Copper Scrap Price Trends

over the last 30 days

In the last month in the Copper category: price is up for 1 grade, price is steady for 2 grades, and price is down for 2 grades.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $2.82 to $4.51.
May '25Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (COMEX)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~31.3% (-$1.91 / lb). Based on 5 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 26%–36%.
✓ All 5 grades are within normal market range

U.S. National Price Benchmark — Copper in Tennessee

Local scrap yards in Tennessee 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 Tennessee by Grade

Here is the Copper data we have on file for Tennessee. 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.

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
#1 Copper Based on 6 yards
Avg. Price:$4.34 / lbRange: $3.70 – $4.98 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -15.2%
View Details
#2 Copper Based on 6 yards
Avg. Price:$4.19 / lbRange: $3.50 – $4.88 / lb
Trend for 30 days: -16.6%
View Details
Bare Bright Copper Based on 1 yard
Avg. Price:$4.00 / lbRange: $4.00 – $4.00 / 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 Tennessee

Live prices from local scrap yards in Tennessee. 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 yesterday

CMC Recycling

Chattanooga, Tennessee2 grades on price list
No. 1 Copper
$4.98 / lb|🠇 $0.18 (3%)
No. 2 Copper
$4.88 / lb|🠇 $0.16 (3%)
Updated 3/22/2026

CMC Recycling

Knoxville, Tennessee2 grades on price list
No. 1 Copper
$4.30 / lb|🠇 $0.20 (4%)
No. 2 Copper
$4.15 / lb|🠇 $0.20 (5%)
Updated 2/17/2026

Middle Tennessee Recycling

Nashville, Tennessee3 grades on price list
Bare Bright #1
$4.00 / lb|🠅 $0.40 (11%)
#1 Copper
$3.90 / lb|🠅 $0.40 (11%)
#2 Copper
$3.70 / lb|🠅 $0.40 (12%)
Updated 2/17/2026

Sevier County Iron & Metal

Sevierville, Tennessee2 grades on price list
Copper 1
$3.70 / lb|🠅 $0.95 (35%)
Copper 2
$3.50 / lb|🠅 $0.95 (37%)
Updated 12/17/2025

Blount County Iron & Metal

Maryville, Tennessee2 grades on price list
Copper 1
$3.70 / lb|🠅 $0.95 (35%)
Copper 2
$3.50 / lb|🠅 $0.95 (37%)
Updated 12/17/2025

Anderson Auto Salvage & Recycling

Niota, Tennessee2 grades on price list
Copper 1
$3.70 / lb|🠅 $0.75 (25%)
Copper 2
$3.50 / lb|🠅 $0.75 (27%)

Don't see your scrap yard in Tennessee? 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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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 Tennessee.

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
Light Copper / Sheet Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.47
High Grade73%
#1 Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.34
High Grade71%
#2 Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.19
Mid Grade69%
Bare Bright Copper $6.09 COMEX$4.00
Low Grade66%
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 31.3%.
  • 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.