Average #2 Insulated Wire Price

90-day market: price lists from 7 yards. As of 3/4/2026.
$1.48/ lb +$0.18 (13.8%)
GT = Gross Ton (2240 lbs)
Avg: $1.48
Lowest price ⓘ$1.20
Highest price$1.80Who pays the most? ⟶
How to read scrap yard offers in Virginia
  • Low (around $1.20): Floor price, typically for small loads.
  • Mid ($1.48): A fair deal for standard quantities.
  • High ($1.80+): 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 $0.88 to $3.04.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
Market response to COMEX pricing
Current spread vs. exchange (today): ~75.7% (-$4.61 / lb). Typical spread for this grade: 39%–76%
✓ Scrap yards are offering fair market rates
Market snapshot
High volatility. Prices have been swinging over the past 3 months.
Pricing verified from 7 live board rates in this area.

Top Scrap Yards Buying #2 Insulated Wire in Virginia

Check the list below to find local scales in Virginia taking #2 Insulated Wire. Since copper wire prices swing daily based on the COMEX, it always pays to call these buyers ahead of time to confirm their board prices before loading up your truck.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 63 days ago

Ashley Metal Recycling LLC

Listed as: Insulated Copper Wire # 1
119 Commercial St, Mineral Wells, WV 26150 Plan route
$1.40 / lb
Updated 78 days ago

West Virginia Cashin Recyclables

Listed as: Insulated #2
1 Pickens Rd, Nitro, WV 25143 Plan route
$1.80 / lb
Updated 78 days ago

Elkins Metal Recycling

Listed as: Insulated Copper #2
1401 15th St, Elkins, WV 26241 Plan route
$1.20 / lb
Updated 84 days ago

C & C Cullet LLC

Listed as: #2 Insulated Copper Wire
12115 Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005 Plan route
$1.50 / lb

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Compare #2 Insulated Wire vs. Other Cable Grades

See the exact price difference between #2 Insulated Wire and similar grades like MCM & Industrial Cable or THHN Wire. Compare the current rates per pound below to ensure you get the maximum payout for your sorted scrap.

Current price #2 Insulated Wire
#2 Insulated Wire Based on 7 scrap yards
Avg price:$1.48 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: -12.5%
Sort separately
MCM & Industrial Cable Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$3.94 / lb
Mix it with #2 Insulated Wire?They'll pay $1.48 for all of it
Loss if not sorted:-$2.46 / lb
Trend for 30 days: +3.2%
Price analytics
Sort separately
THHN Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$3.24 / lb
Mix it with #2 Insulated Wire?They'll pay $1.48 for all of it
Loss if not sorted:-$1.76 / lb
Trend for 30 days: +4.0%
Price analytics
Sort separately
Romex® Wire Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$2.13 / lb
Mix it with #2 Insulated Wire?They'll pay $1.48 for all of it
Loss if not sorted:-$0.65 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Sort separately
#1 Insulated Wire Based on 3 scrap yards
Avg price:$2.07 / lb
Mix it with #2 Insulated Wire?They'll pay $1.48 for all of it
Loss if not sorted:-$0.59 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: -5.4%
Price analytics
Coax & Heliax Cable Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$2.17 / lb
Trend for 90 days: 0.2%
Price analytics
Telecom & Data Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.88 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -17.9%
Price analytics
Jelly Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.03 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: -9.6%
Price analytics
Wire Harnesses Based on 1 scrap yard
Avg price:$0.75 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
Armored Cable (BX) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.66 / lb
Trend for 30 days: +33.6%
Price analytics
Computer Wire Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.64 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics
#3 Insulated Wire (Low Grade) Based on 5 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.64 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +6.7%
Price analytics
Christmas Lights Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.25 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
Price analytics

Historical Price Trends for #2 Insulated Wire

This chart shows where the market is headed. If the line is climbing, prices are rising — you might get a better deal in a few days. If it's dropping, don't wait: sell today before yards lower their buy prices further.

#2 Insulated Wire: Scrap Yard Price vs. World Market (COMEX)

Avg scrap yard price

$1.48
Scrap metal dealers
Price gap: −$4.61 / lb
vs. exchange

Today's world market price (COMEX)

$6.09 / 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.

