Where Are The Best Places To Find Scrap Copper?
Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals. The most valuable type of copper with the highest selling price is typically clean, bare bright wire. Copper is a popular find for scrappers and recyclers and a great option if you are looking to turn household clutter into cash or start a side hustle. Copper can be found in all kinds of things, from everyday appliances to construction scraps. In this article, we’ll offer some tips on the best places to find copper that you can sell for cash at your local scrap metal recycling facility! If you have questions about finding and scrapping copper, or if you’d like to sell scrap metal for the best prices in Massachusetts, please contact our team at Allied Recycling Center in Walpole, MA, today!
Three of the Best Places to Look For Scrap Copper
1. Household Appliances and Electronics
Your garage or basement is often the easiest place to start looking for scrap copper. These spaces are typically filled with old gadgets that contain wires, coils, and components. With e-waste piling up from outdated tech, these items offer quick, easy copper without much effort.
- Refrigerators and AC units: These appliances are packed with copper tubing and coils. The typical refrigerator contains anywhere from 1 to 5 pounds of copper.
- Washers, dryers, and stoves: Washers, dryers, and stoves contain copper wiring and motor windings. These appliances typically contain 1 to 2 pounds of copper.
- Small electronics: Chargers, extension cords, and old computers often have insulated copper wires. Be sure to strip them for higher payouts!
2. Construction and Demolition Sites
If you’re willing to do some extra work, construction sites are full of copper wire, pipes, and fittings tossed out during renovations. Electricians and plumbers often leave scraps behind, and in today’s housing market, these sites are everywhere. Be sure to ask permission before looking for scrap copper at a construction or demolition site!
- Wiring from walls and outlets: Romex or BX cable contains copper strands.
- Plumbing pipes and fittings: Copper lines from bathrooms or kitchens are common finds at these job sites.
- Roofing scraps: Flashing or gutters from remodels may contain valuable scrap copper.
3. Thrift Shops and Auto Parts
To find a steady supply of copper, visit secondhand spots where copper items are sold cheaply or even given away. Auto salvage yards are great for vehicle parts, while thrift stores are full of hidden treasures.
- Auto starters and alternators: These parts contain copper windings and can be easy to find in car graveyards.
- Thrift store cookware: Pots, pans, and utensils made of solid copper are common finds at thrift stores.
Sell & Recycle Copper at Allied Recycling Center in Walpole, MA!
If you have any questions about scrap metal recycling or are looking to sell copper for the best prices in Southeastern Massachusetts, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Allied Recycling Center! Call us today at (508) 668-8699 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!