Insulated cables are everywhere — in homes, offices, construction sites, factories, and infrastructure projects. When cables reach the end of their life, they become a valuable source of recyclable metal, mainly copper or aluminium, encased in plastic or rubber insulation. For businesses and individuals looking to recycle cable scrap, understanding how insulated cable scrap prices work and what affects their value is essential.
At Premier Metals, we’ve helped thousands of clients turn their cable waste into cash by providing transparent pricing, expert sorting, and reliable services across Australia.
Contact Premier Metals today to sell your scrap metals at the best price at 08 6252 8500
Insulated cables consist of conductive metal cores — mostly copper or aluminium — surrounded by an insulating material such as plastic, rubber, or PVC. This insulation protects the metal from damage and electrical shorts.
| Cable Type | Metal Content | Price Range (AUD/kg) |
| Copper Wire (Bare) | 100% copper | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Copper Cable (Insulated) | ~50–70% copper | $3.50 – $7.00 |
| Aluminium Cable (Insulated) | ~40–60% aluminium | $0.80 – $1.80 |
| Armoured Copper Cable | High copper % | $5.50 – $8.00 |
| Mixed or Low-Grade Cable | Lower metal % | $2.50 – $4.50 |
Note: Prices fluctuate daily and vary by facility and location.
The metal inside insulated cables — mostly copper — is highly valuable because of its excellent conductivity and demand across electrical, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Copper scrap is among the highest-priced non-ferrous metals, making insulated cables a sought-after recycling material.
Even aluminium cables have value, though generally less than copper.
Recycling insulated cables reduces the need for mining new metals, saving energy and lowering environmental impact.
Pricing insulated cable scrap is a bit more complex than plain metal scrap due to the insulation.
Bare copper wire, stripped of insulation, commands the highest prices.
Separate copper cables from aluminium cables to get more accurate pricing.
Remove dirt, plastic clips, and other non-metal materials.
Easier handling reduces processing time and may increase price.
Premier Metals offers expert grading and instant payment for your scrap cables.
No, but bare copper wire sells for a higher price. Premier Metals accepts insulated cables and will process them accordingly.
Yes, but separating copper from aluminium cables can maximise your payout.
Metal prices fluctuate daily based on global commodity markets. Contact Premier Metals for current pricing.
Absolutely, from homeowners to large industrial clients — no load is too small or too large.
ABN: 37 259 429 351
87 Kelvin Road, Maddington, WA 6109, Australia
08 6252 85001300 468 727
info@premiermetals.com.au
