How to Recycle #2 Copper Wire
Insulated copper wire, including household Romex, extension cords, and low-voltage data or network cable. Priced by estimated copper-recovery percentage (%ICW) rather than a single flat rate, so value can range from roughly $0.60/lb to $4+/lb depending on gauge and insulation ratio.
Quick answer
It depends on how much of the wire is actually copper. Insulated copper wire is priced by estimated copper-recovery percentage, not one flat rate - August 2026 boards range from about $0.45-$0.80/lb for low-yield wire like Cat5/6 cable up to $3.55-$4.20/lb for thick, high-yield wire (85%+ copper). Stripping heavy-gauge wire down to bare bright copper is usually worth it and pays about $5.05-$5.35/lb; thin, low-yield wire often isn't worth the labor to strip.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Recycling code
- #2 ICW
- Typical value
- Insulated copper wire is graded by estimated copper content, not a flat rate: roughly $0.45-$0.80/lb for thin, low-yield wire (Cat5/6-style cable), $1.15-$2.00/lb for mid-yield wire (about 45-50% copper), and up to $3.55-$4.20/lb for thick, high-yield wire (85%+ copper). Stripped down to bare bright copper, the same wire jumps to about $5.12-$5.65/lb (August 2026) - worth the labor on thick gauge, rarely worth it on thin wire.
- 1Remove steel connectors and attachments
- 2Separate thick, high-yield wire (like Romex) from thin, low-yield wire (like Cat5/6 cable) - yards price them very differently
- 3You can leave insulation on and sell as insulated wire, or strip thick wire for a bare-bright rate
- 4Separate from aluminum wire and any steel or iron components
- Scrap metal dealers
- Electrical contractors
- Recycling centers
Even sold insulated, copper wire recycling significantly reduces the impact of mining new copper.
The difference between selling insulated copper wire and stripped bare bright copper can easily exceed 100 percent more value. August 2026 public yard quotes ranged from $1.17 to $3.86 per pound for insulated grades and $4.72 to $5.65 per pound for bare bright copper. The right tools make this processing practical and profitable.
Wire Stripping Tools
Stripping insulation from copper wire transforms lower grade material into premium bare bright copper. For Romex and thick gauge wire (12 AWG and larger), this is where you make real money.
Manual strippers: Perfect for learning and smaller volumes. A quality manual wire stripper processes 10 to 20 pounds per hour and pays for itself after processing 200 to 300 pounds of wire. That's typically one good haul from a renovation project.
Powered strippers: For serious volume, a powered wire stripper processes 50 to 100 pounds per hour. If you're processing 100 pounds or more per week, the time savings justify the investment. Most powered models pay for themselves within 2 to 3 months of regular use.
Quote comparison: At the national averages, 100 pounds of Romex is $280 at $2.80/lb, while 100 pounds of already separated bare bright is $512 at $5.12/lb. Stripping 100 pounds of Romex does not yield 100 pounds of copper, so weigh the recovered metal and subtract tool and labor costs before calling the difference profit.
Identification and Measurement
A magnet test, wire gauge measurement, and scale identify copper grade before processing. These tools prevent costly sorting errors.
Magnet test: A strong neodymium magnet instantly tells you if something is copper or plated steel. Real copper won't stick. This one test prevents hauling worthless plated materials thinking they're solid copper, which can cost you hours of wasted processing time.
Wire gauge measurement: Digital calipers measure wire diameter to determine gauge. Gauge determines copper weight and estimated scrap value before processing. Also useful for measuring pipe thickness and other dimensions.
Accurate weighing: A digital scale verifies load weight before the yard visit. Verified weights prevent disputes and document recovery rates. Most yards are honest, but verified weights support fair pricing at the scale.
Professional tip: Start with a manual stripper and magnet. If you find yourself processing wire regularly, upgrade to a powered stripper. The total investment of $100 to $200 typically pays back within the first month if you're processing 50 pounds or more of wire.
Estimated value: Insulated copper wire is graded by estimated copper content, not a flat rate: roughly $0.45-$0.80/lb for thin, low-yield wire (Cat5/6-style cable), $1.15-$2.00/lb for mid-yield wire (about 45-50% copper), and up to $3.55-$4.20/lb for thick, high-yield wire (85%+ copper). Stripped down to bare bright copper, the same wire jumps to about $5.12-$5.65/lb (August 2026) - worth the labor on thick gauge, rarely worth it on thin wire.
Is it worth stripping copper wire before selling?
On thick wire, usually yes. Bare bright copper (about $5.12-$5.65/lb in August 2026) pays far more than most insulated wire, so a sizable load of Romex or heavy-gauge wire is worth stripping. Thin wire with little copper inside, like network cable, rarely earns back the time it takes to strip it, so sell it as insulated.
Why do copper wire prices vary so much?
Insulated wire is graded by the recycler's estimate of what percentage of its weight is actually copper versus insulation (%ICW). A thick single-strand wire might be 85-90% copper by weight and price close to bare-bright rates; a thin multi-conductor cable might be only 25-30% copper and price at a fraction of that. Ask your yard how they grade %ICW before assuming a price.
How can I check that it's really copper?
Use a magnet: real copper won't stick. If the wire is magnetic, it's copper-plated steel and worth far less. A small scratch should also show bright copper-colored metal underneath, not silver.
Recycling centers that accept #2 Copper Wire
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept #2 copper wire. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.