7 Common Copper Items You Can Scrap for Cash
Copper is one of the most valuable metals you can scrap, and it’s surprisingly easy to find. Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, working on a renovation project, or just want to make some extra income, identifying and selling copper items can be a smart move.
7 Copper Items You Can Scrap for Cash
Here are 7 common copper items you can collect and sell for a quick and easy payday.
1. Copper Wire
Copper wire scrap is one of the most profitable types of copper you can scrap. It’s commonly found in old electrical cables, discarded appliances, electronics, and construction waste. The most valuable kind is “bare bright copper” — clean, shiny wire without any coating or insulation. Insulated copper wire also has value, especially if you take the time to strip it. You can usually get a better copper scrap price per pound when it’s clean. If you’re regularly dealing with electrical or renovation waste, start collecting copper wire in separate bins and sort it by grade (bare bright, #1, or #2 copper) to maximise your payout.
2. Plumbing Pipes
Old copper plumbing pipes are a great source of scrap metal, especially if you’re involved in home improvement or plumbing work. These pipes are typically made of high-grade copper, especially if they haven’t been soldered or combined with other materials. Clean copper pipes with no fittings or corrosion are classified as #1 copper and bring in the best rates. If the pipes have solder, paint, or are slightly dirty, they fall into the #2 category, which still pays well. To increase your profit, remove any brass or plastic fittings before selling.
3. Old Appliances
Many household appliances contain copper parts that are often overlooked. Items like washing machines, refrigerators, microwaves, and water heaters usually have internal copper wires, motors, or coils. Instead of dumping broken appliances on the curb, consider taking them apart to extract the valuable copper inside. Motors and compressors, especially, contain copper windings that can be sold separately. This does take some effort, but if you’re handy with tools, it’s well worth the payout. Collect these copper components in bulk and bring them to the scrap yard for cash.
4. Copper Roofing Materials
If you’re working on a roofing or remodeling project, be on the lookout for copper materials like flashing, gutters, and roof tiles. Older homes, in particular, may have copper elements used for both function and decoration. Over time, copper on rooftops may oxidize and turn green, but the metal underneath is still highly valuable. Roofing copper is usually high-quality and less likely to be alloyed with other metals, making it ideal for scrapping. Be sure to remove any nails or attachments and clean the metal for a better selling price.
5. Copper Radiators
Copper radiators are another excellent source of scrap metal, especially from vehicles and HVAC units. Older cars and air conditioning systems often use radiators made from a copper and brass mix, which is highly valuable. These units are relatively easy to identify and remove, but to get the most money, you’ll want to separate the copper from any aluminum or steel attachments. Scrap yards typically prefer clean, separated metals and may pay significantly more when the radiator is stripped down properly.
6. Extension Cords and Chargers
Don’t throw away those old extension cords, phone chargers, and power cables — they contain copper wire that can be sold for cash. While the copper is insulated, it still adds up quickly, especially if you collect these cords in bulk. This type of scrap is considered lower-grade unless the insulation is stripped off, but it’s still worth saving. Cut off any plugs or plastic parts to reduce weight, and consider investing in a wire stripper if you’re dealing with a large amount. You’d be surprised how much you can earn from something you almost tossed in the trash.
7. Electric Motors
Electric motors are found in many broken or outdated items like power tools, vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, and other small appliances. Inside these motors are copper windings that can be salvaged and sold. While taking apart electric motors can be a bit more labor-intensive, the copper you recover is worth the effort. Use proper safety tools like gloves and eye protection, and make sure you’re only salvaging motors with copper windings, not aluminum. Separate the copper from other metal casings before taking it to the scrap yard for the best rate.
Final Thoughts: Turn Copper Scrap into Quick Cash
Copper scrap is all around you — in your garage, in old electronics, and even in appliances headed for the landfill. By knowing what to look for and taking the time to separate and clean your copper items, you can turn everyday waste into serious money. Check local scrap yard prices regularly, sort your copper by type, and build good relationships with local recyclers to make the most of your efforts. With just a little hustle, scrapping copper can be a profitable side hustle or even a full-time gig.
Don’t let valuable copper sit around collecting dust—Eco Scrap Metal offers top-dollar payouts for all types of copper scrap, from wire and pipes to motors and appliances. Whether you’re a contractor, homeowner, or just clearing out clutter, we make the process fast, easy, and profitable.