Copper Wire Scrap Prices in Canada
Copper wire scrap is a highly sought-after commodity in the Canadian scrap metal market due to its use in electrical wiring, telecommunications, and industrial applications. Whether you are an individual having a copper wire collection or a business involved in this industry, it’s recommended to keep an eye on the scrap market. It is because the price of copper wire scrap fluctuates based on various factors such as global and local market dynamics.
In this article, we explore the factors influencing copper wire scrap prices, current trends, and tips for those involved in the scrap metal trade.
Current Copper Wire Scrap Price Trends
As of 2025, copper wire scrap prices in Canada vary by various factors, and they range from CAD2.50 to CAD9.50 per pound because of strong global demand, particularly from the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.
| Copper Wire Type | Estimated Price (CAD/kg) | Estimated Price (CAD/lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper Wire | $9.00 – $9.80 | $4.08 – $4.45 |
| #1 Copper Wire | $8.70 – $9.50 | $3.95 – $4.31 |
| #2 Copper Wire | $8.00 – $8.70 | $3.63 – $3.95 |
| #3 Copper Wire | $6.50 – $7.50 | $2.95 – $3.40 |
| Insulated Copper Wire (85% Recovery) | $7.00 – $7.80 | $3.17 – $3.54 |
| Insulated Copper Wire (70% Recovery) | $6.00 – $6.80 | $2.72 – $3.08 |
| Insulated Copper Wire (50% Recovery) | $3.50 – $4.50 | $1.59 – $2.04 |
| Communication Wire (Cat5/Cat6) | $2.50 – $3.50 | $1.13 – $1.59 |
| Christmas Lights (Wire) | $0.50 – $1.00 | $0.23 – $0.45 |
| Copper Breakage (Small Copper Motors) | $4.00 – $5.50 | $1.81 – $2.50 |
Factors Influencing Copper Wire Scrap Prices
Following are the main key factors that determine the price of copper wire scrap:
- Global Copper Prices: Copper is traded on international markets like other scrap metals. Rapid increase of demand at the Global level, particularly in industries such as electric vehicles, construction, electronics, and renewable energy, makes this metal highly sought after and heavily influences prices.
- Supply and Demand in Canada: Local supply chains, including scrap availability from construction sites, demolitions, or manufacturing, impact prices. In that case, if there is a higher supply of copper scrap while low demand in the market can lower prices, and in case of a halt in the supply line, it can increase the prices due to higher demand and less availability.
- Grade and Quality of Scrap: Copper wire scrap is also categorized into grades based on purity, insulation, and other properties. Bare bright copper, which is considered the clean wire, fetches the highest price, while insulated or mixed copper wire (e.g, #1 copper wire and #2 copper wire) is valued lower due to processing costs.
- Recycling and Processing Costs: The cost of stripping insulation, sorting, and transporting the scrap materials can also indirectly affect the prices. It is because the scrapyard and the recyclers have to adjust the pricing to meet the ROI. Energy costs and higher labor costs or shortages can further influence these expenses.
- Geopolitical and Economic Factors: The other parameter that drives the prices of the scrap copper wire is the geopolitical and economic factors. The factors such as the uneven trade policies, high trade tariffs, and global events (e.g., supply chain disruptions, etc) can create price volatility.
Market Trends
The reports have suggested that the demand for copper wire scrap has surged 6% compared to the previous year due to the demand surge in industries like green energy, including wind turbines, telecommunication, and electric vehicle infrastructure. On the other hand, the Canadian Government’s incentives for recycling and circular economy practices have encouraged and increased scrap collection, resulting in the stabilization of local supply.
However, ongoing global economic uncertainties, including potential U.S. and Chinese trade policy shifts, may introduce price volatility in 2025.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Copper wire scrap prices are influenced by a complex interplay of global and local factors. As of 2025, prices remain robust, ranging from CAD2.50 to CAD9.50 per pound. However, it’s recommended to stay informed about the scrap market trends to make informed decisions.
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