#2 Insulated Wire: Spread vs. Exchange — Monthly History

Market read: This month's average gap between scrap yard prices and the world market for #2 Insulated Wire is 75.2%. That is wider than any prior month shown in this table (historical band about 39.8%–67.6%). The gap can reflect local demand, timing against the exchange, or what yards are paying for this grade — shop several yards if you need the best number. Our data suggests local yards are still worth comparing before you sell. Check offers in your area ↑
PeriodWorld price (per lb)Scrap yard price (per lb)Spread vs. exchange
May 2026 (current)$5.9700 / lb$1.48 / lb−$4.49 (75.2%)
April 2026$5.9057 / lb$3.47 / lb−$2.44 (41.2%)
March 2026$5.6775 / lb$3.11 / lb−$2.57 (45.2%)
February 2026$5.8801 / lb$2.15 / lb−$3.73 (63.4%)
January 2026$5.8949 / lb$3.54 / lb−$2.35 (39.9%)
December 2025$5.4977 / lb$2.31 / lb−$3.19 (58%)
November 2025$5.0640 / lb$1.99 / lb−$3.07 (60.7%)
October 2025$5.0502 / lb$2.56 / lb−$2.49 (49.3%)
September 2025$4.6624 / lb$2.06 / lb−$2.60 (55.8%)
August 2025$4.4780 / lb$1.45 / lb−$3.03 (67.6%)
July 2025$5.4826 / lb$3.10 / lb−$2.38 (43.5%)
June 2025$4.8832 / lb$2.93 / lb−$1.95 (40%)
May 2025$4.6862 / lb$2.05 / lb−$2.64 (56.3%)
April 2025$4.6543 / lb$2.05 / lb−$2.60 (56%)
March 2025$4.9195 / lb$2.42 / lb−$2.50 (50.8%)
February 2025$4.5581 / lb$2.74 / lb−$1.82 (39.9%)
January 2025$4.2698 / lb$1.87 / lb−$2.40 (56.2%)
December 2024$4.1579 / lb$2.50 / lb−$1.66 (39.9%)
November 2024$4.1994 / lb$1.87 / lb−$2.33 (55.5%)
October 2024$4.4318 / lb$2.26 / lb−$2.17 (49%)
September 2024$4.2927 / lb$1.99 / lb−$2.30 (53.6%)
August 2024$4.1218 / lb$2.25 / lb−$1.87 (45.4%)
July 2024$4.3752 / lb$1.73 / lb−$2.65 (60.5%)
June 2024$4.4911 / lb$2.24 / lb−$2.25 (50.1%)
May 2024$4.7547 / lb$2.51 / lb−$2.24 (47.2%)
April 2024$4.3637 / lb$1.76 / lb−$2.60 (59.7%)
March 2024$3.9836 / lb$2.29 / lb−$1.69 (42.5%)
February 2024$3.8018 / lb$1.89 / lb−$1.91 (50.3%)
January 2024$3.8113 / lb$2.29 / lb−$1.52 (39.9%)
December 2023$3.8712 / lb$1.93 / lb−$1.94 (50.1%)
November 2023$3.7208 / lb$2.23 / lb−$1.49 (40.1%)
October 2023$3.6093 / lb$2.04 / lb−$1.57 (43.5%)
September 2023$3.7598 / lb$2.13 / lb−$1.63 (43.3%)
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$2.02 / lb−$1.73 (46.2%)
April 2023$4.0074 / lb$2.40 / lb−$1.61 (40.1%)
March 2023$4.0282 / lb$2.12 / lb−$1.91 (47.4%)
