Looking for the top scrap copper prices 77022? Call Astro City Scrap Metal today! We can give you the most up-to-date scrap metal prices and will offer you the best price, guaranteed.
You may know that copper is considered the most valuable type of scrap metal, but do you know why? Let’s take a look at some of the most common scrap metal questions we see.
Copper is the most valuable scrap metal
How much is my scrap metal worth?
First, it’s important to know that scrap metal is almost universally sold by the pound. Although many people would like to find a paid by the scrap yard in Houston, it’s unlikely that you will.
In addition, the prices listed below are general estimates. Market demand drives metal prices, so prices change very often. For the most current market price, we strongly recommend calling your local scrap yard.
Generalizations
Not all metals are worth selling, so it’s a good idea to know whether your metal is ferrous or non-ferrous before bringing it to a scrap dealer. Non-ferrous metals are worth cashing in on, but ferrous metals are not.
Great, but what is a ferrous metal? A ferrous metal is a magnetic metal, while a non-ferrous metal is a non-magnetic metal.
Thankfully, you can easily find out which you have. Grab any old magnet and see whether it sticks to your metal. If it does, it’s ferrous, and you probably won’t want to bother selling it.
If the magnet falls off, though, your metal is non-ferrous and definitely worth bringing to your local scrap yard.
Prices by metal type
If you know which metal you have, it’s much easier to get a good idea of a price window. Here are some of the most common metal prices we’re asked about:
Copper
You’ll get the most bang for your buck with copper. Scrap copper prices 77022 can reach up to $4.00 per pound. However, copper content matters.
Pure copper can sell for $4.00 or more per pound. But, if your scrap has a low copper content, you may only get 50 cents per pound.
Brass
Brass is classified as red or yellow. Red brass will usually sell higher, but they both come in around $2.50 per pound.
Insulated Wire
Prices for wire vary quite a bit and depend on the type of wire. For example, a No. 10 wire can sell over $4.00 per pound, but a No. 2 may sell as low as $1.60 per pound.
Aluminum
If you’re selling aluminum scrap, you may want to wait until you have a truckload. No joke. Aluminum is typically worth a little less than a dollar per pound.
Why are scrap copper prices 77022 so high?
Many industries love copper, and for excellent reasons. But, popularity is only one reason for high prices. The second reason is there is a copper shortage.
High demand plus low inventory equals sky-high prices.
One reason copper is so valuable is that it can be used for so many applications.
Reasons copper is so valuable.
Plumbers, electricians, medical personnel, and chefs all love copper. The reasons are endless, but here are a few:
Durability
Copper is in it for the long haul. Heat it, slam it, drop it, bend it, and it’ll still forgive you. Other metals wear away much more quickly.
Conductivity
Copper heats more quickly than any other metal, so chefs can cook faster with copper cookware. In addition, electricians consider copper the safest and most effective wire. Copper wires use less electricity, which lowers energy bills.
Antibacterial properties
Copper naturally kills bacteria and other microbes! As a result, the medical industry has started using copper surfaces to help reduce time and money spent on sterilizing.
On that note, your non-copper cookware is a petri dish. With each use, non-copper cookware starts to degrade, which allows bacteria to start forming. Copper cookware won’t.
But you’ll have to go hunting.
Copper isn’t widely available. Mines are closed, and there are very few factories left.
Since copper products are highly durable, not enough copper appears in recycling to end the shortage. So when someone brings in copper, scrap dealers will pay top dollar to get it.
Where can I find copper scrap?
There’s a reason electricians and plumbers save the fixtures, fittings, and wires they remove from your home. They bring your scrap metals to a dealer and sell them. The good news is you have every right to your scrap metal, so the next time a plumber or electrician does repairs or replacements in your home, be sure to ask for your scrap.
But, what exactly are these metal scraps we’re talking about? Wires, pots, pans, refrigerators, ovens, A/C units, pipes, faucets, plumbing fittings, etc., contain scrap metal and may contain copper.
Can I melt my copper pennies for scrap?
No, you may not melt pennies to sell for copper scrap. It’s illegal.
In fact, you can’t bring more than $5 in pennies between states. That’s also illegal because the government is afraid you’ll take them somewhere to sell for scrap.
Furthermore, you’ll have to find the correct pennies to sell. The government minted nearly pure copper pennies (95% copper) until 1982. Because of the copper shortage, they switched to 95% zinc in 1983.
On a fun note, you’re able to melt, squish, and stamp pennies at museums, zoos, parks, etc., because you’re making a personal keepsake. It’s perfectly legal to melt pennies for personal, not-selling-copper-scrap reasons.
Astro City Scrap Metal has unbeatable scrap copper prices 77022
About Astro City Scrap Metal
We are the fastest-growing scrap yard serving Houston and surrounding areas. We offer the highest scrap metal prices for all non-ferrous metals, guaranteed.
Astro City Scrap Metal accepts non-ferrous (non-magnetic) metals including, aluminum, brass, insulated wires, radiators, carbide scraps, alloys, and more. We cannot accept ferrous (magnetic) metals such as steel and iron. If you’re unsure whether your metal is ferrous or non-ferrous, bring it in, and we will test it for free!
For safety and legal reasons, we are unable to accept hazardous items like radioactive materials, A/C units with freon, mercury, asbestos-contaminated items, batteries, etc.
We are your local Houston, TX, scrapyard.
The next time you need the best scrap copper prices 77022, we hope you’ll choose Astro City Scrap Metal.
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