i get scrap copper here and there and last time i brought it to the processing plant here in st. louis missouri, they gave $2.50 per pound. it was #2 copper tubing and i keep seeing numbers tossed around online about 4 dollars per pound. is it a good idea to save the copper? how long and how much money would you guess it will increase?what are you getting for #2 copper tubing in your area?
Gathering copper is a good way to make a bit of mad money, as long as you are not collecting it from vacant homes and job sites. I throw brass, copper, copper wire etc. into buckets and occasionally sort through it, and even burn the insulation off the copper wire if time allows. I am always pleasantly surprised at the poundage I've gathered over a year, with little effort. Obviously prices vary geographically and will fluctuate with the economy and demand. At this time #2 in my area is around $3.25/pound. Check with your scrap dealer as to how he wants it separated and into what lengths, otherwise you'll be penalized. I don't have crystal ball to tell me in what direction prices are headed but I view it as being paid to recycle.
Scrap Copper Prices Missouri
As an electrical contractor, I will give you the good rule-of-thumb; unless you're dealing with thousands of pounds of copper and following market trends and environmental factors, which affect copper prices daily, just save what little you have for a rainy day. The market and the internet do not make it easy for little guys like me and you to accurately follow the trends. In my experiences (and I've dealt with 10lbs to 1000lbs of copper), the price will go up the day after you decide to sell, and it will go down if you hold on to it too long. Right now #2 is selling for for $2.89 per lb in Tampa Fl Hope this helps and good luck!!
