The Complete Guide to Copper Wire Recycling in Australia

Copper wire recycling is one of the easiest ways to turn unwanted scrap into cash while also benefiting the environment. As one of the most valuable recyclable metals, copper is in high demand, making it a profitable material to recycle.

If you’re an electrician, business owner, or homeowner with excess copper wiring, knowing how to properly recycle it can help you maximise your returns. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including the best practices for recycling copper wire in Australia, the types of copper you can recycle, and where to sell it for the best price.

Why Recycle Copper Wire?

Recycling copper wire is both financially and environmentally beneficial. Here’s why:

1. Environmental Benefits

♻ Reduces Mining Waste – Mining copper requires significant energy and resources, leading to land degradation and pollution. Recycling reduces the need for new mining operations.
♻ Saves Energy – Recycling copper uses up to 85% less energy compared to producing new copper from raw ore.
♻ Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Recycling keeps tons of copper waste out of landfills, reducing pollution.

2. Economic Benefits

💰 Earn Extra Cash – Copper is one of the highest-paying scrap metals on the market.
💰 Supports the Economy – The scrap metal industry provides jobs and contributes to Australia’s economy.
💰 Saves on Production Costs – Businesses save money by using recycled copper instead of mining new materials.

With its endless recyclability and high market value, copper is one of the best metals to recycle!

Also read: 7 Interesting Facts About Copper and Why It Is So Valuable

Types of Copper Wire You Can Recycle

Type of Copper	Purity Level	Common Sources	Price Estimate (AUD)
Bare Bright Copper	100% Pure	Electrical wiring, plumbing pipes	$$$ – Highest
#1 Copper Wire	95-99%	Clean pipes, tubing	$$ – High
#2 Copper Wire	85-94%	Coated or oxidized copper	$$ – Medium
Insulated Copper Wire	60-85%	Power cords, household wiring	$ – Low
Enameled Copper Wire	50-80%	Motors, transformers	$ – Low

💡 Tip: Sorting your copper wire before selling can increase your payout at the scrap yard!

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How to Prepare Copper Wire for Recycling

Recycling copper wire isn’t just about dropping it off at a scrap yard—preparation can make a big difference in the price you get.

Step 1: Collect & Sort Your Copper Wire

• Gather electrical wires, power cables, and extension cords.
• Separate insulated vs. non-insulated wires.
• Remove other metals (e.g., steel or aluminium parts).

Step 2: Strip the Insulation (Optional for Higher Profits)

• Removing insulation can increase the value of your copper scrap. Here’s how:
  Use a Wire Stripper – A dedicated copper wire stripper makes the process fast and efficient.
• Blowtorch Method – Used by professionals, this method burns off the insulation but should be done with caution.
  ⚠ Note: Some scrap yards accept insulated wire, but stripped copper always sells for a higher price!

Step 3: Cut and Bundle the Wire

• Cut long wires into smaller sections for easier handling.
• Bundle wires together to prevent weight loss during weighing.

Step 4: Check Scrap Yard Requirements

• Some Australian scrap yards require photo ID for selling metal.
• Lucky Scrap Metal follows all Australian recycling regulations and offers the best prices in Perth.

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Where to Sell Copper Wire in Australia

Not sure where to sell your scrap copper? Here are your best options:

🏭 Scrap Metal Yards – Offer competitive prices based on purity and weight.
🛒 Online Marketplaces – Sell directly on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace (be cautious of scams).
♻ Recycling Centres – Accept copper wire but may pay less than scrap yards.

Also read: Cash for Copper Perth

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If you have copper wire to recycle, don’t settle for low offers—sell to a trusted local scrap yard like Lucky Scrap Metal.

✔ Highest prices for scrap copper in Perth.
✔ Fast & easy transactions with no hassle.
✔ Eco-friendly recycling process.

Call us today at 0411 747 174 to learn more about Lucky Scrap Metal!