The copper value per kg in the UK depends on the grade. Clean bright copper wire trades at around 90–95% of the LME copper spot price, currently in the £6–£7 per kg range. Heavy copper pipe and solid copper sit at 85–88%, around £5.50–£6.50 per kg. Lower grades like braziery or household cable fetch 20–70% of spot. Always check today's exact rate on the price table above — copper prices move daily with the LME.

Scrap Copper Price Per Kg Today

Today's scrap copper price per kg is updated daily from London Metal Exchange spot prices and aggregated UK yard rates. The table above shows the current low, average, and high for each grade. UK copper prices typically run 20–35% below the LME spot once yards account for processing and contamination, with cleaner grades (bright wire, heavy copper) closer to the LME and dirty grades (household cable, low-grade cable) further below.

UK Copper Prices Today

UK copper prices today reflect both the LME copper benchmark and the regional dynamics of British scrap yards. London and the South East tend to pay slightly higher rates due to demand from electrical infrastructure projects. The Midlands and North West are competitive due to industrial recycling volume. Always call ahead before making a long journey — quoted prices change daily and large loads may earn a small premium.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is copper worth per kg in the UK?

Scrap copper in the UK is worth roughly £4–£7 per kg depending on grade. Clean bright copper wire (millberry) trades at the high end, around 90–95% of LME copper spot. Heavy copper pipe and solid copper sit at 85–88%. Lower grades like braziery copper and household cable fetch 20–70% of LME spot. Check the table above for today’s exact prices.

What’s the difference between bright copper wire and heavy copper?

Bright copper wire (millberry) is bare, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire at least 1.29mm thick with no insulation, oxidation, or solder — the top scrap grade. Heavy copper is clean copper tube, pipe, and solid copper at least 98% pure (typically from plumbing). Both are top-tier, but bright wire fetches slightly more because it needs less processing.

How do I get the best price for scrap copper?

Separate copper by grade before going to the yard — mixing grades means the yard pays the lowest-grade price for the entire lot. Strip insulation from cable if the copper content is above 50% (the time investment pays off). Remove brass fittings from pipe ends. Call ahead to confirm the day’s price, especially for heavy loads.

Does the UK use the LME copper price for scrap?

Yes. UK scrap yards quote prices as a percentage of the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper cash settlement. Clean grades (bright wire, heavy copper) trade at 85–95% of LME. Lower grades trade at 20–70%. The LME price moves daily, so scrap prices change with it.