Average scrap price for #1 Copper

180-day market: price lists from 2 yards. As of 5/18/2026.
$3.66/ lb−$0.59 (13.9%)
GT = Gross Ton (2240 lbs)
Avg: $3.66
Lowest price $2.77
Highest price$4.55Who pays the most? ⟶
How to read scrap yard offers South Carolina
  • Low (around $2.77): Floor price, typically for small loads.
  • Mid ($3.66): A fair deal for standard quantities.
  • High ($4.55+): 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 $2.48 to $4.83.
Jun '25Sep '25Dec '25Mar '26Today
Market response to COMEX pricing
Current spread vs. exchange (today): ~43.6% (-$2.83/ lb). Typical spread for this grade: 32%–44%
✓ Scrap yards are offering fair market rates
Market snapshot
Upward trend. Prices have been rising over the past 3 months.
Pricing verified from 2 live board rates (out of 4 tracked local buyers).

Where to sell #1 Copper in South Carolina

Scrap yards in South Carolina buying #1 Copper — with current per-pound rates listed. Prices shown are indicative; actual payouts may vary by lot size, date, and material condition. Call ahead to confirm today’s price and minimum quantity. For large lots, ask about specialty or volume pricing.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 33 days ago

CMC Recycling

Listed as: No. 1 Copper
2308 Two Notch Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 Plan route
$4.55/ lb
Updated 449 days ago

CMC Recycling

Listed as: No. 1 Copper
2061 Nazareth Church Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29301 Plan route
$3.05/ lb
Updated 449 days ago

CMC Recycling

Listed as: No. 1 Copper
428 N Gossett St, Anderson, SC 29621 Plan route
$3.05/ lb
Updated 449 days ago

CMC Recycling

Listed as: No. 1 Copper
7515 Asheville Hwy, Spartanburg, SC 29303 Plan route
$3.05/ 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 MCM & Industrial Cable. 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:$3.66 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +9.2%
Sort separately
Bare Bright Copper Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$5.38 / lb
Mix it with #1 Copper?They'll pay $3.66 / lb for all of it
Loss if not sorted:-$1.72 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.2%
Price analytics
MCM & Industrial Cable Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$4.05 / lb
Trend for 90 days: +12.7%
Price analytics
Copper Turnings Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$4.00 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
THHN Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$3.55 / lb
Trend for 90 days: +2.8%
Price analytics
#2 Copper Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$3.44 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +7.0%
Price analytics
Light Copper / Sheet Copper Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$3.09 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Romex® Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$2.88 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -4.5%
Price analytics
Coax & Heliax Cable Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$2.17 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: 0.2%
Price analytics
#1 Insulated Wire Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$2.07 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +16.8%
Price analytics
#2 Insulated Wire Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$1.75 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Wire Harnesses Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.72 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +14.1%
Price analytics
Telecom & Data Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.67 / lb
Trend for 90 days: +15.6%
Price analytics
#3 Insulated Wire (Low Grade) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.19 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -6.9%
Price analytics
Jelly Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.03 / 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: +5.0%
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

$3.66
Scrap metal dealers
Price gap: −$2.83 / lb
vs. exchange

Today's world market price (COMEX)

