Today's Copper Wire Scrap Price — August 01, 2026

Metal / GradePrice Per PoundTrend
Bare Bright Copper Wire$3.80–$4.20/lb↑
#1 Insulated Copper Wire (65–75% Cu)$2.60–$3.20/lb↑
#2 Insulated Copper Wire (45–65% Cu)$1.80–$2.40/lb→
Romex / NM Cable (30–40% Cu)$1.40–$1.80/lb→
THHN Wire (75–80% Cu)$2.80–$3.40/lb↑
Extension Cords / Misc Wire$0.80–$1.40/lb→
Communication Wire / Cat5/6$0.60–$1.20/lb→
Christmas Lights / Low Grade$0.30–$0.60/lb→
Coaxial Cable$0.40–$0.80/lb→
Motor Windings (copper)$1.80–$2.60/lb→

How Copper Wire Scrap is Priced

Copper wire scrap price is based on the estimated copper recovery percentage — how much actual copper is in the wire after the insulation is removed. Bare bright copper (no insulation) gets the full copper price. Insulated wire is priced at a discount based on the insulation weight.

Copper Wire Recovery Percentages by Type

Bare bright copper is 99%+ pure copper — stripped wire with no insulation, no solder, no tinning. It commands the highest price.

#1 insulated wire (THHN, THWN, building wire) has thick insulation over a single large conductor. Recovery is typically 65–75% copper by weight.

#2 insulated wire (multi-conductor, smaller gauge) has more insulation relative to copper. Recovery is 45–65%.

Romex/NM cable has a plastic jacket plus paper plus individual wire insulation. Recovery is 30–40% copper.

Should You Strip Your Wire?

For large quantities of #1 or #2 insulated wire, stripping can increase your payout by 30–50%. For small quantities or low-grade wire, the labor cost of stripping often exceeds the price difference. Call us and we can advise based on your specific material.

Who Sells Copper Wire Scrap?

We buy copper wire from electricians, electrical contractors, building demolition crews, data centers, telecommunications companies, and manufacturing plants. Plant shutdowns with large quantities of electrical wire are our specialty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is copper wire worth per pound today?
As of August 01, 2026, bare bright copper wire pays $3.80–$4.20/lb. #1 insulated wire pays $2.60–$3.20/lb. Romex pays $1.40–$1.80/lb. Call (754) 310-2984 for a live quote.
Should I strip my copper wire before selling?
For large quantities of #1 or #2 insulated wire, stripping increases your payout by 30–50%. For Romex and low-grade wire, the labor often isn't worth it. We can advise based on your specific material and quantity.
What is the difference between #1 and #2 copper wire?
#1 insulated wire has a single large conductor with thick insulation (like THHN building wire). #2 insulated wire has multiple smaller conductors or thinner insulation. #1 pays 20–35% more per pound.
Do you buy wire from building demolitions?
Yes — we buy all types of electrical wire from building demolitions, renovations, and plant shutdowns. We can handle large volumes and arrange pickup.
What is bare bright copper?
Bare bright copper is uncoated, unalloyed copper wire that has been stripped of all insulation. It must be free of solder, tinning, and oxidation. It commands the highest copper scrap price.

Get a Live Quote Now

Call us with your material and quantity — we'll give you a price in minutes. Free pickup for loads over 500 lbs anywhere in the US.

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