Free Scrap Copper Cable Collection
Old wiring from a rewire, offcuts from your jobs, or a box of extension leads in the garage? Copper is one of the most valuable common scrap metals, so local collectors are keen to take it. Tell us what you’ve got, and a licensed collector near you will pick it up.
The copper ladder
The more copper and the less plastic, the more it’s worth. Every rung can be collected.
Bright copper
Clean, stripped, shiny copper wire
Copper pipe
Clean plumbing pipe, no fittings
Heavy cable
Thick cables with a high copper content
Twin & earth
Standard house wiring
Flex & leads
Extension leads and appliance flex
Data & coax
Thin cable, lots of plastic
Never burn cable to get at the copper
Burning cable insulation is an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993. It gives off toxic fumes and can mean fines or prosecution. Collectors take cable with the plastic on.
Leave it as it is
Coil or box it up with the insulation on. It’s the quickest option, and collectors take it just as it is.
Strip by hand, if you want
Hand-stripping thick cable can raise its value, but it’s slow work. For small amounts it rarely pays.
Cable, wire and the rest of the copper
Why legitimate collectors ask questions
Copper is a target for theft, so the law around it is tight. That protects you.
ID checks
In England and Wales, scrap metal dealers must check the name and address of whoever supplies the metal.
No cash
Scrap metal can’t be paid for in cash in England, Wales or Scotland. Any payment is by bank transfer.
Registered collectors
Collectors on Scrap4Free must hold a waste carrier registration, which we check against the public register.
Offcuts piling up in the van?
Request collections for cable offcuts and old wiring from rewires. You can also do your waste transfer notes on your phone with the Scrap4Free app, ready for digital waste tracking.
Request a CollectionDigital waste tracking 2027 →- ⚡ Old wiring from rewires
- ✂️ Cable offcuts
- 🔌 Old consumer unit metal
- 🧰 Copper and brass fittings
More valuable scrap: Tungsten carbide · Radiators · Boilers
Frequently asked questions
Is scrap copper cable collection free?
Yes. Copper is one of the most valuable common scrap metals, so local collectors are keen to collect cable and wire. Larger amounts may even be paid for, by bank transfer, as scrap metal can’t legally be paid for in cash in England, Wales or Scotland.
Do I need to strip the cable first?
No. Collectors take cable with its insulation on. Stripped copper is worth more, but for small amounts it’s rarely worth your time, and it’s never worth burning it off.
Can I burn the plastic off cable?
No. Burning cable to get at the copper is an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993. It releases toxic fumes and can lead to fines or prosecution.
What types of cable do you collect?
House wiring and twin and earth, armoured cable, flex and extension leads, data and coax cable, and copper offcuts. Copper pipe and brass fittings can go in the same collection.
Will the collector ask for ID?
Possibly. In England and Wales, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 requires scrap metal dealers to check the name and address of the person supplying metal. It’s a sign you’re dealing with a legitimate collector.
Do you take cable that isn’t mine?
No. Collectors only take cable you have the right to get rid of, such as old wiring from your own home or your jobs. Cable that looks like it’s from rail, telecoms or power networks will be refused.
I’m an electrician. Can you clear my offcuts?
Yes. Electricians can request collections for cable offcuts and old wiring from rewires. Scrap4Free also has digital waste transfer notes for tradespeople, ready for digital waste tracking.
Are the collectors licensed?
Collectors on Scrap4Free must hold a valid waste carrier registration, which we check against the public register. Scrap metal collectors also need a licence from their local council.
Got old copper cable to clear?
Tell us what you need collected. It takes less than 2 minutes.
Request a Collection