Guide to Identifying and Valuing Scrap Copper Grades

Many have wondered about the seemingly ordinary copper materials piled up at scrap yards—how are they graded, and what determines their value differences? Today, we reveal the classification system for scrap copper, helping you quickly identify #1 and #2 copper grades along with current market pricing.

In scrap metal recycling, copper grading directly affects its resale value. The most common classification divides copper into #1 and #2 grades, with purity and surface condition being the key differentiators.

#1 copper represents the highest quality material in scrap yards, meeting these stringent requirements:

• No impurities: Surfaces must be free from paint, solder, brass, or other metal contaminants
• No attachments: Cannot have any copper or brass fittings attached
• Clean surfaces: Must be free of coatings, paint, or solder marks

Essentially, #1 copper consists of uncontaminated, high-purity bare copper wire or piping. Due to its superior quality, #1 copper commands the highest recycling prices, currently averaging approximately $3.00 per pound (prices fluctuate based on market conditions—check local scrap yards for real-time quotes).

Compared to #1 copper, #2 grade has slightly lower standards, permitting:

• Surface contamination: May contain paint, coatings, or solder marks
• Attached fittings: May include small amounts of copper or brass attachments

#2 copper typically refers to materials that have undergone minor processing or contain slight impurities. While less pure than #1 copper, it maintains significant recycling value, currently averaging about $2.75 per pound (subject to market fluctuations).

These simple techniques will help you identify copper grades:

• Surface inspection: Examine for paint, coatings, solder marks, or corrosion. Clean, shiny surfaces typically indicate #1 copper.
• Attachment check: Look for connected metal fittings—their presence usually denotes #2 copper.
• Purity assessment: When possible, use a metal detector to verify copper content—higher purity means higher grade.

Beyond bare copper, insulated copper wire represents another common recycling material. Like bare copper, it's classified as #1 or #2 based on copper content and wire quality.

This premium grade features:

• Thick copper core: Contains more copper with thicker wiring
• Moderate stiffness: Maintains shape when bent
• Quality insulation: Often has waxy coating indicating high-grade wire

With its high copper content, #1 insulated wire currently averages about $1.70 per pound.

This secondary grade shows:

• Thinner copper core: Contains less copper with finer wiring
• High flexibility: Easily bends and doesn't retain shape

Due to reduced copper content, #2 insulated wire currently averages approximately $0.65 per pound.

Key differentiation methods include:

• Flex test: Stiffer wires that maintain shape are typically #1 grade
• Core inspection: Thicker copper cores indicate #1 wire
• Weight comparison: Heavier wires of equal length usually contain more copper (#1 grade)

Note that quoted prices are estimates—actual values depend on:

• Market conditions: International copper prices directly impact local rates
• Regional variations: Different locations may offer different prices
• Quantity: Larger quantities often secure better rates
• Scrap yard policies: Individual facilities may have unique pricing structures

Before selling copper materials, always verify current rates and policies with local scrap yards.