If you’ve got wiring left over from your renovation, or if you’re a tradesperson with off-cuts, instead of throwing the scrap insulated cabling in the rubbish bin, consider getting cash for scrap insulated cabling. This may apply to you as a homeowner finishing renovations or a professional tradesperson with leftover material from working on multiple job sites, that can turn into extra cash in pocket, especially because copper prices are at a premium.
In this article, we will try and explain what insulated cabling is, the potential scrap value, recommended scrap dealers to sell to, and some tips to maximise your return.
🔌 What Is Scrap Insulated Cable?
Simply put, scrap insulated cable is electrical wiring past its useful life. These types of wires typically contain:
• Metal conductor: copper or aluminium typically
• Protection: plastic, rubber, synthetic insulation
Some common types of insulated cable include:
• twin and earth (TPS)
• coaxial cable or data cables
• power extension cords
• armoured industrial cables
When working with insulated cables they are valuable because of the recoverable metal, especially innovative and valuable copper, which trades at a high premium across the world.
How Much Cash can you get for Scrap Insulated Cable?
The cash you receive for scrap insulated cables is going to be determined by several factors:
✅ Important price determinants:
• Metal type: Copper gets more cash than aluminium.
• Insulation grade: The thicker the insulation, the higher the grade of copper and higher rates.
• Cleanliness: The cleaner the cables (no additional plastic, connections, etc.) the better the rates.
• Current market: Prices depend of global demand for metal.
🏢 Where to sell scrap insulated cables for cash
Finding an adequate buyer can increase the amount of cash you can get. Here are some ways to get cash for scrap insulated cable:
• Licensed scrap metal yards
• Mobile scrap pickup
• Industrial recycler/wholesaler
• Electrical supply salvage centre
🔍 What to look for in a scrap buyer
• Digital scales and honest pricing.
• Bank transfer or EFT payments (cash is illegal in some states)
• They will pick scrap from your facility (depending on the amount you have)
• EPA licence and recycling certs.
🔧 How to get insulated cable ready for the highest payment
A small amount of preparation is potentially the key to making higher returns. Follow these easy steps:
1. Sort your cables, thick copper vapour and low grade or copper.
2. Strip the insulation (only if large quantity), could be worth doing.
3. Remove connectors or contaminants: cleaner scrap is worth more.
📜 Legal & Environmental Considerations
In Australia, scrap metal purchasers must follow:
• Record transactions
• Obtain photo identification
• Pay electronically (i.e. no cash)
• Follow EPA obligations
By recycling your scrap insulated cable; you’re preventing some hazardous materials from landfill and contributing to the sustainability of metal recycling.
👷 Who should sell scrap cables?
• Electricians and contractors with offcuts on their job sites
• Renovators/builders clearing out old wiring
• Auto technicians with cable harness work
• DIY and householders after a renovation or cleanout
If you have scrap wire on a regular basis; a local recycler may be able to help you create a consistent flow of additional income.
💡 Final Tips to Help you Maximise your Payment
• Keep up to date on copper prices online and sell at the right time
• Call to obtain quotes; they can vary between buyers
• Ask buyers if they pay a premium for sorted or stripped cable
• If you and your mates can collect enough scrap cable, you can sell in bulk and achieve minimum weight
✅ Conclusion
Selling scrap insulated cable is a smart move; it is good for your bank account, and great for the environment. With some organization and the right recycling partner, your old wiring can be turned into actual dollars.
