Learned something new

[ComputerScrapper]

We learned something new at the scrap yard yesterday that has really helped us.

Since we deal only in E-scrap we produce quite a bit of wire and most of it is not worth the hassle and time for us to strip. So we have just been throwing it all in a barrel and then taking it in every now and again.



We have never really paid attention to what was going on but now we have learned that we are getting what is called "Refinery Copper" pricing for the mixed wire. At this time the price is sitting at $1.87 a pound and we generate about 400 pounds every few days, so needless to say we are pleased.

It is funny when you consider the fact that the first yard we were working with only wanted to give us .30 per pound for the wire.

[Hypoman]

That is a pretty good price for mixed wire.

[ComputerScrapper]

I thought so....A lot of what we get is that flat ribbon wire and small gauge stuff from power supplies and so on. So the price is right and it does not take any time at all to generate a fair amount of cash with prices like that.

[murt]

I agree, it's all about where you sell to.
I had to take in 7# of insy wire like you sell to a yard that paid only 20 cents a pound for it, I told them they were full of scrap metalscrap metalscrap metalscrap metal since I was moving. Many yards will simply straight up rip you off on insulated wire.
If you're being paid ;ess than 75 cents a pound for your lowest grade insulated and I'd say put it on Ebay for most profit.

[ComputerScrapper]

It is so true that it matters where you take your stuff. The yard that wanted to pay just .30 was the largest yard around here. The one that is giving me $1.87 a pound is the smallest and newest yard in the area.

[iScrap]

Now you know how they've become the largest, by ripping people off.

[sjones99]

Too bad your not closer to me..i would give you 2.00 a lb.

[Willsmith391]

So do you have to strip it at that yard then or are they gonna just take it like that?!? Sorry I'm very new haha.

[Mick]

Will, you can strip it and it'll be worth more per pound. But, for the time it takes vs the benefit, I don't think it's worth the trouble. You might try stripping various sizes of wire to get a feel for what's worth stripping. I strip the heavier gauge stuff - like house wiring.

Stripped - it'll be #1 or #2 copper wire
Unstripped - it'll be "Insulated Copper Wire".

Look at prices for each.

[Scrap man]

I think it's worth it to strip everything from small electrical cords on up. If there isn't too much insulation and a decent amt. of copper, I'll strip it

[rca987]

I won't strip small wire unless it's solid. Can't stand having the wire fray while slicing insulation.

[Dumpster-Dee]

I agree with rca...has anyone discovered a way to strip that stuff without the fraying or cutting it into....I'm usually very patient, but the last time I striped one of those multiwire chords I decided it wasn't worth it.

[parrothead]

A VERY sharp knife and some skill that comes with time is what it takes. Utility knife blades are cheap. Buy them in bulk.

[iScrap]

I agree with parrothead, but also in the angle you hold the utility knife as you're stripping.

[Dumpster-Dee]

thanks...I'll keep trying cause I hate taking in insulated ! except x-mas tree lights...can't believe my pile of those !1

[Ewasted]

Are you sure the new yard knows what it is buying?

[dherik]

Are you sure the new yard knows what it is buying?

Sometimes you just gotta milk the cow till it stops giving milk, heh

[newattitude]

Wow! $1.87 lb is awesome! I get 60 cents a lb. I dont strip that reeeeeeeal thin stuff thats only like a couple strands worth.