Copper Recycling in Chicago – Cash Paid on the Spot
Central Metal Recycling buys all grades of copper scrap in Chicago, from bare bright to insulated wire. Copper is one of the highest-paying scrap metals, typically ranging from $2.00 to $4.00+ per pound depending on grade and market conditions. Contractors, homeowners, and professional scrappers bring us copper every day, and we pay cash on the spot for every load.
Types of Copper We Accept
- Bare bright copper wire (stripped, clean, uncoated, unalloyed)
- #1 copper pipe and tubing (clean, no solder, no fittings)
- #2 copper (pipe with solder, paint, or light corrosion)
- Insulated copper wire (THHN, romex, extension cords, communication wire)
- Romex wire (with or without sheathing)
- Copper tubing from HVAC and refrigeration systems
- Copper bus bars and copper sheet
- Copper turnings and copper punchings
Current Copper Prices in Chicago
Copper prices move daily with the COMEX and LME commodity markets. What you got paid last week might be different from what you get today. The best way to know exactly what your copper is worth right now is to call us at (773) 345-8610 for a current quote before you make the trip.
How to Prepare Your Copper for Best Prices
- Strip your wire. Bare bright copper pays significantly more than insulated wire. If you have the time, stripping insulation off your wire bumps you from #2 wire prices to bare bright prices, which can mean an extra dollar or more per pound.
- Separate your grades. Don't mix clean #1 copper pipe in with your #2 or your insulated wire. Mixed loads get priced at the lowest grade in the pile. Keep them in separate buckets or bags.
- Remove fittings and solder. Clean #1 copper pipe means no solder joints, no brass fittings, no valves. Cut them off before you come in and you'll get a better grade and a better price.
- Keep it dry and clean. Copper with heavy oxidation, paint, or other contamination gets downgraded. Store your copper in a dry spot and try to keep it free of dirt and debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bare bright copper worth in Chicago?
Bare bright is the highest-paying grade of copper scrap. It must be clean, uncoated, unalloyed, and stripped of all insulation. Copper recycling Chicago prices change daily with the commodity markets, so call (773) 345-8610 for today's rate.
Do you buy insulated copper wire?
Yes. We buy all types of insulated copper wire including THHN, romex, extension cords, and communication cable. We price insulated wire by its copper recovery percentage. Stripping the insulation yourself before you bring it in will always get you more money.
What is the difference between #1 and #2 copper?
#1 copper is clean pipe or tubing with no solder, paint, or fittings attached. #2 copper has solder joints, light oxidation, or small amounts of other material. #1 always pays more than #2, so it pays to separate your load and clean off any attachments before bringing it to our Chicago yard.
Got copper to sell? Bring it to Central Metal Recycling for the best copper recycling Chicago has to offer. Cash paid on the spot, no appointment needed.
5618 W. Fillmore Street, Chicago, IL 60644
Monday-Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am - 11:00am
Sunday: Closed