Copper is one of the most valuable and widely recycled metals in Australia. If you have insulated copper wire lying around, you might wonder: Can you sell it? How much is it really worth in Perth? The short answer is yes — insulated copper wire can fetch good prices, but there are key factors you should know to maximise your return.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about selling insulated copper wire scrap in Perth, current market prices, how to prepare your wire, and insider tips to get the best payout.
Contact Premier Metals today to sell your scrap metals at the best price at 08 6252 8500
Copper wire comes coated in plastic or rubber insulation to prevent electrical shorts and protect the wire. Insulated copper wire is used extensively in:
While pure copper wire fetches the highest prices, insulated copper wire still has significant scrap value because the copper core is the valuable component inside.
Yes, scrap yards and metal recyclers in Perth do accept insulated copper wire, but it’s important to understand how they price it and what they expect:
The value of insulated copper wire depends on factors such as copper content, wire gauge (thickness), and whether the insulation is stripped.
Wire Type | Description | Price Range per kg (AUD) | Notes |
Insulated Copper Wire (Unstripped) | Copper wire with plastic or rubber coating | $1.00 – $1.60 | Price includes deduction for insulation weight. |
Stripped Copper Wire | Copper wire with insulation removed | $7.50 – $9.50 | Clean copper wire fetches top dollar. |
Coated Copper Cable (Heavy Insulation) | Power cables, telecom cables with thick insulation | $0.70 – $1.30 | Lower value due to difficult stripping. |
Yes, but the value varies based on how you prepare it:
Type of Copper Wire | Description | Price per kg (AUD) | Effort Level | Tips to Maximise Value |
Insulated Copper Wire (Unstripped) | Copper wire with insulation | $1.00 – $1.60 | Low | Sell as-is for convenience; sort by wire gauge. |
Stripped Copper Wire | Copper wire with insulation removed | $7.50 – $9.50 | High | Invest time to strip insulation for better payout. |
Coated Copper Cable (Heavy insulation) | Thick insulated cables | $0.70 – $1.30 | Medium | Remove what you can; check if cable is copper or aluminum. |
Some reputable scrap yards and metal recyclers in Perth who buy insulated copper wire include:
It’s a good idea to call and confirm prices before bringing your scrap.
Yes, most scrap yards accept insulated copper wire but pay less per kilogram because they deduct insulation weight.
Stripped copper wire prices typically range between $7.50 and $9.50 per kilogram, depending on market conditions.
If you have large amounts, stripping insulation can significantly increase your payout. For small quantities, the effort may not be justified.
You must comply with environmental and safety regulations. Burning insulation to remove it is illegal and harmful. Always sell scrap through authorized recyclers.
In addition to the above there are also identification requirements for copper and brass related material as follows.
Individuals must present original identification documents adding up to a minimum of 100 points. The documents are categorised into primary and secondary types.