Whether you’re a full-time recycler or just looking for extra cash, this guide explores the best items to scrap for money, focusing on copper scrap to boost your returns.
Below, we’ll highlight the top materials, explore where you can find copper and other high-value scrap items, and provide tips to maximize profits.
Why Focus on Scraping Copper?
Not all scrap materials are created equal. Copper scrapping, in particular, is a thriving industry due to high demand from sectors like construction, manufacturing, and technology. Some scrap yields higher returns than others, and collecting and selling them is straightforward if you know where to look and what to collect.
Copper scrap, for example, is one of the best scrap to focus on because of its high market price and consistent demand. If you focus on the right items, you could significantly increase your income from recycling.
Top Scrap Items to Make Money
1. Copper Scrap
Copper is king in the recycling world. It’s one of the most valuable Scraps, abundant, and relatively easy to find if you know where to look. From electrical wiring to plumbing fixtures, copper is everywhere.
Where You Can Find Copper:
- Electrical Wires and Cables: You’ll often find copper in old electronics, appliances, and power cords, making these a valuable place to look.
- Plumbing Pipes: Look for copper in older plumbing systems. Pipes and fittings from renovations or demolitions can yield significant amounts of copper.
- Roofing Materials: Some older roofs and gutters are made with copper, particularly in historic or high-end buildings.
- Air Conditioning Units: HVAC systems are great resources for copper, especially the coils found in these units.
- Scrap Electronics: Computers, televisions, and other electronic devices often contain circuit boards with trace amounts of copper and other valuable metals.
Tips for Scrapping Copper:
- Strip insulated wires to reveal pure copper. Bare, bright copper wire fetches the highest price at scrap yards.
- Look for older appliances, as modern ones often use cheaper substitutes for copper.
2. Aluminium
Next to copper, aluminum is another highly profitable metal. Thanks to its lightweight nature and corrosion resistance, aluminum is used extensively in everyday products.
Where You Can Find Aluminium:
- Cans – Soda and beer cans are the most accessible source of aluminum and are great for beginner scrappers.
- Window Frames – Aluminium is commonly used to construct sliding windows and doors.
- Bicycle Frames – Many modern bikes use lightweight aluminum as the primary frame material.
- Automotive Parts – Wheels, radiators, and some engine parts are often made of aluminum.
Tips for Scrapping Aluminium:
- Collect and store aluminum cans until you have a large volume to increase profitability.
- Separate aluminum from steel or other metals to get the best price.
3. Brass
Brass isn’t as standard as copper but still commands a reasonable price at scrap yards. It’s an alloy made from copper and zinc, and its golden sheen makes it easy to identify.
Where You Can Find Brass:
- Plumbing Fixtures – Faucets, valves, and taps are often made from brass.
- Keys – Many old keys are brass-based.
- Car Radiators – Some mixed-metal radiators contain brass.
Tips for Scrapping Brass:
- Look for brass mixed with other metals, but ensure they are separated to maximize value.
- Use a magnet to check – real brass isn’t magnetic.
4. Stainless Steel
While not as high-value as copper or brass, stainless steel is still worth scrapping due to its weight and abundance.
Where You Can Find Stainless Steel:
- Kitchen Appliances – Dishwashers, microwaves, and fridges often feature stainless steel components.
- Cutlery and Cookware – Pots, pans, and utensils can be made of stainless steel.
- Construction Materials – Guard rails, beams, and fittings may contain valuable stainless steel.
Tips for Scrapping Stainless Steel:
- Look for grades like 304 or 316, which contain higher amounts of valuable alloys like nickel.
5. Lead
While lead isn’t as environmentally friendly as other metals, it’s surprisingly valuable when scrapped correctly.
Where You Can Find Lead:
- Car Batteries – Batteries contain lead plates, some of the easiest items to recycle for money.
- Roof Flashing – Some older constructions used lead-based roof flashing to waterproof joints.
Tips for Scrapping Lead:
- Handle lead carefully, as it can be hazardous to your health.
- Drop it off at certified scrap yards equipped to handle lead recycling.
Tips to Maximize Your Scrap Profits
- Sort Your Scrap – Properly categorizing and separating metals like copper, scrap, aluminum, and brass ensures you get the best prices.
- Clean Your Materials – Remove dirt, plastic, or other contaminants from your scrap to increase its value.
- Stay Updated on Prices – The market price for scrap metals fluctuates. Stay informed to sell when prices are high.
- Build Relationships – Scrap yards often reward frequent, reliable suppliers with better rates.
- Recycle Responsibly – Always aim to recycle ethically and avoid dumping hazardous materials irresponsibly.
The Bottom Line on Scrap for Profit
Focus on high-value scraps like copper, aluminum, and brass to turn waste into wealth. Copper, in particular, is a recycler’s goldmine thanks to its abundance and demand. Knowing where to find copper and other scrap items and following best practices for collecting and selling can maximize your scrapping profits.
Are you looking to dispose of your scrap responsibly while earning cash? At Bne Copper Recycling, we specialize in copper scrap and other valuable metals. Get in touch today! Whether you’re scrapping for profit or just decluttering, we make recycling easy and rewarding.
