Copper #2
Copper #2 is copper that is still recognisably copper but carries contamination a yard must process out — solder on joints, light paint, chrome plating, or heavier oxidation. It pays less than Copper #1, and the gap is usually large enough to make cutting solder off worthwhile.
Set by hand on ; not moved by our weekly market check. How we set prices
Compare all Copper gradesHow to Identify
Copper pipe with solder on the joints, plumbing fittings still partially attached, copper with light paint or minor chrome plating.
Common Sources
Plumbing pipe with soldered joints or fittings still attached, painted copper pipework from older properties, chrome-plated copper from bathroom installations, and copper that has been outdoors long enough to develop a green patina.
About Copper #2
Copper #2 includes copper with small amounts of solder, light paint, chrome fittings, or oxidation that prevent it from reaching #1 grade.
How This Grade Compares
Copper #2 is a standard grade of Copper scrap. At £4.00–£4.30/kg, it sits within the typical range for this metal. This is among the higher-value grades — sorting and cleaning pays off significantly here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Copper #2 scrap worth per kg?▾
Our guide range for Copper #2 is £4.00–£4.30 per kg (approximately £4,000–£4,300/tonne). It was set by hand on 25 March 2026 and is not moved by our weekly market check, so treat it as a guide and get a quote from the yard.
How do I identify Copper #2?▾
Copper pipe with solder on the joints, plumbing fittings still partially attached, copper with light paint or minor chrome plating.
Can I get paid cash for Copper #2 at a scrap yard?▾
Not in Great Britain. Licensed scrap yards in England and Wales must pay by bank transfer or cheque under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, and Scotland has banned cash payments for metal since 2016. Northern Ireland has no equivalent ban, but reputable yards there pay by bank transfer too.
What lowers the grade of Copper #2?▾
Any contamination reduces your payout. Common issues include: attached fittings or connectors, paint or coating, solder, corrosion, or mixing with lower-grade Copper material. Sort and clean before selling.