If you’re looking for the most up-to-date Harris County TX scrap copper prices, call Astro City Scrap Metal. We can let you know the latest scrap metal prices across the Greater Houston Area.
Just want some general information about copper prices? We can help with that, too. Let’s take a look at some common questions regarding scrap metals.
Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals.
What are the current Harris County TX scrap copper prices?
Prices will fluctuate based on need. However, pure copper can retail up to $4.00 per pound, depending on how pure the copper is. Objects with a lower copper content may sell for as low as 50 cents per pound.
How much can I get selling other metal scraps?
There are a few factors that dictate a metal’s selling price per pound. Some include the type of metal, desirability, availability, contamination, and metal properties.
Desirability and availability
All metals have their purpose, but copper can be used in so many fields. This makes it very desirable. However, copper is not readily available, so people are willing to pay more for it.
Other metals may be easier to find or manufacture. In fact, there may even be a surplus. Further, they may not be suitable for very many purposes, so sellers are willing to lower the costs as an incentive to buy.
Type of metal
Copper will sell for the highest, but there are other top sellers, too. Brass will often sell at a higher price than most other metals. Both red and yellow brass can retail between $2.50 and $3.00.
Insulated wiring is another bestseller, but your selling price depends on the type of wire. For example, a No. 10 wire will sell for nearly $4.00, while others may only sell for $60 cents.
Contamination
Another factor for all metals is the amount of contamination. If scrap metal is dirty, the price will be lower because it would have to be cleaned. So, if you have the chance to clean your metal before you sell it, you should.
Metal properties
Generally speaking, it’s pretty safe to assume that a non-ferrous metal will sell for a higher price per pound than a ferrous metal. So, it’s helpful to know which you have.
The term ferrous refers to a metal’s magnetic properties. If a metal is magnetic, it is considered ferrous. On the other hand, if a metal is not magnetic, it is non-ferrous.
Examples of ferrous metals include iron and galvanized steel. Non-ferrous metals include brass, copper, most stainless steel, many alloys, aluminum, etc.
You can use any old magnet to find out whether you have a ferrous or non-ferrous metal in your hands. In fact, even a simple fridge magnet will do.
In summary, if a magnet does stick to your metal, it’s ferrous, and you probably won’t make much money selling it. If a magnet does not stick to your metal, you have a non-ferrous metal, and it may sell for a lot. A non-ferrous metal will, almost always, sell higher than a ferrous one.
Why is the price of copper so high?
Copper can be recycled over and over without losing its properties
Copper is considered the best of the best for multiple reasons. Some of these include its durability, antibacterial properties, excellent conductivity, efficiency, and safety. If you’re not sure of the latest Harris County TX scrap copper prices, give Astro City Scrap Metal a call!
Conductivity, efficiency, and safety
According to electricians, you cannot beat a good old fashion copper wire. It’s very easy to install, the best metal conductor, and the safest metal.
This metal is so conductive that it uses less energy to transfer energy. In the electrical world, this means less electricity use–so lower bills for you! Further, chefs and cook fanatics appreciate that they can boil water faster with copper pots.
Durability
Copper doesn’t degrade as easily as other metals over time. In addition, you can recycle it over and over without affecting the properties. Other metals fall apart over time, and some you can’t even recycle.
Antibacterial
Did you know that copper kills and prevents bacteria buildup? All on its own! As a result, it is a popular choice for keeping certain products cleaner and safer.
For example, A/C units are prone to producing mold and bacteria in their coils. Pots and pans can scratch and allow bacteria to build up. Metal medical surfaces need to be cleaned very often to stay sterile.
All of the above issues can be nearly or completely eliminated with the use of copper. Put copper wiring in air conditioning units, no mold, and bacteria. Cook with copperware, no bacteria. Make a copper medical surface, minimize microbe activity.
Can I melt pennies to sell the copper?
It’s illegal to melt pennies for the purpose of selling copper. In fact, the government is so concerned about this that they made it illegal to transport more than $5.00 of pennies between states.
In addition, you have to have the right penny. Only pennies minted before 1982 contain nearly pure copper. Today, the penny is primarily made of zinc.
Now, there is an interesting exception to melting pennies. You can melt pennies to make a keepsake. For example, smushed pennies you can buy at zoos, parks, etc., are perfectly legal.
Call Astro City Scrap Metal and get unbeatable Harris County TX scrap copper prices.
About Astro City Scrap Metal
We are the fastest-growing scrap yard in Houston, Texas. We buy, recycle, and sell all non-ferrous metals–metals that are not magnetic–such as aluminum, brass, copper, insulated wires, stainless steel, alloys, and more.
Astro City Scrap Metal guarantees you get the highest price for your scrap metal–we will beat any competitor. You can give us a call to check the latest metal price values for metal. We keep our prices up to date.
Metals we do and do not accept
At Astro City Scrap Metal, we accept all non-ferrous metals, which are metals that are not magnetic. Some of these include brass, copper, many stainless steels, aluminum, and more.
We cannot accept ferrous metals (magnetic metals). Examples of ferrous metals are iron, steel, etc. In addition, for safety and government reasons, we cannot accept certain items, such as items with freon, mercury, asbestos, radioactive material, batteries, etc.
If you’re not sure whether your scrap metal is ferrous or non-ferrous, bring it on over to Astro City Scrap Metal. We’ll let you know whether it’s ferrous, and if it’s non-ferrous, we’ll offer you cash on the spot.
Astro City Scrap Metal is your local scrap yard
The next time you’re searching for the best Harris County TX scrap copper prices, give Astro City Scrap Metal a call.
Fun facts about Harris County, Texas
- Harris County is the third most populated county in the United States.
- There are 33 cities in Harris County.
- The Museum District in Harris County is home to nearly 20 museums.
- For more fun facts about Harris County, Texas, visit their website.