Today's per-pound copper rate
Copper (bare bright)
$5.72/ lb
+1.39%
Updated 11:01:49 UTC
The per-pound copper number you'll see at a yard depends on the grade of the copper, the regional spread between local supply and demand, and the yard's own operating margin. Bare bright copper — clean, uncoated, #1 quality — sets the ceiling. Insulated wire and contaminated material sits well below that.
Grade breakdown (typical discounts vs. bare bright)
| Grade | Typical discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bare bright | 0% (reference) | Bright, uncoated, 16-gauge or thicker |
| #1 copper | 3–5% | Clean, no solder, no paint |
| #2 copper | 10–15% | Some oxidation, paint, or solder |
| Insulated wire | 30–60% | Depends on copper-to-jacket ratio |
How yards calculate the number
Yards quote off the COMEX spot copper price, then apply:
- A processing discount (varies by yard and grade)
- A regional adjustment (transportation cost to the smelter)
- A margin (the yard's profit)
A practical implication: spot copper at $4.50/lb does not mean you'll get $4.50/lb on the scale. A reasonable bare-bright payout is typically 85–95% of spot, depending on the yard.
What to do before you sell
- Strip insulation when the copper-content ratio justifies the labor
- Sort by grade before you load — yards down-grade mixed loads
- Call two or three yards for current quotes on your specific grade
- Check scale certification — every yard should have a current weights-and-measures sticker
For yard-finding tips, see Scrap Yards Near Me.