Price trends for copper scrap by grade

over the last 30 days

In the last month in the Copper category: price is steady for 5 grades.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $2.94 to $4.61.
Jun '25Sep '25Dec '25Mar '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (COMEX)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~26.0% (-$1.69/ lb). Based on 5 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 17%–40%.
✓ All 5 grades are within normal market range

Copper scrap prices by grade in the US

Bare bright copper is the highest grade; each step down (light copper, irony copper) brings a lower per-pound rate. Click any grade to get a detailed price chart, market analysis, and a list of yards currently paying the most.

Bare Bright Copper Based on 3 yards
Avg. Price:$5.38/ lbRange: $5.30 – $5.45/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -0.8%
View Details
#1 Copper Based on 4 yards
Avg. Price:$5.10/ lbRange: $4.95 – $5.25/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -1.8%
View Details
Light Copper / Sheet Copper Based on 5 yards
Avg. Price:$4.87/ lbRange: $4.60 – $5.13/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -0.8%
View Details
#2 Copper Based on 4 yards
Avg. Price:$4.77/ lbRange: $4.35 – $5.18/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -1.1%
View Details
Copper Turnings Based on 3 yards
Avg. Price:$3.91/ lbRange: $3.65 – $4.17/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details

Scrap yards paying the most for copper scrap in the US

Live prices from local scrap yards across the U.S.. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated today

ADJ Metals

Keyport, New Jersey3 grades on price list
Bare Bright Wire
$5.40/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (1%)
#1 Scrap Copper Tubing / Flashing
$5.10/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (1%)
#2 Copper Tubing
$4.85/ lb|🠅 $0.10 (2%)
Updated today

Stuff Recycling

Winchester, Kentucky3 grades on price list
Bare Bright Copper
$4.25/ lb
Copper #1
$4.10/ lb
Copper #2
$4.00/ lb
Updated yesterday

Brenner Recycling

Hazleton, Pennsylvania3 grades on price list
Bare Bright Copper Wire
$5.30/ lb|🠇 $0.10 (2%)
#1 Copper
$5.00/ lb|🠇 $0.10 (2%)
#2 Copper
$4.70/ lb|🠇 $0.10 (2%)
Updated yesterday

Dale Recycling and Used Auto Parts

Alto, Georgia2 grades on price list
#1 Copper
$4.50/ lb|🠇 $0.10 (2%)
#2 Copper
$4.35/ lb|🠇 $0.10 (2%)
Updated 6/18/2026

CMC Recycling

Dallas, Texas4 grades on price list
Copper BB
$5.45/ lb|🠇 $0.08 (1%)
No. 1 Copper
$5.25/ lb|🠇 $0.08 (2%)
No. 2 Copper
$5.18/ lb|🠇 $0.08 (2%)
LT Copper
$5.13/ lb|🠇 $0.08 (2%)
Updated 6/15/2026

USA Scrap Metal & Recycling

Miami, Florida3 grades on price list
Bare Bright
$5.05/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (1%)
Copper #1
$4.95/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (1%)
Copper #2
$4.85/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (1%)

Your competitors are already getting customers from here.

Hundreds of people search for the best scrap prices across the U.S. every day. Add your yard and start capturing those leads.

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Price chart: copper scrap grades and COMEX Copper exchange data

The chart shows average yard buyout rates and COMEX Copper exchange data for your selected copper scrap grade. When the exchange moves up and local yard prices lag, they typically follow within a few trading days — a signal to hold if you can. When both lines drop, sell now before yards update their offers downward. Switch grades using the selector above the chart.

Calculate the value of your copper scrap lot

Selling a mixed load? Pick the grades below — a weight field appears after you select at least one grade, then the calculator estimates your haul's value from current average prices across the U.S..

Select a metal above to estimate value

Compare copper scrap grades and their value

COMEX Copper (99.9% cathode) is the global benchmark. Each scrap grade trades at a discount based on copper content, cleanliness, and processing needed. Identifying your material correctly before selling is the single most effective step to maximize your payout.

GradeExchange (100%)Yard Price (per lb)Grade Quality
Bare Bright Copper $6.49/ lb COMEX$5.38/ lb
High Grade83%
#1 Copper $6.49/ lb COMEX$5.10/ lb
High Grade79%
Light Copper / Sheet Copper $6.49/ lb COMEX$4.87/ lb
Mid Grade75%
#2 Copper $6.49/ lb COMEX$4.77/ lb
Mid Grade73%
Copper Turnings $6.49/ lb COMEX$3.91/ lb
Low Grade60%

📊 What determines the value of copper scrap:

  • Bare bright copper: Stripped, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire #1 — the top scrap grade. Priced closest to COMEX Copper.
  • #1 copper: Clean, uncoated copper pipe, bus bar, and sheet with no solder or paint — just below bare bright.
  • #2 copper: Copper with minor contamination, solder joints, paint, or coatings — discounted vs. #1.
  • Light copper / sheet copper: Thinner gauge; requires more processing — lower payout per pound than heavy copper.
  • Copper turnings: Must be dry and clean of coolant. Oily turnings carry deductions.
💡 Tip: Strip insulation from wiring before you sell — bare bright copper pays far more per pound than insulated wire.