February 2023$4.0648 / lb$2.05 / lb−$2.01 (49.6%)
January 2023$4.1151 / lb$2.07 / lb−$2.05 (49.7%)
December 2022$3.8207 / lb$2.19 / lb−$1.63 (42.7%)
November 2022$3.6740 / lb$1.92 / lb−$1.75 (47.7%)
October 2022$3.4304 / lb$2.00 / lb−$1.43 (41.7%)
September 2022$3.4553 / lb$1.86 / lb−$1.60 (46.2%)
August 2022$3.6165 / lb$1.51 / lb−$2.11 (58.2%)
July 2022$3.4195 / lb$2.05 / lb−$1.37 (40%)
June 2022$4.1187 / lb$2.26 / lb−$1.86 (45.1%)
May 2022$4.2573 / lb$2.05 / lb−$2.21 (51.8%)
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$2.09 / lb−$2.34 (52.9%)
December 2021$4.3322 / lb$2.60 / lb−$1.73 (40%)
November 2021$4.3676 / lb$2.62 / lb−$1.75 (40%)
October 2021$4.4324 / lb$2.66 / lb−$1.77 (40%)
September 2021$4.2864 / lb$2.57 / lb−$1.72 (40%)
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$2.16 / lb−$2.23 (50.8%)
May 2021$4.6189 / lb$2.77 / lb−$1.85 (40%)
April 2021$4.1926 / lb$1.70 / lb−$2.49 (59.5%)
March 2021$4.0847 / lb$2.39 / lb−$1.69 (41.5%)
February 2021$3.8610 / lb$1.84 / lb−$2.02 (52.3%)
January 2021$3.6074 / lb$1.91 / lb−$1.70 (47.1%)
December 2020$3.5469 / lb$2.13 / lb−$1.42 (39.9%)
November 2020$3.2176 / lb$1.51 / lb−$1.71 (53.1%)
October 2020$3.0602 / lb$1.84 / lb−$1.22 (39.9%)
September 2020$3.0352 / lb$1.40 / lb−$1.64 (53.9%)
August 2020$2.9097 / lb$1.50 / lb−$1.41 (48.4%)
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$2.7599 / lb$1.66 / lb−$1.10 (39.9%)
December 2019$2.7741 / lb$1.34 / lb−$1.43 (51.7%)
November 2019$2.6607 / lb$1.39 / lb−$1.27 (47.8%)
October 2019$2.6216 / lb$1.36 / lb−$1.26 (48.1%)
September 2019$2.6155 / lb$1.36 / lb−$1.26 (48%)
August 2019$2.5766 / lb$1.36 / lb−$1.22 (47.2%)
July 2019$2.6935 / lb$1.62 / lb−$1.07 (39.9%)
June 2019$2.6718 / lb$1.60 / lb−$1.07 (40.1%)
May 2019$2.7395 / lb$1.64 / lb−$1.10 (40.1%)
April 2019$2.9143 / lb$1.52 / lb−$1.39 (47.8%)
March 2019$2.9020 / lb$1.74 / lb−$1.16 (40%)
February 2019$2.8459 / lb$1.46 / lb−$1.39 (48.7%)
January 2019$2.6755 / lb$1.57 / lb−$1.11 (41.3%)
December 2018$2.7248 / lb$1.64 / lb−$1.08 (39.8%)
November 2018$2.7578 / lb$1.65 / lb−$1.11 (40.2%)
October 2018$2.7684 / lb$1.66 / lb−$1.11 (40%)
September 2018$2.7128 / lb$1.63 / lb−$1.08 (39.9%)
August 2018$2.7061 / lb$1.42 / lb−$1.29 (47.5%)
July 2018$2.8076 / lb$1.69 / lb−$1.12 (39.8%)
June 2018$3.1234 / lb$1.83 / lb−$1.29 (41.4%)

