Copper Wire
Copper wire is one of the most valuable items you can bring to a scrap yard. Price depends on whether it's still insulated or stripped.
Estimated Value Range
$3.50/kg – $9.60/kg
per kilogram, CAD
How to Prepare for the Best Price
Strip insulation off heavy-gauge wire to get bare bright or No.1 prices. For thin wiring (like phone or data cable), stripping is usually not worth the effort. Keep different wire gauges separate if you can.
What to Expect at the Yard
The yard will test your wire and grade it visually. Romex house wire typically pays around 60-70% of bare copper prices. Bring ID — most yards require it for copper.
Typical yard visit process
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I strip copper wire before going to the yard?
For heavy gauge wire, yes. Stripping gets you bare bright or No.1 prices, which can be significantly higher. For thin wiring, the effort may not be worth it.
How is copper wire weighed?
Yards weigh your entire load on a scale, then assess the grade and copper recovery percentage to calculate your payout.
Check Prices in Your City
Yard payouts vary significantly by location. Check the local rate in your city before heading out.