Copper Recycling

What Copper We Accept

We buy a wide variety of copper grades from residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Here is what you can bring us:

  • Bright Copper Wire. Also known as #1 Bare Bright Wire. This is recognizable by its reddish-orange color and must be free of all insulation, corrosion, paint, or coating of any kind.
  • #1 Copper. Any copper material that is free from contaminants such as brass, paint, steel, plastic, or tin. You will often find this in plumbing fixtures, radiators, and electrical parts.
  • #2 Copper. Copper tubing or wire that has light tin solder, paint, or minor corrosion.
  • Insulated Copper Wire (ICW). Unstripped electrical wire, Romex wire, THHN wire, and standard communication cables.
  • Copper Radiators. Copper coils and cooling components commonly found in HVAC units or older vehicles.

What We Don't Accept (Downgrade):

To ensure you understand our grading process and get the most accurate price, please be aware of the following downgrades:

  • Tin-Coated Wire. Some insulated copper wire has a tin coat, which can be identified by a silver color instead of the bare bright reddish-orange. This will not be graded as Bare Bright.
  • Contaminated Tubing. Copper pipe that still has brass fittings, steel attachments, or tin solder will be downgraded from #1 Copper to #2 Copper.
  • Mixed Wire Piles. If your high-value Bare Bright wire is mixed in a bin with lower-grade insulated wire, the entire batch may be weighed at the lower price.

Pro-Tips for Maximum Payout

Want to get the top-tier price for your scrap? Follow these preparation steps before you hit the scale:

  • Strip Your Wire. Electricians and contractors can upgrade their haul by cutting away the insulation from ICW to expose the reddish-orange Bare Bright Copper Wire inside.
  • Cut Off Fittings. Plumbers can upgrade their fixtures to #1 Copper simply by cutting off any brass fittings or tin solder from the copper tubing.
  • Check for Rubber Seals. Double-check for rubber seals or plastic rings inside your copper pipes. Removing these simple contaminants will net you more money at the scale.
  • Separate Your Grades. Make sure any Bare Bright Copper Wire is thoroughly separated from your ICW and other scrap metals in order to receive the absolute best value.

Note: Time spent sorting your copper into distinct grades (#1, #2, Bare Bright, and ICW) before arriving at the yard is the easiest way to guarantee maximum profit.

Why Recycle Copper with Sutter Metals?

Copper is consistently one of the most valuable and highly sought-after materials in the scrap metal industry. Whether you are an electrician with leftover cabling, a plumber replacing old fixtures, or a contractor clearing out a demolition site, Sutter Metals is ready to weigh your materials and pay you top dollar based on current market rates.

Ready to get paid for your copper?

Sutter Metals Recycling accepts many types of copper scrap metal. Give us a call to request a quote or with any questions you may have!