To get a fair price in waste cable recycling, correctly classifying copper is key. Here’s a practical, straightforward guide:
Bright Copper (Highest Value)Bright reddish-purple, no oxidation or coating. Found in new cables, BV hard wires, BVR flexible wires. Copper purity ≥99%.
Pure Copper / Mixed Copper WiresDarker color, slightly oxidized. From used cables and equipment. Slightly lower purity than bright copper.
Copper-Clad Aluminum / Copper-Clad SteelLooks like copper but is white/yellow inside when cut. Lighter weight, magnetic in some cases.
Not pure copper.
Brass ComponentsYellowish, hard alloy (copper + zinc). Used in terminals and connectors. Lower value than pure copper.
Tinned / Nickel-Plated CopperSilvery surface, but purple inside when scraped. Common in electronics and equipment wires.
Simple rules:
Check color, weigh, cut cross-section, test magnetism.
Better sorting = higher profit.
