Price trends for copper scrap by grade

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 $2.87 to $4.64.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (COMEX)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~27.5% (-$1.76/ lb). Based on 5 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 22%–39%.
✓ All 5 grades are within normal market range

U.S. National Price Benchmark — Copper in Illinois

Local scrap yards in Illinois 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. →

Copper scrap prices by grade in Illinois

Here is the Copper data we have on file for Illinois. 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:$4.95/ lbRange: $4.80 – $5.10/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
#1 Copper Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$4.80/ lbRange: $4.65 – $4.95/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Light Copper / Sheet Copper U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$4.75/ lbRange: $4.35 – $5.15/ lb
Trend for 30 days: +0.9%
View Details
#2 Copper Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$4.71/ lbRange: $4.56 – $4.86/ 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

Scrap yards paying the most for copper scrap in Illinois

Live prices from local scrap yards in Illinois. 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 4/14/2026

Big Daddy Scrap

Chicago Heights, Illinois3 grades on price list
Bare Bright
$5.10/ lb|🠅 $0.24 (5%)
Copper #1
$4.95/ lb|🠅 $0.30 (6%)
Copper #2
$4.86/ lb|🠅 $0.30 (7%)
Updated 4/6/2026

Big Daddy Scrap

Kankakee, Illinois3 grades on price list
Bare Bright
$4.80/ lb|🠅 $0.24 (5%)
Copper #1
$4.65/ lb|🠅 $0.45 (11%)
Copper #2
$4.56/ lb|🠅 $0.52 (13%)
Updated 9/2/2025

CKS Metal Corporation.

Roxana, Illinois4 grades on price list
BARE BRIGHT COPPER WIRE
$3.15/ lb
#1 COPPER
$3.10/ lb
#2 COPPER
$3.00/ lb
SHEETCOPPER
$2.80/ lb

Don't see your scrap yard in Illinois? 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.

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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 Illinois.

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 $6.38/ lb COMEX$4.95/ lb
High Grade78%
#1 Copper $6.38/ lb COMEX$4.80/ lb
High Grade75%
Light Copper / Sheet Copper $6.38/ lb COMEX$4.75/ lb
High Grade74%
#2 Copper $6.38/ lb COMEX$4.71/ lb
High Grade74%
Copper Turnings $6.38/ lb COMEX$3.91/ lb
Low Grade61%

📊 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.