Current Prices — August 01, 2026
| Metal / Grade | Price | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper Wire | $3.80–$4.20/lb | ↑ |
| THHN Copper Wire (insulated) | $2.40–$3.20/lb | ↑ |
| Romex (NM-B wire) | $1.80–$2.60/lb | → |
| Copper Bus Bar (clean) | $3.65–$4.05/lb | ↑ |
| Aluminum Wire (XHHW) | $0.55–$0.72/lb | ↑ |
| Electrical Panels (copper) | $0.80–$1.40/lb | → |
| Mixed Wire (unsorted) | $0.60–$1.20/lb | → |
Copper Wire Grades for Electrical Contractors
Electrical contractors generate some of the highest-value scrap metal of any trade. Copper wire is the most valuable common scrap metal at $1.80–$4.20/lb depending on the type and whether it's stripped or insulated.
Stripping vs Selling Insulated
Bare bright copper (stripped wire) pays $3.80–$4.20/lb. THHN wire with insulation pays $2.40–$3.20/lb. The math: if you have 100 lbs of THHN wire, stripping it gives you approximately 70 lbs of bare bright at $4.00/lb = $280. Selling insulated gives you 100 lbs at $2.80/lb = $280. Break-even — but for romex (50% copper yield), stripping is worth it.
Aluminum Wire
Aluminum wiring (XHHW, aluminum service entrance cable) pays $0.55–$0.72/lb clean. Keep it separate from copper for maximum value.
Contractor Accounts
We offer contractor accounts with scheduled pickups, same-day quotes, and competitive pricing for ongoing projects. Call (754) 310-2984 to set up your account.
Related: Copper Scrap Price · Copper Wire Price Guide
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