Whether you’re a homeowner with old wiring tucked away in your garage or a tradesperson dealing with metal offcuts from construction, knowing the value of your copper scrap can turn clutter into cash. Copper, one of the most sought-after metals in the recycling market, can earn you a generous return—especially in Sydney, where eco-consciousness and resource recovery are at an all-time high.
Welcome to your complete guide to copper scrap grades and their value in Sydney. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of copper scrap, explain how they’re priced, and show you how to get the best deals with copper recycling Sydney services.
Why Copper Scrap Is So Valuable
Copper is prized for its excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and recyclability. It’s used in plumbing, electrical systems, construction, machinery, and electronics. Because mining virgin copper is expensive and environmentally damaging, Sydney scrap copper recycling plays a vital role in meeting the demand for this versatile metal.
Recycled copper retains 95-100% of its original properties, making it ideal for reuse in high-performance applications. And here’s the exciting part—you can get real money for copper when you sell your scrap to a trusted recycler.
Key Elements That Determine Copper Scrap Value in Sydney
Before diving into the grades, it’s essential to understand what affects copper pricing:
- Purity & Grade: Higher-grade copper means higher payout.
- Weight: Heavier loads earn you more money.
- Market Demand: Global copper prices fluctuate with industrial activity.
- Cleanliness: Stripped and clean copper fetches better prices.
- Form: Wire, pipe, motors, and mixed scrap are priced differently.
Now let’s explore the different grades of copper scrap and their specific value in the Sydney copper recycling market.
Bright Shiny Copper (Bare Bright Copper)
Description:
This is the highest grade of copper scrap and commands the highest price. It must be:
- Uncoated, unalloyed
- Free of paint, insulation, or solder
- Typically found in thick-gauge electrical wires or copper bus bars
Price Range in Sydney:
Up to $10.00 per kg
Pro Tip:
Strip insulation off wires before selling them. Clean, bright copper with no oxidation or tarnish will always be your most valuable copper asset.
Copper #1 (Grade 1 Copper Tubing or Wire)
Description:
Copper #1 is:
- Clean and unalloyed
- Usually from plumbing tubes or clean wiring
- Free from solder, paint, and corrosion
Price Range in Sydney:
Around $8.00–$9.00 per kg
Pro Tip:
Visually, it should look shiny, red, and clean. If there’s any visible tarnish or solder, it gets bumped down to Copper #2.
Copper #2 (Mixed Copper)
Description:
This includes:
- Copper with impurities like paint or solder
- Burnt wire or windings from motors
- Plumbing tubes with corrosion or fittings
Price Range in Sydney:
Typically $6.00–$7.50 per kg
Pro Tip:
Don’t mix Copper #1 with #2; segregate them for maximum value. Even slight contamination can reduce the entire batch’s price.
Copper Domestic (Copper with Brass Fittings)
Description:
This grade includes:
- Copper piping with brass taps, elbows, or attachments
- Usually from home plumbing or renovation projects
- May contain soldered joints
Price Range in Sydney:
Approximately $6.50–$8.50 per kg
Pro Tip:
Even though it’s not as clean as Copper #1, domestic copper is still in high demand due to its relatively high copper content (up to 88%).
Copper Insulated Wire (High Grade)
Description:
Known as MCM (Main Cable), this category includes:
- Thick, heavily insulated commercial-grade wires
- Contains around 85% copper content
Price Range in Sydney:
Around $2.50–$3.50 per kg
Pro Tip:
Commercial electricians and contractors—strip the outer insulation if you want to boost your payout!
Copper Insulated Wire (Low Grade)
Description:
Includes:
- Multiple wires encased within one thick insulation
- Copper content between 30–40%
- Includes jelly wire and harness wire
Price Range in Sydney:
Usually $0.80–$1.50 per kg
Pro Tip:
The dense insulation reduces copper weight. Often used in telecoms or automotive applications.
Electric Motors (With Copper Windings)
Description:
Includes:
- Scrap electric motors from fans, tools, and appliances
- Copper inside the motor’s coil windings
Price Range in Sydney:
$0.40–$0.70 per kg
Pro Tip:
If you have time, strip the motor apart and separate the copper windings. You can sell those separately as higher-grade copper.
Fridge Compressors (Mixed Metal)
Description:
Air conditioners, fridges, and freezers often contain:
- A steel shell with internal copper windings
Price Range in Sydney:
Roughly $0.40–$0.70 per kg
Pro Tip:
Compressors can be bulky but valuable if you strip and separate the internal copper.
How to Prepare Copper Scrap for Recycling
Here are some quick tips to increase your return when dealing with Sydney scrap copper recycling:
- Sort by Grade: Don’t mix clean copper with painted or soldered pieces.
- Strip Insulated Wires: Use a wire stripper or heat method carefully.
- Clean Before Weighing: Remove non-copper attachments like plastic, iron, or brass.
Weigh Separately: Bring high-grade and low-grade items in separate bins.
Where to Recycle Copper in Sydney?
Sydney has a wide network of scrapyards, but few offer both high rates and convenient services. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a licensed and experienced copper buyer that offers:
- Instant payment
- Accurate digital weighing
- On-site pickup
- Professional service
A Word from Great Value Garage Door
At Great Value Garage Door, we understand the importance of keeping your property secure, functional, and clutter-free. While you handle copper scrap and get money for copper, let us help you clear out that garage with a sturdy, reliable, and affordable garage door upgrade. Whether you’re dealing with an old roller door that’s jammed or looking to install a brand-new automated system, we’ve got you covered.
Our team brings decades of combined experience, and we’re proud to serve customers across Sydney. Just like copper recycling Sydney services help you recover value from waste, we help add long-term value to your home through secure and modern garage door solutions.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Copper Scrap
Whether you’re renovating, working on a trade project, or simply cleaning up your backyard, understanding copper scrap grades is key to earning top payouts. At Metal Force Recycling, we believe knowledge is power—and profit—in the world of copper recycling in Sydney.
By separating your copper by type, preparing it properly, and partnering with trusted recyclers, you’ll earn serious money for copper while supporting a sustainable future. Sydney scrap copper recycling isn’t just about cash—it’s about making smart, eco-conscious choices that pay off.
Got copper lying around? Don’t let it gather dust. Turn it into dollars today.