What Are The Different Copper Scrap Grades & What Do They Mean?

Understanding the different copper scrap grades is essential for anyone who wants to maximize their profit when selling & recycling scrap metal! Copper scrap is categorized into various grades based on its purity, form, and the presence of contaminants. These grades determine the value and appropriate recycling methods for the copper. In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need about copper grades so you can be well informed the next time you come across some scrap copper! For more information about scrap metal recycling or to sell your scrap metal in the Greater Boston area, contact our team at Second Street Iron & Metal or visit our facility in Everett, MA, today!

What Is Copper Scrap?

Copper scrap refers to discarded or surplus copper materials collected for recycling and reuse. This scrap can come from various sources, including electrical wires, plumbing pipes, industrial machinery, and old household items. Copper is a highly recyclable material, and its value remains relatively high due to its widespread use and the cost-effectiveness of recycling compared to mining new copper. Recycling copper scrap reduces environmental impact, conserves natural resources, and provides a valuable resource for manufacturing and construction industries!

Different Copper Scrap Grades

Bare Bright Copper: This is the highest quality copper scrap. It consists of uncoated, unalloyed, and clean copper wire free from tarnish, corrosion, and other impurities. It should be at least 99% pure and can be easily identified by its shiny, bright appearance.

#1 Copper: This includes clean, unalloyed, and uncoated copper solids such as copper pipes, tubes, bars, and clippings free from paint, solder, and other attachments. It is typically at least 96% pure. Although not as pristine as Bare Bright Copper, it is still highly valued.

#2 Copper: It consists of copper materials that are less pure than #1 Copper, often including materials with a minimum of 94% copper content. This grade may have oxidization, paint, solder, or other contaminants. Examples include painted copper tubing, unalloyed copper wire with insulation, and copper with some attachments or impurities. While still recyclable, it requires more processing to reach the purity levels needed for industrial applications.

#3 Copper: This is also known as Light Copper. It includes thin, lightweight copper scrap, roofing copper, gutters, and downspouts. It also includes other items that may have been exposed to the elements and thus contain higher levels of oxidation and corrosion. In addition, it may have copper with significant amounts of solder, paint, or other coatings. The purity is generally lower than #2 Copper, often around 88-92%, making it less valuable and requiring more refining work.

Identifying Copper Scrap

Identifying copper scrap involves several steps to determine its type, purity, and value. Here are a few methods and tips to identify copper scrap:

• Visual inspection:

• • Color: Copper typically has a reddish-brown color when clean, but it can appear greenish due to oxidation or tarnishing over time.
  • Shine: Bare bright copper, the highest grade, has a shiny, glowing appearance.
  • Coating and contaminants: Check for paint, insulation, solder, or other coatings.
• Magnet test: Use a magnet to test the scrap. Copper is non-magnetic, so it won’t attract magnets. If it does, the material is likely not pure copper.
• Scratch test: Scratch the surface of the material with a file. Pure copper will reveal a bright, shiny surface underneath.

Contact Second Street Iron & Metal!

If you have any questions about scrap copper grades or if you are looking to sell scrap metal in the Greater Boston area, Second Street Iron & Metal in Everett, MA, is here for you! We strive to provide our clients with the best prices for all kinds of scrap metal, including copper, brass, steel, iron, aluminum, and more! Give us a call at (617) 387-1188 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!