Scrap Copper Prices UK
Today's UK scrap copper prices per kg, updated daily from scrap yards across the country. All grades from bright copper wire to low-grade cable.
LME Copper Spot
£9.20/kg
London Metal Exchange price as of 2026-04-01. Scrap yard prices are typically 20-35% below LME spot depending on grade.
Copper Scrap Prices Per Kg
| Grade | Low | Avg | High | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Copper Wire(Barley) | £0.75 | £5.52 | £7.80 | High (10) |
| No.1 Heavy Copper(Candy/Berry) | £5.20 | £6.42 | £7.50 | High (12) |
| No.2 Copper(Birch/Cliff) | £5.20 | £6.18 | £6.85 | Medium (3) |
| Braziery Copper | £4.30 | £5.73 | £6.40 | High (5) |
| Copper Tanks/Cylinders | £5.75 | £6.03 | £6.30 | Low (2) |
| Stripped Copper Cable | £1.00 | £2.48 | £4.00 | High (6) |
| Household Cable (40%) | £2.00 | £2.14 | £2.25 | Medium (4) |
| Low Grade Cable | £0.35 | £1.17 | £2.25 | High (6) |
Prices updated 2026-04-01. Based on data from up to 12 UK scrap yards.
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Prices are indicative estimates. Actual prices vary by yard, region, and metal condition. Always confirm with your local scrap yard.
Understanding Copper Scrap Grades
Copper scrap is the most valuable common scrap metal in the UK. Prices depend heavily on the grade, how clean and pure the copper is. Bright copper wire (also called "millberry" or "dry bright") commands the highest price at 90-95% of the LME copper spot price, while low-grade cable with heavy insulation may only fetch 20-30%.
Common Copper Grades
- Bright Copper Wire ... bare, uncoated, unalloyed wire. The top grade.
- Heavy Copper ... clean pipe, tube, and solid copper with minimal contamination.
- Braziery Copper ... copper contaminated with brass fittings or solder joints.
- Copper Tanks/Cylinders ... old hot water cylinders and copper tanks.
- Stripped Cable ... wire stripped of its plastic insulation.
- Household Cable ... twin-and-earth and standard house wiring, unstripped.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
- Separate your copper by grade. Mixing grades means the yard pays the lowest grade price.
- Strip insulation from cable if the copper content is above 50%. The time investment pays off.
- Remove brass fittings from pipe to upgrade from braziery to heavy copper grade.
- Call ahead to confirm the yard's price before making a journey with heavy loads.