Average scrap price for #1 Copper

Market baseline. Local prices last verified on 5/8/2026.
$4.75/ lb−$0.25 (5.2%)
Use this as a baseline for negotiations. Always call local yards to confirm their rate for your load size.GT = Gross Ton (2240 lbs)
Avg: $4.75
Lowest price $4.30
Highest price$4.80Who pays the most? ⟶

National high for this grade: $5.48 / lb.

How to read scrap yard offers Indiana

The min/max range reflects a blended index (local + national data). Your local high may be lower.

  • Low (around $4.30): Floor price, typically for small loads.
  • Mid ($4.75): A fair deal for standard quantities.
  • High ($4.80+): Top-dollar rate. Offered for large commercial loads or by the most competitive buyers.
52-week price range
Over the past year, prices ranged from $2.80 to $4.80.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
Market response to COMEX pricing
Current spread vs. exchange (today): ~25.5% (-$1.63/ lb). Typical spread for this grade: 26%–33%
✓ Scrap yards are offering fair market rates
Market snapshot
Stable market. Prices have held steady over the past 6 months.
Pricing verified from 2 live board rates in this area.

#1 Copper price reference for Indiana

Scrap yards in Indiana don't always update their prices in real time. To give you a reliable current value, we use the U.S. national average ($5.14 / lb). The secondary metals market tracks exchange moves consistently across the country. Use this national figure as your benchmark when negotiating with local yards. #1 Copper prices across the U.S. →

Where to sell #1 Copper in Indiana

These are scrap yards in Indiana that recently updated #1 Copper prices in our database. Call them to lock in a quote. If your city isn't listed, use the National Index above as a bargaining reference with your nearest buyer.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 16 days ago

JB's Salvage, Inc

Listed as: #1 Copper
1803 Fountain Dr, Bloomington, IN 47404 Plan route
$4.30/ lb
Updated 32 days ago

Merrillville Metal Recycling

Listed as: #1 Copper
2743 E 83rd Pl, Merrillville, IN 46410 Plan route
$4.80/ lb

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Compare #1 Copper prices with other Copper grades

See the exact price difference between #1 Copper and similar grades like Bare Bright Copper or #2 Copper. Compare the current rates per pound below to ensure you get the maximum payout for your sorted scrap.

Current price #1 Copper
#1 Copper Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$4.75 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Sort separately
Bare Bright Copper Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$4.95 / lb
Mix it with #1 Copper?They'll pay $4.75 / lb for all of it
Loss if not sorted:-$0.20 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
#2 Copper Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$4.33 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
MCM & Industrial Cable Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$4.05 / lb
Trend for 30 days: +10.7%
Price analytics
Copper Turnings Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$4.00 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +6.8%
Price analytics
Light Copper / Sheet Copper Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$3.80 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
THHN Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$3.72 / lb
Trend for 30 days: +7.0%
Price analytics
#1 Insulated Wire Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$3.60 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Coax & Heliax Cable Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$2.18 / lb
Trend for 90 days: -9.3%
Price analytics
Romex® Wire Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$2.15 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Telecom & Data Wire Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$1.35 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
#2 Insulated Wire Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$1.25 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
#3 Insulated Wire (Low Grade) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.17 / lb
Trend for 90 days: +9.1%
Price analytics
Jelly Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.03 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +4.9%
Price analytics
Wire Harnesses Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$1.00 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Armored Cable (BX) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.76 / lb
Trend for 30 days: +4.9%
Price analytics
Computer Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.64 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Christmas Lights Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.37 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics

Price chart: #1 Copper and COMEX Copper exchange data

This chart helps you track market direction and analyze #1 Copper prices at local scrap yards. The line shows the local trend alongside COMEX Copper exchange data. When the exchange ticks up and yard prices haven't followed yet, they typically catch up within a few days — a good signal to wait before selling. When both lines are trending down, lock in your price and sell now before yards lower their offers further.

Current #1 Copper scrap vs. COMEX Copper world price (COMEX)

Avg scrap yard price

$4.75
Scrap metal dealers
Price gap: −$1.63 / lb
vs. exchange

Today's world market price (COMEX)

$6.38 / lb
✓ For 99.9% pure refined metal
💡 Why is the scrap yard price lower than the exchange? The COMEX price is the global benchmark for 99.99% pure refined metal traded in large institutional contracts. The gap between COMEX and what you pocket is the yard's margin — it covers sorting, cleaning, transport to the mill, and protects them against sudden price drops.

Monthly spread: #1 Copper scrap vs. COMEX Copper

Market Analysis: This month, the average spread between #1 Copper prices at local scrap yards and the exchange is 27.4%. This falls within the typical historical range for this metal category (24% – 30%). Our data shows that local scrap yards are currently offering fair market conditions. Browse offers in your area ↑
PeriodWorld price (per lb)Scrap yard price (per lb)Spread vs. exchange
May 2026 (current)$6.2688 / lb$4.55 / lb−$1.72 (27.4%)
April 2026$5.9057 / lb$4.33 / lb−$1.58 (26.7%)
March 2026$5.6775 / lb$4.09 / lb−$1.59 (28%)
February 2026$5.8801 / lb$3.94 / lb−$1.94 (33%)
January 2026$5.8949 / lb$4.20 / lb−$1.69 (28.8%)
December 2025$5.4977 / lb$3.92 / lb−$1.58 (28.7%)
November 2025$5.0640 / lb$3.61 / lb−$1.45 (28.7%)
October 2025$5.0502 / lb$3.60 / lb−$1.45 (28.7%)
September 2025$4.6624 / lb$3.32 / lb−$1.34 (28.8%)
August 2025$4.4780 / lb$3.14 / lb−$1.34 (29.9%)
July 2025$5.4826 / lb$3.91 / lb−$1.57 (28.7%)
June 2025$4.8832 / lb$3.48 / lb−$1.40 (28.7%)
May 2025$4.6862 / lb$3.34 / lb−$1.35 (28.7%)
April 2025$4.6543 / lb$3.32 / lb−$1.33 (28.7%)
March 2025$4.9195 / lb$3.52 / lb−$1.40 (28.4%)
February 2025$4.5581 / lb$3.25 / lb−$1.31 (28.7%)
January 2025$4.2698 / lb$3.15 / lb−$1.12 (26.2%)
December 2024$4.1532 / lb$2.97 / lb−$1.18 (28.5%)

Daily price history for #1 Copper

The table below shows the daily price history for #1 Copper at local scrap yards. For each day we display the average payout, the change from the previous day, and the full market range (low and high). This lets you spot the direction of the market over recent days — whether prices are climbing, falling, or holding steady. Review several consecutive days of data before making a trip, and always confirm today’s rate directly with the yards listed on this page.

DateAvg price (per lb)ChangeRange (Low/High)
$4.55 / lb−$0.25$4.30 – $4.30
4/22/2026 $4.80 / lb+$0.67$4.80 – $4.80
3/22/2026 $4.13 / lb+$0.88$4.00 – $4.25
2/17/2026 $3.25 / lb+$0.25$3.25 – $3.25
8/29/2025 $3.00 / lb−$0.70$3.00 – $3.00
3/25/2025 $3.70 / lb+$0.25$3.70 – $3.70
1/29/2025 $3.45 / lb+$0.15$3.45 – $3.45