$6.49 / 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 43.2%. This is outside the typical historical range for this metal category (40% – 46%). Our data suggests local yard prices haven’t fully updated to reflect current market movements. Browse offers in your area ↑
PeriodWorld price (per lb)Scrap yard price (per lb)Spread vs. exchange
June 2026 (current)$6.4428 / lb$3.66 / lb−$2.78 (43.2%)
May 2026$6.3000 / lb$3.96 / lb−$2.34 (37.1%)
April 2026$5.9057 / lb$3.54 / lb−$2.37 (40.1%)
March 2026$5.6775 / lb$3.56 / lb−$2.12 (37.3%)
February 2026$5.8801 / lb$3.56 / lb−$2.32 (39.5%)
January 2026$5.8949 / lb$3.54 / lb−$2.35 (39.9%)
December 2025$5.4977 / lb$3.40 / lb−$2.10 (38.2%)
November 2025$5.0640 / lb$3.04 / lb−$2.02 (40%)
October 2025$5.0502 / lb$3.03 / lb−$2.02 (40%)
September 2025$4.6624 / lb$2.85 / lb−$1.81 (38.9%)
August 2025$4.4780 / lb$2.69 / lb−$1.79 (39.9%)
July 2025$5.4826 / lb$3.15 / lb−$2.33 (42.5%)
June 2025$4.8832 / lb$2.93 / lb−$1.95 (40%)
May 2025$4.6862 / lb$2.82 / lb−$1.87 (39.8%)
April 2025$4.6543 / lb$2.79 / lb−$1.86 (40.1%)
March 2025$4.9195 / lb$3.15 / lb−$1.77 (36%)
February 2025$4.5581 / lb$2.74 / lb−$1.82 (39.9%)
January 2025$4.2698 / lb$2.56 / lb−$1.71 (40%)
December 2024$4.1579 / lb$2.79 / lb−$1.37 (32.9%)
November 2024$4.1994 / lb$2.52 / lb−$1.68 (40%)
October 2024$4.4318 / lb$2.78 / lb−$1.65 (37.3%)
September 2024$4.2927 / lb$2.58 / lb−$1.71 (39.9%)
August 2024$4.1218 / lb$2.47 / lb−$1.65 (40.1%)
July 2024$4.3752 / lb$2.63 / lb−$1.75 (39.9%)
June 2024$4.4911 / lb$2.70 / lb−$1.79 (39.9%)
May 2024$4.7547 / lb$2.85 / lb−$1.90 (40.1%)
April 2024$4.3637 / lb$2.70 / lb−$1.66 (38.1%)
March 2024$3.9836 / lb$2.39 / lb−$1.59 (40%)
February 2024$3.8018 / lb$2.45 / lb−$1.35 (35.6%)
January 2024$3.8113 / lb$2.29 / lb−$1.52 (39.9%)
December 2023$3.8712 / lb$2.32 / lb−$1.55 (40.1%)
November 2023$3.7208 / lb$2.23 / lb−$1.49 (40.1%)
October 2023$3.6093 / lb$2.24 / lb−$1.37 (37.9%)
September 2023$3.7598 / lb$2.43 / lb−$1.33 (35.4%)
August 2023$3.7761 / lb$2.27 / lb−$1.51 (39.9%)
July 2023$3.8455 / lb$2.31 / lb−$1.54 (39.9%)
June 2023$3.8050 / lb$2.28 / lb−$1.53 (40.1%)
May 2023$3.7515 / lb$2.46 / lb−$1.29 (34.4%)
April 2023$4.0074 / lb$2.40 / lb−$1.61 (40.1%)
March 2023$4.0282 / lb$2.43 / lb−$1.60 (39.7%)
February 2023$4.0648 / lb$2.44 / lb−$1.62 (40%)
January 2023$4.1151 / lb$2.53 / lb−$1.59 (38.5%)
December 2022$3.8207 / lb$2.29 / lb−$1.53 (40.1%)
November 2022$3.6740 / lb$2.29 / lb−$1.38 (37.7%)
October 2022$3.4304 / lb$2.06 / lb−$1.37 (39.9%)
September 2022$3.4553 / lb$2.27 / lb−$1.19 (34.3%)
August 2022$3.6165 / lb$2.32 / lb−$1.30 (35.8%)
July 2022$3.4195 / lb$2.22 / lb−$1.20 (35.1%)
June 2022$4.1187 / lb$2.52 / lb−$1.60 (38.8%)
May 2022$4.2573 / lb$2.73 / lb−$1.53 (35.9%)
April 2022$4.6495 / lb$2.79 / lb−$1.86 (40%)
March 2022$4.7077 / lb$2.83 / lb−$1.88 (39.9%)
February 2022$4.5023 / lb$2.70 / lb−$1.80 (40%)
January 2022$4.4345 / lb$2.74 / lb−$1.69 (38.2%)
December 2021$4.3322 / lb$2.72 / lb−$1.61 (37.2%)
November 2021$4.3676 / lb$2.62 / lb−$1.75 (40%)
October 2021$4.4324 / lb$2.70 / lb−$1.73 (39.1%)
September 2021$4.2864 / lb$2.66 / lb−$1.63 (37.9%)
August 2021$4.3030 / lb$2.58 / lb−$1.72 (40%)
July 2021$4.3475 / lb$2.61 / lb−$1.74 (40%)
June 2021$4.3888 / lb$2.63 / lb−$1.76 (40.1%)
May 2021$4.6189 / lb$2.76 / lb−$1.86 (40.2%)
April 2021$4.1926 / lb$2.54 / lb−$1.65 (39.4%)
March 2021$4.0847 / lb$2.45 / lb−$1.63 (40%)
February 2021$3.8610 / lb$2.45 / lb−$1.41 (36.5%)
January 2021$3.6074 / lb$2.37 / lb−$1.24 (34.3%)
December 2020$3.5469 / lb$2.13 / lb−$1.42 (39.9%)
November 2020$3.2176 / lb$1.93 / lb−$1.29 (40%)
October 2020$3.0602 / lb$1.84 / lb−$1.22 (39.9%)
September 2020$3.0352 / lb$1.82 / lb−$1.22 (40%)
August 2020$2.9097 / lb$1.75 / lb−$1.16 (39.9%)
July 2020$2.8676 / lb$1.72 / lb−$1.15 (40%)
June 2020$2.5983 / lb$1.56 / lb−$1.04 (40%)
May 2020$2.3774 / lb$1.43 / lb−$0.95 (39.9%)
April 2020$2.2860 / lb$1.37 / lb−$0.92 (40.1%)
March 2020$2.3570 / lb$1.41 / lb−$0.95 (40.2%)
February 2020$2.5747 / lb$1.54 / lb−$1.03 (40.2%)
January 2020$2.6628 / lb$1.69 / lb−$0.97 (36.5%)

