ScrapInsulated Copper Wire Scrap Prices in California
In-depth analytics for insulated copper wire prices in California. 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.
Local data is supplemented with national averages for the most accurate estimate. The market moves as one trend — use the national figure as your reference point.
Price trends for insulated copper wire by grade
over the last 30 daysIn the last month in the Insulated Copper Wire category: price is up for 2 grades, price is steady for 9 grades, and price is down for 2 grades.
U.S. National Price Benchmark — Insulated Copper Wire 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. Insulated Copper Wire prices across the U.S. →
Insulated Copper Wire scrap prices by grade in California
Here is the Insulated Copper Wire 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.
Scrap yards paying the most for insulated copper wire in California
Live prices from local scrap yards in California. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.
Greener Recycling
TM Scrap Metals Inc.
Scrap Stop
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🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶Price chart: insulated copper wire grades and COMEX Copper exchange data
The chart shows average yard buyout rates and COMEX Copper exchange data for your selected insulated copper wire 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 insulated copper wire 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 California.
Compare insulated copper wire grades and their value
Insulated wire pricing is always a discount to bare copper (COMEX basis) — the yard factors in the cost of stripping or processing the insulation to recover the copper. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCM & Industrial Cable | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $4.15/ lb | High Grade•64% |
| THHN Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $3.65/ lb | High Grade•56% |
| #1 Insulated Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $3.33/ lb | High Grade•51% |
| Romex® Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $2.58/ lb | Mid Grade•40% |
| #2 Insulated Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $2.50/ lb | Mid Grade•39% |
| Coax & Heliax Cable | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $2.17/ lb | Mid Grade•33% |
| Wire Harnesses | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $1.75/ lb | Mid Grade•27% |
| Telecom & Data Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $1.58/ lb | Low Grade•24% |
| #3 Insulated Wire (Low Grade) | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $1.15/ lb | Low Grade•18% |
| Jelly Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $1.10/ lb | Low Grade•17% |
| Armored Cable (BX) | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $0.78/ lb | Low Grade•12% |
| Computer Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $0.65/ lb | Low Grade•10% |
| Christmas Lights | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $0.39/ lb | Low Grade•6% |
📊 What determines the value of insulated copper wire:
- Recovery percentage: #1 insulated wire (Romex, THHN) has ~75–80% copper recovery; #2 insulated (mixed, thicker insulation) drops to ~45–65%. Yards price accordingly.
- Strip it yourself: Stripping THHN or Romex converts it to bare bright copper — which pays 40–60¢/lb more in most markets. Do the math on large loads.
- MCM & industrial cable: Large-gauge aluminum or copper power cable; priced per pound based on conductor metal and insulation type.
- Christmas lights / computer wire: Low-grade, thin conductor — the lowest paying category because recovery is under 30%.
- Coax / Heliax: Specialty cable with copper/aluminum center; priced separately at most yards — don't mix with standard insulated wire.
Map of scrap yards buying insulated copper wire
The map below shows yards currently listing prices for insulated copper wire. Select your state on the map or from the list to see current per-pound rates for all grades at local yards.