Top Types of Scrap Copper That Merchants Accept
Copper is one of the most valuable and widely recycled metals in the world. Its excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and versatility make it a staple in electrical wiring, plumbing, electronics, and countless other industries. As a result, scrap copper is in high demand, and recycling it not only yields a good return but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Whether you’re a contractor, electrician, plumber, or simply a homeowner cleaning out your garage, knowing the different types of scrap copper can help you maximize your profits. Not all copper is created equal—its purity, condition, and form all impact its value.
In this blog, we’ll break down the top types of scrap copper that merchants accept, what differentiates them, and how to properly sort and prepare your copper for the best price.
Why Copper Recycling Matters
Before we dive into the types of scrap copper, it’s worth understanding why copper recycling is so important:
- Conservation of natural resources – Copper is a finite resource. Recycling reduces the need for mining and conserves raw ore.
- Energy savings – Recycling copper uses up to 85-90% less energy than producing new copper from virgin ore.
- Environmental impact – Less mining equals less environmental degradation, habitat destruction, and CO2 emissions.
- Economic benefits – Copper scrap is a valuable commodity. Merchants pay well for quality copper, making it a reliable source of income.
Top Types of Scrap Copper That Merchants Accept
1. Bare Bright Copper (Millberry)
Description: This is the most valuable and sought-after type of scrap copper. It consists of clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire that is at least 99% pure. Usually found in electrical wiring, it must be free from insulation, paint, solder, or other contaminants.
Typical Sources:
- Electrical wires (stripped)
- Power cables
- Communications cabling
Key Characteristics:
- Shiny, reddish-orange appearance
- No oxidation or coatings
- Minimum thickness of 16 gauge (thicker than hair-thin wire)
Tips for Selling:
- Strip the insulation off the wire using a wire stripper
- Keep it separate from other copper grades
Current Value: Highest price per pound among all copper types
2. #1 Copper
Description: Slightly lower in quality than Bare Bright, #1 Copper includes clean copper tubing, bus bars, and wire that may be tarnished but still free from paint, solder, insulation, or any attachments.
Typical Sources:
- Plumbing tubes
- HVAC copper piping
- Clean copper sheeting
Key Characteristics:
- Solid pieces or tubing
- No insulation, solder, or brass fittings
- May have slight oxidation or discoloration
Tips for Selling:
- Cut off any fittings or non-copper attachments
- Keep it clean and sorted separately
Current Value: High, just below Bare Bright
3. #2 Copper
Description: #2 Copper includes dirty or oxidized copper that contains some impurities such as solder, paint, coatings, or attachments. It is still recyclable but commands a lower price due to the extra processing required.
Typical Sources:
- Plumbing pipes with solder
- Copper roofing with paint
- Burnt copper wire (insulation removed by fire)
- Used electrical wire with some residue
Key Characteristics:
- Tarnished or coated surface
- May have solder, adhesives, or other contaminants
Tips for Selling:
- Avoid burning wire—this is illegal in many places and lowers its value
- Remove as much contamination as possible
Current Value: Moderate
4. Insulated Copper Wire (ICW)
Description: This type refers to copper wire still covered with plastic or rubber insulation. It’s common in homes and businesses and is categorized by the amount of copper versus insulation.
Types of ICW:
- High-Grade ICW: Thick copper wire with minimal insulation (e.g., Romex, THHN)
- Low-Grade ICW: Thin wire with heavy insulation (e.g., extension cords, Christmas lights)
Typical Sources:
- Household electrical wiring
- Data cables
- Electronic cords
Key Characteristics:
- Varies in copper content
- Often needs stripping to increase value
Tips for Selling:
- Strip high-grade wires to convert them into Bare Bright
- Sort ICW by thickness and type
Current Value: Depends on grade – high-grade can be profitable
5. Copper Roofing and Sheet Copper
Description: Often found in architectural applications, copper sheets and roofing may have paint, tar, or other weather-related residue. It’s usually considered #2 Copper unless cleaned thoroughly.
Typical Sources:
- Historical buildings
- Flashings
- Gutter systems
- Decorative copper features
Key Characteristics:
- Usually flat or corrugated sheets
- May be oxidized or painted
Tips for Selling:
- Remove fasteners, nails, and sealants
- Clean off tar or corrosion for better pricing
Current Value: Generally categorized as #2 Copper unless in excellent condition
6. Copper Turnings
Description: These are small shavings, filings, or chips from machining copper parts. Though they are pure copper, their small size makes them more prone to oxidation and contamination.
Typical Sources:
- Machine shops
- CNC and lathe work
- Industrial manufacturing
Key Characteristics:
- Small, irregular fragments
- May contain cutting fluids or oils
Tips for Selling:
- Keep them clean and dry
- Avoid mixing with other metal turnings
Current Value: Lower due to contamination risk
Bonus: Mixed Copper Scrap
Merchants may also accept mixed copper scrap, which is a combination of different copper types (e.g., tubing with brass fittings, mixed wiring, etc.). This is usually purchased at the lowest price per pound because it requires additional labor to separate and process.
If you’re short on time or not concerned about maximizing value, mixed scrap is an acceptable option. However, sorting your copper properly can make a noticeable difference in how much you earn.
Tips to Maximize Your Copper Scrap Value
- Sort Your Copper – Separate Bare Bright, #1, and #2 copper. Don’t mix different grades.
- Strip Insulated Wire – If it’s thick enough, strip the insulation to upgrade it to Bare Bright.
- Remove Contaminants – Cut off brass fittings, soldered joints, and painted areas where possible.
- Avoid Burning Wire – It reduces value and can violate environmental laws.
- Keep It Dry and Clean – Moisture and oil can downgrade the copper.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of scrap copper can significantly increase your earnings and ensure you get the best deal when selling to a scrap metal buyer. While Bare Bright Copper reigns supreme in value, even lower-grade materials like insulated wire or copper turnings can add up quickly—especially if sorted and handled properly.
Whether you’re a contractor managing leftover materials or a scrapper looking to turn clutter into cash, learning to identify and separate copper scrap is a smart, sustainable move.
So next time you find copper in your garage, job site, or renovation project, remember: not all copper is equal—but all copper has value.
Looking to sell copper scrap?
Make sure to check with your local scrap yard for current scrap copper prices and preparation guidelines, as rates and requirements can vary.