No.2 Copper

Copper with solder, paint, light coatings, or oxidation. Mixed copper objects that don't meet No.1 standard.

Estimated Range

$7.20/kg – $7.80/kg

Copper base: $8.40/kg · $3.81/lb

↓ Below base price

How to Identify This Grade

May appear darker, have visible solder joints, painted sections, or mixed alloy fittings still attached.

Check for coatings, paint, or insulation

Test with a magnet — copper is non-magnetic

Look for corrosion or oxidation (green/brown)

Assess whether it's been cleaned or processed

Old plumbing with solder joints, painted copper pipes, small appliances

All grades of Copper — ranked by typical payout. Click any grade to see details.

Grade	Price Range	vs. This Grade
No.2 Copper current	$7.20/kg – $7.80/kg	—
Bare Bright Copper The highest grade of copper scrap — clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire at least 1.5mm diameter with no solder or insulation.	$9.00/kg – $9.60/kg	+$1.80/kg
No.1 Copper Clean, uncoated copper pipe and wire with light oxidation allowed. No major paint, coatings, or solder.	$8.20/kg – $8.80/kg	+$1.00/kg
Insulated Copper Wire Copper wire still inside its plastic or rubber insulation. Price depends heavily on copper recovery percentage.	$3.50/kg – $5.50/kg	-$3.70/kg

Price ranges are estimates. Actual yard payouts depend on grade purity, condition, and quantity.

Prices vary between cities. Find yards in your area or use the calculator to estimate your payout.

Local rates for Copper — click a city to see yard-by-yard breakdown.