Everything You Need To Know About Copper Scrap Grades
Copper remains as one of the most valuable scrap metals because although it’s rarer than aluminum, brass, and steel, it is used in the production of a wide range of goods. Therefore, it is no surprise that it is highly sought where recycling is concerned. There are several different scrap copper grades based on the metals composition and use, each of which is worth a different price at scrap metal recycling facilities. Below, we’ll go over these grades so you can identify the type of copper you have before your next scrap metal recycling trip!
Bare Bright or #1 Copper Wire
Bare bright copper can be described as the most valuable copper in the recycling market. It is an uncoated wire, usually about 16 gauge in thickness. It gets its name from the naked appearance of the metal. In its highest quality, bare bright copper has zero insulations, impurities, or oxidation. If you are looking to make the most money from copper recycling, bare bright is what you need to look for.
#1 Copper Tubing
Next to bare bright copper, #1 copper tubing is the highest-valued copper scrap. Much like bare bright, it typically has no attachments or fittings around it. If there are scraps of solder or plastic on it, you may carefully peel them off. In general, this category of coppers holds more value when it appears unblemished and unalloyed.
#2 Copper Tubing
#2 copper tubing is very similar to #1 copper tubing, however, it is slightly less valuable, as it often has fittings, bits of solder, or paint splattered on it. It is noteworthy to mention that pieces of #1 Copper that do not pass the test of being unalloyed and blemish-free may be categorized as #2 Copper.
Insulated Copper Wire
Insulated copper wire is typically a very thin form of copper wire that is covered in insulation, as the name would suggest. Insulated copper wire is used in electronics like appliances, cars, computers, and more. The insulation can be stripped off the wire to increase its value, but this can be labor intensive and not always worth it.
Contact Allied Recycling Center!
If you have any questions about scrap metal recycling or are looking to sell scrap metal 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!