Copper Scrap Price Trends

over the last 6 months

In the last 6 months in the Copper category: price is up for 1 grade and price is steady for 4 grades.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $3.26 to $4.52.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (COMEX)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~27.4% (-$1.67 / lb). Based on 5 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 21%–36%.
✓ All 5 grades are within normal market range

U.S. National Price Benchmark — Copper in California

Local scrap yards in California sometimes post their prices with a short delay. To keep you informed of what your metal is worth right now, we use U.S. national averages as a reference. The secondary metals market responds to exchange moves in sync across the country — use this national benchmark when negotiating with local buyers. Copper prices across the U.S. →

Current Copper Scrap Prices in California by Grade

Here is the Copper data we have on file for California. Local yards don't always update their online prices daily — if your grade isn't listed, use the National Benchmark above as leverage when negotiating with local buyers.

Bare Bright Copper Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$4.78 / lbRange: $4.60 – $4.95 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
#1 Copper Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$4.58 / lbRange: $4.40 – $4.75 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Light Copper / Sheet Copper U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$4.47 / lbRange: $4.00 – $4.93 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -2.0%
View Details
#2 Copper Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$4.38 / lbRange: $4.20 – $4.55 / lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
+9.2% / 6 mo.
Copper Turnings U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$3.91 / lbRange: $3.65 – $4.17 / lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +9.2%
View Details

Where to Sell Copper for the Best Rates in California

Live prices from local scrap yards in California. 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 4/26/2026

TM Scrap Metals Inc.

Los Angeles, California3 grades on price list
Bright & Shiny Copper Wire
$4.95 / lb|🠅 $0.30 (6%)
#1 Copper Tubing/Wire
$4.75 / lb|🠅 $0.20 (4%)
#2 Copper Tubing/Wire
$4.55 / lb|🠅 $0.20 (5%)
Updated 2/17/2026

Greener Recycling

Los Angeles, California3 grades on price list
Bare Bright Copper Wire
$4.60 / lb|🠅 $0.20 (5%)
#1 Copper Tubing / Bus Bar
$4.40 / lb|🠅 $0.20 (5%)
#2 Copper Tubing / Bus Bar
$4.20 / lb|🠅 $0.10 (2%)
Updated 3/2/2019

Scrap Stop

Los Angeles, California1 grade on price list
Bare Bright Copper Wire
$2.65 / lb

Don't see your scrap yard in California? List it for free.

Hundreds of sellers in your area search for current scrap prices every day. Post your buy prices and start getting calls.

🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶

Copper Price Chart & History

See how local yard buy prices track the exchange (COMEX). Use this chart to judge whether it's a good time to cash in now or wait for yards to catch up with the latest exchange move.

Copper Load Value & Payout Calculator

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 California.

Select a metal above to estimate value

Copper Recovery: Understanding Purity & Payouts

Біржова ціна відображає чистий перероблений метал (99,9%+). У кожної марки лому різний рівень домішок і різна складність переробки. Чим вищий відсоток, тим цінніша марка і тим ближче виплата до спотової ціни.

GradeExchange (100%)Yard Price (per lb)Grade Quality
Bare Bright Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.78
High Grade78%
#1 Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.58
High Grade75%
Light Copper / Sheet Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.47
Mid Grade73%
#2 Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.38
Mid Grade72%
Copper Turnings $6.09 COMEX$3.91
Low Grade64%

📊 What Determines Copper Grade Value:

  • Copper Recovery Rate: The percentage of actual metal left after stripping insulation or removing contaminants (solder, paint, brass fittings).
  • Market Spread: The difference between the COMEX price and what local yards pay, currently averaging 27.4%.
  • Processing Time: Heavily insulated wires like Christmas Lights require more industrial processing, lowering their per-pound value.
  • Weight & Volume: Bulk industrial loads of MCM & Industrial Cable often command 'tier-one' pricing at the scale.
💡 Pro tip: Always check for 'hidden' weight like steel armor on Armored Cable (BX) which can lead to a price downgrade if not disclosed.