Can I Recycle Stripped Copper Wire at a Scrap Yard?

There are plenty of scrap yards to choose from in Indiana, but not all of them recycle metal. If you have stripped copper wire to dispose of, be sure you find a scrap metal yard that accepts it before hitting the road with your freight. Continue reading to learn more about recycling stripped wire copper, including Indy’s leading choice for scrap metal recycling services.

Copper Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Copper Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

The Value of Copper

Copper is one of the Earth’s most valuable natural resources. The metal contains so many beneficial properties, including high thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties make copper a highly applicable material for all sorts of industries and uses, including manufacturing, plumbing, building, construction, electronics, art, and more! The value of copper continues to increase in terms of applications. As for the metal market, the price of copper varies depending on certain factors, such as type, demand, macroeconomics, and more.

Regardless of its current value, copper is always a highly sought-after metal among scrap yards. Copper can be 100% recycled over and over again, without jeopardizing its natural properties. You can expect to get paid for recycling copper, so long as you choose the right scrap yard and prepare your freight accordingly.

How to Recycle Stripped Copper Wiring

When it comes to making the most money from recycling copper, the brighter the color, the better. Additionally, you can stand to make more profit it your copper wiring is already stripped of its insulation. Copper wiring conducts electricity, so it needs to be insulated. Because the insulation does not have any repurposing value, it cannot be recycled, and therefore, many places do not accept it. Some do accept insulated copper wire but pay less for it.

Stripped copper wiring, on the other hand, can be recycled. Here’s how:

► Contact an Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center to request a quote for your copper.

► Accept their offer and schedule a time for drop off.

► Drop your scrap copper off at their designated collection campus.

► Get paid for your scrap copper.

*If you have an substantial load of scrap copper, the scrap yard may provide haul-away service.

Tips for Stripping Copper Wiring

If you are recycling scrap copper wiring for a cash payout, it is in your best interest to strip the wiring of its insulation to maximize your profit. Purchase high quality wire strippers at a home improvement retailer and do it by hand. It is possible to use a blowtorch to melt off copper wire insulation, but this method is not recommended. It can cause noxious fumes in the surrounding communities, which can upset upper respiratory systems, alarm neighbors, and pollute the air. If you are not up for the labor-intensive job of removing insulation from copper wiring, it is recommended to just recycle the wiring as-is.

Are you looking for a local scrap metal recycling yard that will take your copper wiring, with or without insulation? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to get paid cash on the spot for recycling copper in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer FREE junk car and heavy machinery removal, too!

Related Posts:

Tips for Stripping Copper Wire for Scrap Metal
The Environmental Benefits of Recycling Copper
Where To Look For Scrap Copper

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Where To Look For Scrap Copper

Metal recycling is beneficial for numerous reasons. It preserves natural resources, reduces air pollution, stimulates the economy, and best of all, it puts cash in your wallet! That’s right; you can sell your scrap metal to a local Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center. One of the most valuable non-precious metals to sell for a notable profit is copper, even when the market prices are low.

Where can you get your hands on some scrap copper to sell? Continue reading to find out!

Indianapolis Scrap Copper Buyers 1-888-586-5322

Indianapolis Scrap Copper Buyers 1-888-586-5322


Copper has various qualities that make it a desirable metal to repurpose, which is why it tends to always be a hot commodity among scrap metal buyers. Not only does copper retain high thermal and electrical conductivity properties, it is soft and malleable, making it a perfect metal for ornamental work, metal work, and even coinage. This can help you identify some places to find scrap copper around the house, and throughout the town.

Here are some ideas of where to look if you wish to gather and sell scrap copper:

Plumbing

Whether residential or commercial, plumbing components will always offer some form of copper. Of course, you do not want to take apart your shower and kitchen sink to sell your copper faucet, but you can keep any old ones that you replace for resale later on. Common copper plumbing components include sinks and tubs, which come with a higher profit value, as well as, faucets, drains, u-joints, showerheads, and pipes.

Appliances and Electronics

If you have old or broken down appliances or electronics, be sure to save them for resale because they likely contain copper. Since copper is ductile and retains thermal and electrical conductivity properties, it is often used for electrical wiring and computer circuit boards. This means anything that operates electronically or on a computer system, will have copper or other valuable metal in them. For the same qualities, appliances are also a hotbed for scrap copper coils. Refrigerators, water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, microwaves, and more all contain valuable metals, including copper.

Household Items and Décor

As mentioned, copper is highly malleable and soft, which is why it is commonly used in metalworking and art. This means you can look to your old kitchen pots and pans for some recyclable scrap copper. Other kitchen items that may be made from copper include mugs, plate ware, cutlery, and cooking utensils. Also, any old household décor, such as statues, plaques, medals, clocks, framing, sconces, wall art, and mirrors are all possible sources for copper. Not only will it render you a pretty penny in profit, you can also make room by getting rid of a heap of old junk!

Where to Recycle Your Scrap Copper for Cash on the Spot

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap copper and other types of metal in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.