Scrapping copper wire is one of the most profitable ways to recycle metal, but you won’t get top dollar unless your wire is properly sorted and prepared. Scrap yards don’t just weigh your load—they grade it. A clean, well-organized batch of copper will consistently earn more than a mixed or contaminated one. If you want to maximize your payout, preparation is key.
This guide breaks down how to sort and prep your wire so you don’t leave money on the table.
Why Sorting Wire Matters
Copper comes in multiple grades, and scrap yards pay accordingly. Mixing different types of wire in the same batch can result in your entire load being downgraded to the lowest grade. That means lower prices and wasted effort.
Sorting your wire before arriving at the yard ensures you get paid based on what your copper is truly worth.
Understanding Copper Grades
1. Bare Bright Copper The highest-paying grade. It must be clean, uncoated, and unalloyed—typically 16 AWG or thicker, with a shiny appearance.
2. #1 Copper Wire Clean, uncoated copper wire that may be slightly tarnished but has no insulation, solder, or paint.
3. #2 Copper Wire Includes copper that is oxidized, painted, tinned, or soldered. It also includes smaller gauge wires and tubing with attachments.
4. Insulated Copper Wire Still has plastic or rubber insulation. The payout varies depending on copper content and how easy it is to strip.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sorting and Preparing Scrap Wire
Step 1: Strip What’s Worth Stripping Not all wire is worth the time to strip. Focus on higher-gauge wire with a thick copper core. THHN, Romex, and large building wire are great candidates. For thin or low-copper-contentwires, it might be better to sell them insulated.Use a wire stripping machine that matches your volume. StripMeister
machines make it easy to convert insulated wire into clean copper without damaging the core.
Step 2: Separate by Grade Keep your Bare Bright, #1, #2, and insulated wire in clearly marked bins or bags. Never mix them—even a few pieces of lower-grade wire can bring down your entire load. If you’re unsure how your yard grades wire, bring a sample first. Some are more flexible than others, and knowing their standards helps you sort for max value.
Step 3: Remove Contaminants Copper attached to brass fittings, steel connectors, or solder can be downgraded. Cut off any non-copper ends and remove labels, clips, or zip ties. The cleaner your copper, the better your price.
Step 4: Keep Wire Dry and Organized Moisture and corrosion can impact the grade of your copper. Store stripped wire indoors or in sealed containers. Avoid letting wire sit outside, especially in wet or humid conditions.
Step 5: Track Prices and Plan Ahead Copper prices fluctuate daily. Monitor local scrap yard rates and time your drop-offs for higher-value days. Some yards also offer bonuses for well-sorted, large-volume loads.
FAQs
Can I mix Bare Bright and #1 copper in the same bin?
No. Mixing grades will result in a downgrade to the lower category. Always sort separately.
How clean does my copper need to be?
It should be free of insulation, oil, paint, or attachments. Slight tarnish is acceptable for #1 copper, but visible contaminants will downgrade it.
What wire types are easiest to strip for higher profit?
THHN, Romex, and large building wire are among the best. They have thick copper cores and strip cleanly with the right equipment.
Is it worth stripping low-grade insulated wire?
Not usually. The time and energy may outweigh the gain. Focus on high-yield wire unless you have a high-speed stripping setup.
If you’re serious about scrap, organization and preparation are your most valuable tools. StripMeister machines help you unlock higher copper grades with cleaner, faster stripping—so you get paid what your copper is really worth.