- 1Remove steel connectors and attachments
- 2Can leave insulation on (reduces value but easier)
- 3Separate from aluminum wire
- 4Remove any steel or iron components
- Scrap metal dealers
- Electrical contractors
- Recycling centers
Even with insulation, copper wire recycling significantly reduces mining impact.
The difference between selling insulated copper wire and stripped bare bright copper can be 75 to 110 percent more value. At current market rates, that's the difference between $1.80 to $2.50 per pound versus $3.30 to $4.48 per pound. 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.
ROI Example: Processing 100 pounds of Romex wire: Insulated at $2.00/lb = $200. Stripped at $3.80/lb = $380. After tool cost ($50 to $150), you're still $130 to $230 ahead on a single load.
Identification and Measurement
Knowing what you have before you process it helps you prioritize and avoid mistakes. These tools prevent costly 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 let you measure wire diameter to determine gauge, which helps you calculate copper weight and estimate value before processing. Also useful for measuring pipe thickness and other dimensions.
Accurate weighing: A digital scale lets you verify weights before heading to the yard. Prevents disputes and helps you track your actual recovery rates. Most yards are honest, but knowing your weights gives you confidence in negotiations.
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.