Scrap copper is one of the most valuable recyclable wastes. Many businesses in the UK gain extra profit from sending their copper waste to trusted scrap collectors. Scrap copper sells for high prices since they can be reused and re-purposed without altering the metal’s quality. In fact, around 80 per cent of all copper used today is recycled and re-purposed. Scrap copper can normally be classified as either just copper metal or copper cable.

Here is a summary of the different types of scrap copper

• Dry Bright Copper
• Greasy Bright Copper
• No 1 Burnt Copper Wire
• No 2 Burnt Copper Wire
• Heavy Copper
• New Copper Tube
• Braziery Copper
• Copper Turnings
• Copper Radiators
• Compo Rads
• Electric Motors

Here is a summary of the different types of scrap copper cable

• Low Grade Armoured Cable
• VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber)
• Household Cable
• MICC (Mineral Insulated Copper Clad) Cable (Pyro)
• Clean MICC Cable (Pyro)
• Single Core
• Twin & Earth

A lot of factors are considered when it comes to pricing scrap copper. One such factor is the copper’s different grades that will all fetch different prices.

Bare Bright Copper

The most valuable type of scrap copper is bare bright copper. This uncoated and unalloyed copper is stripped off of insulation, paint and other impurities, making it easy to reuse or recycle. As such, it is usually the first thing that scrap collectors look for.

#1 Copper

The second most profitable grade is #1 copper. Copper under this category is similar to bare bright copper but has traces of oxidation. Scrap materials in this grade include bus bars, clippings and clean copper tubing free of fittings, insulation, paint and solder.

#2 Copper

Scrap copper that has a dirty appearance falls under the #2 copper grade. To qualify for this category, the material’s copper content should be 94 to 96 per cent. Any unalloyed wire or pipe that has solder, paint, coating and other types of tarnishing falls are classified as #2 copper. Copper fittings with oxidation are generally accepted as long as the damage is not extreme.

#1 Insulated Wire

This type of scrap copper covers clean, unalloyed, uncoated and untinned copper wires. Plastic insulation with a gauge thickness of 16 or above is acceptable. Insulation does not need to be stripped.

#2 Insulated Wire

This category consists of an unalloyed copper wire with a gauge thinner than 16. This includes heavy, double or plastic insulation. Wirings from electronics, extension cords and other gadgets are acceptable. Number 2 insulated wires usually have tin and nickel coatings. When the insulation is removed, the wire should look like #2 copper grade.

These are the types of scrap copper recycling centres and scrap collectors accept. If your business produces any of the mentioned scrap waste, sending them to recycling centres can be an additional source of profit for your organisation.

Commercial Copper Recycling Services in the UK

Consider recycling your scrap copper through LKM Recycling. As part of our total waste management solutions, we collect, purchase and recycle non-ferrous metals from businesses across the country.

Our weighbridge facility allows us to weigh recyclable scrap and determine each grade of metal to determine your pay-out. Apart from the type of scrap metal, we also base our prices on the current market value. In a few seconds, we can give you a quote for your pay-out.

Apart from scrap copper, we also collect aluminium, mixed brass, lead, batteries and zinc among many others. We accept any quantity of metal for recycling. You can deliver it to our site or you can ask us to pick it up at your location. Just talk to one of our assistants and we will discuss your needs.