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)
$3.66 / lb−$0.59$4.55 – $4.55
3/27/2026 $4.25 / lb+$1.48$4.25 – $4.25
3/4/2026 $2.77 / lb−$1.26$2.77 – $2.77
2/17/2026 $4.03 / lb+$0.23$4.03 – $4.03
12/22/2025 $3.80 / lb+$0.48$3.80 – $3.80
12/17/2025 $3.32 / lb+$0.37$3.32 – $3.32
9/13/2025 $2.95 / lb+$0.25$2.95 – $2.95
7/12/2025 $2.70 / lb−$0.15$2.70 – $2.70
5/24/2025 $2.85 / lb−$0.38$2.85 – $2.85
3/28/2025 $3.23 / lb−$0.23$3.05 – $3.97
3/12/2025 $3.46 / lb−$0.19$3.46 – $3.46
12/9/2024 $3.65 / lb+$0.45$3.65 – $3.65
10/8/2024 $3.20 / lb+$0.24$3.20 – $3.20
4/24/2024 $2.96 / lb+$0.01$2.96 – $2.96
2/29/2024 $2.95 / lb+$0.49$2.95 – $2.95
10/31/2023 $2.46 / lb−$0.39$2.28 – $2.63
9/30/2023 $2.85 / lb−$0.17$2.85 – $2.85
5/28/2023 $3.02 / lb+$0.57$2.85 – $3.22
3/25/2023 $2.45 / lb−$0.35$2.45 – $2.45
1/28/2023 $2.80 / lb+$0.31$2.80 – $2.80
11/27/2022 $2.49 / lb−$0.26$2.32 – $2.65
9/29/2022 $2.75 / lb+$0.02$2.75 – $2.75
8/12/2022 $2.73 / lb−$0.27$2.54 – $2.90
7/6/2022 $3.00 / lb−$0.19$3.00 – $3.00
5/20/2022 $3.19 / lb+$0.24$3.10 – $3.38
1/29/2022 $2.95 / lb+$0.01$2.95 – $2.95
12/31/2021 $2.94 / lb−$0.08$2.94 – $2.94
12/28/2021 $3.02 / lb+$0.17$3.02 – $3.02
10/28/2021 $2.85 / lb— no change$2.85 – $2.85
9/25/2021 $2.85 / lb+$0.10$2.85 – $2.85
5/10/2021 $2.75 / lb−$0.41$2.75 – $2.75
4/22/2021 $3.16 / lb+$0.63$2.88 – $3.44
4/21/2021 $2.53 / lb−$0.44$2.33 – $2.60
2/26/2021 $2.97 / lb−$0.02$2.89 – $3.05
1/16/2021 $2.99 / lb+$0.22$2.99 – $2.99