Insulated copper cable
We buy copper cable with the insulation still on. From electrical offcuts to commercial strip-outs, send us your load details for a quote.
Material examples
- TPS and twin-and-earth building cable
- Single-core and multicore copper power cable
- Industrial electrical cable and installation offcuts
- Mixed wiring, data cable and automotive looms for assessment
Before you sell
- There is no need to strip the insulation before requesting a quote.
- Keep bare copper and other metals separate where practical.
- Tell us about aluminium conductors, armour, plugs and other attachments.
What affects the quote?
Recoverable copper content, insulation weight, cable construction, contamination and collection logistics affect the offer. Photos support an initial assessment; the final grade, weight and price are confirmed before the sale proceeds.
Insulated copper cable recycling in Sydney
For electrical contractors, demolition teams and regular cable suppliers, the useful question is not simply “What is copper worth?” It is “What is this particular load worth, and what will it take to move it?” Scrap Copper Australia starts with the cable you actually have: its construction, approximate quantity, condition and location. You can request an assessment without stripping the sheath or committing to a sale.
Show us the cable types in your load
Building cable and TPS offcuts
Tell us whether the load is mainly installation offcuts, removed building cable or a mixture. Include a representative selection rather than only the thickest pieces. If you know the cable size or product marking, add it to your notes; a marking alone is not a reliable copper-percentage calculation.
Single-core, multicore and industrial power cable
Show the outer sheath, conductor ends and any armour or other attachments. Single-core cable, armoured cable and a multicore industrial load should not be assumed to have the same payable copper content. Mention drums, plugs, lugs and steel components before moving the load.
Data cable, automotive wiring and mixed cable
Data wiring, automotive looms and mixed thin cable can contain different conductors and attachments. Send them for assessment rather than applying a guessed grade. Connector-heavy material and mixed copper/aluminium loads need clear photos and a description. Acceptance and the offer depend on the actual material.
Copper conductor or aluminium conductor?
Do not assume that every insulated cable is copper, or that a silver-coloured conductor is necessarily aluminium. Coatings and mixed construction can be misleading in photos. Tell us what you know, show existing exposed ends and product markings, and identify any known aluminium cable separately. Choose “Mixed / not sure” when uncertain. Do not cut or handle cable that may still be connected to power.
Why two cable loads can receive different offers
The full cable weight includes insulation and may include armour, connectors and other material. Recoverable metal content, the mix of cable types and unwanted attachments affect the assessment. A thick outer sheath is not proof of a high copper yield. Likewise, a larger load does not automatically earn the same rate as a smaller, cleaner load.
Collection also has practical costs: distance, access, loading time and equipment. Ask whether a quoted rate is for delivered material or includes an agreed collection arrangement. Confirm any deduction or transport charge and the GST basis where relevant before deciding.
Should you strip the insulation first?
Not before you have compared the options. Scrap Copper Australia buys insulated copper cable. Stripping takes time and can involve equipment and waste-handling costs; the resulting bare wire still has to meet its assessed grade. A higher rate per kilogram for bare copper does not by itself prove a better return from the original cable load, because the payable weight changes.
Ask for an assessment of the cable as it is. Never burn insulation. Only consider mechanical preparation where it can be performed safely by a competent person using suitable equipment.
Four details that make the assessment more useful
- Whole load: show the complete pile, bin, bag or drum, including mixed material beneath the top layer.
- Representative close-up: show several cable types and existing conductor ends in good light.
- Quantity and location: give a measured weight if available, otherwise an estimate or “Not sure”, plus your suburb.
- Handover: mention access, packaging, loading equipment and whether you are asking for collection.
From assessment to an agreed purchase
The online form starts a conversation. Before a sale, the actual material, grade, net payable weight, rate and total must be agreed, along with any charges. Identity and ownership checks are separate transaction-stage requirements. Payment is by bank transfer, with a purchase calculation and a separate transfer receipt.
For regular supply, include your company and project reference. You can start with one suitable load and discuss an ongoing arrangement later.
Questions about this material
Do I need to identify the exact grade?
No. Choose the closest material type or “Mixed / not sure” and include a whole-load photo plus a close-up of representative cable ends.
Do you buy small offcuts as well as large cable?
You can enquire about both. Collection suitability depends on load size, location and material, so confirm arrangements before travelling or expecting a pickup.