Commercial account: buyer comes to you, provides containers, pays above-yard rates, zero hauling time. Yard trips: your time, your gas, yard rates. For electricians generating 200+ lbs/month, the commercial account math is clear — you make more money and spend less time.
Monthly Income Estimate
Busy electrician doing 5–10 jobs/week: 200–400 lbs of copper wire/month. Stripped to Bare Bright at $4.00/lb = $800–$1,600/month. Sold insulated at $3.10/lb = $620–$1,240/month. The difference: $180–$360/month just from stripping. Plus commercial rates vs. yard rates adds another $100–$200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth stripping Romex and THHN wire?
Yes — stripping adds $0.60–$1.00/lb. On 200 lbs/month that's $120–$200 extra monthly income.
What is copper wire worth per pound?
Bare Bright (stripped) is $3.80–$4.20/lb. Insulated Copper #2 is $2.80–$3.40/lb. The difference is $0.60–$1.00/lb.
Do you offer commercial accounts for electricians?
Yes. We provide containers, regular pickups, and above-market rates. Call (754) 310-2984 to set up your account.
What is copper bus bar worth?
Clean copper bus bar is Bare Bright at $3.80–$4.20/lb — the highest copper grade. Keep it separate from insulated wire.