#2 Insulated Wire Scrap Price History — Daily Data

A day-by-day market snapshot in exact numbers. Every day we aggregate buy prices from local scrap yards, recording the average, low, and high. Use this table to track real price movement over recent days.

DateAvg price (per lb)ChangeRange (Low/High)
$1.48 / lb+$0.18$1.20 – $1.40
2/17/2026 $1.30 / lb−$0.20$1.10 – $1.80
2/11/2026 $1.50 / lb+$0.40$1.50 – $1.50
12/14/2025 $1.10 / lb+$0.10$1.10 – $1.10
12/7/2025 $1.00 / lb— no change$1.00 – $1.00
12/5/2025 $1.00 / lb−$0.30$1.00 – $1.00
11/20/2025 $1.30 / lb+$0.30$1.30 – $1.30
11/18/2025 $1.00 / lb−$0.60$1.00 – $1.00
11/13/2025 $1.60 / lb+$0.40$1.60 – $1.60
10/15/2025 $1.20 / lb−$0.30$1.20 – $1.20
9/29/2025 $1.50 / lb+$0.10$1.50 – $1.50
9/17/2025 $1.40 / lb+$0.05$1.40 – $1.40
8/27/2025 $1.35 / lb+$0.95$1.30 – $1.40
8/23/2025 $0.40 / lb−$0.80$0.40 – $0.40
8/10/2025 $1.20 / lb— no change$1.20 – $1.20
8/5/2025 $1.20 / lb−$0.05$1.20 – $1.20
5/24/2025 $1.25 / lb−$0.15$1.25 – $1.25
5/13/2025 $1.40 / lb+$0.40$1.40 – $1.40
4/30/2025 $1.00 / lb+$0.20$1.00 – $1.00
4/27/2025 $0.80 / lb−$0.20$0.80 – $0.80
3/25/2025 $1.00 / lb−$0.40$1.00 – $1.00
1/19/2025 $1.40 / lb+$0.60$1.40 – $1.40
1/13/2025 $0.80 / lb−$0.15$0.80 – $0.80
11/14/2024 $0.95 / lb−$0.55$0.90 – $1.00
11/9/2024 $1.50 / lb+$0.30$1.50 – $1.50
11/5/2024 $1.20 / lb+$0.10$1.20 – $1.20
10/5/2024 $1.10 / lb+$0.20$1.10 – $1.10
9/11/2024 $0.90 / lb−$0.55$0.90 – $0.90
8/7/2024 $1.45 / lb+$0.45$1.45 – $1.45
7/22/2024 $1.00 / lb— no change$1.00 – $1.00
7/14/2024 $1.00 / lb— no change$1.00 – $1.00
6/17/2024 $1.00 / lb−$0.60$1.00 – $1.00
5/19/2024 $1.60 / lb+$0.75$1.60 – $1.60
4/25/2024 $0.85 / lb−$0.35$0.85 – $0.85
4/15/2024 $1.20 / lb−$0.10$1.20 – $1.20
3/3/2024 $1.30 / lb+$0.40$1.30 – $1.30
2/29/2024 $0.90 / lb+$0.10$0.90 – $0.90
12/8/2023 $0.80 / lb−$0.45$0.80 – $0.80
10/4/2023 $1.25 / lb−$0.05$1.25 – $1.25
5/30/2023 $1.30 / lb+$0.05$1.30 – $1.30
3/24/2023 $1.25 / lb+$0.75$1.25 – $1.25
2/7/2023 $0.50 / lb−$0.90$0.50 – $0.50
2/3/2023 $1.40 / lb+$0.40$1.40 – $1.40
1/31/2023 $1.00 / lb+$0.25$1.00 – $1.00
12/2/2022 $0.75 / lb−$0.40$0.75 – $0.75
10/2/2022 $1.15 / lb+$0.05$1.15 – $1.15
10/1/2022 $1.10 / lb+$0.65$1.10 – $1.10
8/18/2022 $0.45 / lb−$0.85$0.45 – $0.45
8/10/2022 $1.30 / lb−$0.20$1.30 – $1.30
6/27/2022 $1.50 / lb+$0.85$1.50 – $1.50
5/20/2022 $0.65 / lb−$0.85$0.65 – $0.65
5/16/2022 $1.50 / lb+$0.70$1.50 – $1.50
1/29/2022 $0.80 / lb−$0.60$0.80 – $0.80
1/25/2022 $1.40 / lb+$0.65$1.40 – $1.40
6/23/2021 $0.75 / lb+$0.10$0.75 – $0.75
4/23/2021 $0.65 / lb−$0.60$0.65 – $0.65
4/13/2021 $1.25 / lb+$0.65$1.25 – $1.25
3/1/2021 $0.60 / lb−$0.57$0.60 – $0.60
1/20/2021 $1.17 / lb+$0.17$1.10 – $1.20
11/29/2020 $1.00 / lb— no change$1.00 – $1.00
11/24/2020 $1.00 / lb+$0.55$1.00 – $1.00
9/25/2020 $0.45 / lb−$0.45$0.45 – $0.45
9/24/2020 $0.90 / lb— no change$0.90 – $0.90
9/20/2020 $0.90 / lb+$0.15$0.90 – $0.90
8/8/2020 $0.75 / lb+$0.35$0.75 – $0.75
12/12/2019 $0.40 / lb−$0.40$0.40 – $0.40
11/17/2019 $0.80 / lb+$0.05$0.80 – $0.80
10/17/2019 $0.75 / lb−$0.05$0.75 – $0.75
9/19/2019 $0.80 / lb−$0.05$0.80 – $0.80
8/21/2019 $0.85 / lb−$0.05$0.85 – $0.85
4/10/2019 $0.90 / lb+$0.20$0.90 – $0.90
2/7/2019 $0.70 / lb−$0.10$0.70 – $0.70
8/18/2018 $0.80 / lb−$0.15$0.80 – $0.80