ScrapToday’s Copper Scrap Prices in the US
In-depth analytics for copper scrap prices in the US. Compare local scrap yard buyout rates with COMEX Copper exchange benchmarks, use the lot calculator to estimate your payout, and find the yards with the best offers near you.
Price trends for copper scrap by grade
over the last 6 monthsIn the last 6 months in the Copper category: price is up for 4 grades and price is down for 1 grade.
Copper scrap prices by grade in the US
Bare bright copper is the highest grade; each step down (light copper, irony copper) brings a lower per-pound rate. Click any grade to get a detailed price chart, market analysis, and a list of yards currently paying the most.
Scrap yards paying the most for copper scrap in the US
Live prices from local scrap yards across the U.S.. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.
Astro City Scrap Metal
CMC Recycling
Stuff Recycling
Brenner Recycling
Wichita Material Recovery - WMR - 303-9303
Best Scrap Yard Prices in Livingston, Texas - Eastex Recycling
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Hundreds of people search for the best scrap prices across the U.S. every day. Add your yard and start capturing those leads.
🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶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 across the U.S..
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.
| Grade | Exchange (100%) | Yard Price (per lb) | Grade Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $6.64/ lb COMEX | $5.48/ lb | High Grade•82% |
| #1 Copper | $6.64/ lb COMEX | $5.30/ lb | High Grade•80% |
| #2 Copper | $6.64/ lb COMEX | $5.17/ lb | High Grade•78% |
| Light Copper / Sheet Copper | $6.64/ lb COMEX | $4.69/ lb | Mid Grade•71% |
| Copper Turnings | $6.64/ lb COMEX | $3.91/ lb | Low Grade•59% |
📊 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.
Map of scrap yards buying copper scrap
The map below shows yards currently listing prices for copper scrap. Select your state on the map or from the list to see current per-pound rates for all grades at local yards.