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How to Recycle #1 Copper Solid
Clean, uncoated copper wire, pipe, and tubing. The highest grade of everyday copper scrap.
Check local acceptance#1 CUHigh: bare-bright #1 copper wire pays about $5.12-$5.65 per pound and #1 copper tubing/flashing about $5.03-$5.35/lb (August 2026), the top everyday grade. Keep it clean and uncoated to earn the #1 rate instead of lower #2 pricing.Last reviewed July 30, 2026
Quick answer
Yes, #1 copper is the highest grade of copper scrap: clean, uncoated wire, pipe, and tubing. Keep it free of solder, paint, and fittings, then take it to a scrap yard. As of August 2026, #1 copper pays roughly $5.03-$5.35 per pound, among the most valuable everyday recyclables. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Recycling code
- #1 CU
- Typical value
- High: bare-bright #1 copper wire pays about $5.12-$5.65 per pound and #1 copper tubing/flashing about $5.03-$5.35/lb (August 2026), the top everyday grade. Keep it clean and uncoated to earn the #1 rate instead of lower #2 pricing.
How to Prepare
- 1Remove all insulation and coatings
- 2Clean off any attachments or solder
- 3Remove steel fittings and connections
- 4Keep separate from lower-grade copper
Where to Recycle
- Scrap metal dealers
- Electrical contractors
- Plumbing contractors
Environmental Impact
Copper recycling reduces mining's environmental impact and preserves natural copper resources.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: High: bare-bright #1 copper wire pays about $5.12-$5.65 per pound and #1 copper tubing/flashing about $5.03-$5.35/lb (August 2026), the top everyday grade. Keep it clean and uncoated to earn the #1 rate instead of lower #2 pricing.
FAQs
What's the difference between #1 and #2 copper?
#1 copper is clean, uncoated, unalloyed copper at least 1/16 inch thick - bright or lightly tarnished bare wire, pipe, and tubing with no solder, paint, or fittings. #2 copper has solder, paint, light corrosion, or thin gauges and pays roughly $0.20-$0.40/lb less.
Does tarnish or oxidation lower the price?
Light tarnish is fine and still grades as #1. Heavier corrosion, paint, or solder bumps it down to #2. Copper doesn't need to be shiny, just clean, solid, and uncoated.
Should I remove fittings and solder before selling?
Yes. Brass valves, steel fittings, and soldered joints downgrade the load to #2 or 'dirty' copper. Cutting them off so you have clean bare copper earns the higher #1 rate.
Recycle #1 copper solid
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