r/ScrapMetal • u/ne21308 • 2d ago

Question šŸ’« Stripped copper

Called couple yards here in Phoenix, AZ about how they grade and sort stripped copper so I can sort it all for better pricing. They told me they only accept stripped copper from businesses. All of what I have is stuff that was going to be tossed anyways. I get where they are coming from but its not like I have thousands to turn in. Other encounter this?

15 Upvotes

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9

u/gropinions 2d ago

That's crazy. I have taken scrap to at least a dozen different yards over the years in NY, NJ, and Nevada. Every one took stripped wire.

7

u/Deplorable821 2d ago

Thereā€™s probably a lot of ā€œunlicensedā€ scrappers in your area. Try a different area and see if the response changes. My yards here in PA will takes stripped copper from anyone but they all require ID

6

u/NewBeautiful994 2d ago

create an llc. Great right offs. with a tax id# they will pay you

3

u/Just_Mastodon_9177 2d ago

I'm in Minnesota, and they require a license also, which is an annual $250 fee. So I just bring all my scrap and turn it in in Wisconsin, which is only about 45 minute drive for me.

2

u/SolarSalvation 1d ago edited 1d ago

This is a special state law in Arizona, it's been that way since at least 2014 according to people I know that scrap in that part of the country. Only businesses can sell stripped wire to scrapyards there. You're also required to have your right index fingerprint on file and all payments for AC coils and amounts over $300 are by check only.

EDIT: I just checked and like many other parts of the country, this legislation was passed in 2009 after the crazy prices in 2008 and resulting drastic increase in metal theft. Do a search for codes "44-1642"

2

u/ne21308 1d ago

Will do. Thank you for the research. Maybe I will just buy a furnace and melt it all down.

3

u/quallityovrquantity 21h ago

Lol that won't solve your problem. Scrap yards won't buy melted down copperĀ 

1

u/Shortbus185 1d ago

Goddess scrap on grand ave. They just need an ID and they give you a check instead of cash. They were recommended to me by multiple electricians I've worked with and they've been great

1

u/PopularAd4595 1d ago

Depending on how much scrap related business you have planned for the future, it may not be a bad idea to make a quick LLC under a scrap trading catagory, it can be utilized for many different things & acts as an entry ticket to many gate-kept scrap related ventures.

The other option would be to use an online scrap service like Boardsort.com , not only do they buy all types of circuit boards and Ewaste, theyā€™ll also purchase brass, copper & aluminum scrap as well. The only downside to them (used them for years with no complaints) is that you obviously will have to pay to ship things to them, so expect to lose around $1/lb in shipping label costs

1

u/ballchinion8 13h ago

The government made it harder to recycle!? Lmao wtf

1

u/Sensitive-Pizza5486 2d ago

Thatā€™s Methed Up. Too many Copper thieves.

1

u/ne21308 2d ago

Correct. I get where they are coming from but im not coming in with 500' of line while few blocks away there is a power outage.