Everything You Need To Know About Recycling Wires & Cables 

Technology advances every second, minute, hour, and day. Because of this, electronics are constantly being upgraded and replaced, leaving behind their predecessors and parts. While the electronic devices themselves are often recycled, people are sometimes left wondering what to do with the wires and cables that are with them. What many people do not realize is that those wires and cables may earn you a good amount of money when you sell them to a scrap metal recycling facility! In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about selling your wires or cables for their value in scrap metal!

The Difference Between Cables & Wires 

The only difference between a cable and a wire is that a wire contains only one line of electrical conduction, while a cable contains multiple lines of electrical conduction insulated by rubber or plastic. Essentially, a cable is made up of two or more wires.

Wires are typically found on the interior of electronics or eclectic outlets, while cables (also commonly referred to as cords) are typically found on the exterior of electronics. Some common types of cables include power cords, phone cables, extension cords, ethernet cords, phone chargers, and more.

Which Is Worth More: Wires Or Cables? 

The value of any wire or cable depends on the materials that it is made up of. However, as a general rule of thumb, cables are typically worth more because they weigh more and contain larger amounts of copper. If you have any questions about the value of a certain type of wire or cable, don’t hesitate to contact us!

What Makes Copper So Valuable? 

The price of any scrap metal is determined by a few factors: supply & demand, current global market conditions, location, and the cost of raw materials. Copper typically has a high scrap value for the following reasons:

• Copper conducts heat and electricity well and is resistant to corrosion.
• Copper is difficult to mine, making recycled copper more valuable than other metals.
• Copper is used in all kinds of products, including wiring, electronics, storage tanks, appliances, pipes, and much more.

Contact Second Street Iron & Metal!

If you’re ready to start recycling scrap metal in the Greater Boston area, Second Street Iron & Metal is here for you! Our facility, located in Everett, is in the perfect location to accommodate all of the Greater Boston region! We strive to give our clients the best prices for all kinds of scrap metal! Give us a call at (617) 387-1188 or fill out the contact form on our website, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible!