How Much is Copper Wire & Cable Worth?
Copper wire is one of the most valuable items you can bring to a scrap yard. The price depends on whether the wire is bare or insulated, and on the thickness.
Estimated Payout
£12–£48
per item (guide only)
Primary Metal
copperCheck current rates
Use Price Calculator →What to Expect
Stripped bare wire can fetch £4.00–£5.00/kg or more, while insulated wire (depending on grade) pays £1.20–£2.80/kg. Stripping the insulation yourself is almost always worth it if you have any quantity.
Preparation Tips
Strip insulation using a wire stripper. Coil and bundle stripped wire. Separate thick singles from thin multicore — they price differently.
Copper wire and electrical cable can be worth significantly different amounts depending on whether it is stripped or insulated. Bare Bright copper — clean, uninsulated wire — pays the highest price at £4.80–£5.00/kg.
Wire Grades and Prices
Bare Bright Copper: Clean, uninsulated copper wire with no coatings, tarnish, or attachments. The top grade. £4.80–£5.00/kg.
Insulated Wire Grade 1: Thick single-core cable such as mains twin-and-earth (6mm+). The copper content is high. £2.20–£2.80/kg.
Insulated Wire Grade 2: Multicore cable, telephone wire, and mixed thin wire. Lower copper content per kg. £1.20–£1.80/kg.
Should You Strip the Insulation?
Stripping is only worth the effort for thick single-core cable (6mm or larger). For thin multicore cable, stripping is too time-consuming to be economical — sell it as insulated.
At the Yard
Payment is always by bank transfer — cash payments are illegal for UK scrap dealers. Bring photo ID on every visit.
Got a price?
If you've recently scrapped Copper Wire & Cable, share the price and help others know what to expect.
Submit a Price