ScrapInsulated Copper Wire Scrap Prices in the US
In-depth analytics for insulated copper wire 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 insulated copper wire by grade
over the last 90 daysIn the last 3 months in the Insulated Copper Wire category: price is up for 4 grades, price is steady for 6 grades, and price is down for 3 grades.
Insulated Copper Wire scrap prices by grade in the US
The percentage of copper inside the insulation determines the grade — higher copper recovery = higher price per pound. 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 insulated copper wire in the US
Live prices from local scrap yards across the U.S.. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.
Brenner Recycling
Dale Recycling and Used Auto Parts
ADJ Metals
USA Scrap Metal & Recycling
CMC Recycling
CMC Recycling
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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 across the U.S..
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 | $3.50/ lb | High Grade•54% |
| Romex® Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $3.10/ lb | High Grade•48% |
| #2 Insulated Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $2.20/ lb | Mid Grade•34% |
| Coax & Heliax Cable | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $2.18/ lb | Mid Grade•34% |
| Telecom & Data Wire | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $1.80/ lb | Mid Grade•28% |
| Wire Harnesses | $6.49/ lb COMEX | $1.75/ lb | Mid Grade•27% |
| #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.