What Is the Cost of 1 kg of Copper?

Copper is one of the most valuable and widely recycled metals in the world, prized for its excellent conductivity and versatility. If you’re in Ireland wondering about the cost of copper per kilogram, especially if you’re involved in scrap metal selling or rubbish disposal, understanding current market prices and factors influencing them is essential. This article provides a detailed overview of copper prices, how they fluctuate, and tips on getting the best value for your copper scrap.

Current Price Range for Copper per Kilogram

The price of copper scrap varies significantly depending on its type, purity, and market conditions. As of mid-2025, copper prices in Europe and Ireland generally range between €3 and €8 per kilogram, influenced by the quality of the copper scrap:

• Bare bright copper wire (Millberry copper): €7.10 to €7.45 per kg
• Heavy copper (minimum 98% purity): €7.00 to €7.06 per kg
• Mixed copper scrap: €6.30 to €6.85 per kg
• Copper-brass radiator (pure): €3.68 to €3.83 per kg
• Copper-brass radiator (affected): €2.66 to €3.14 per kg

Higher purity copper, such as stripped bare wire, commands the top prices, while mixed or contaminated scrap fetches less. Larger quantities often attract better rates, so selling in bulk can increase your returns.

What Influences Copper Prices?

Copper prices are heavily influenced by global market dynamics, including:

• Supply and Demand: Increased industrial demand, especially from electronics, construction, and renewable energy sectors, pushes prices higher.
• Global Events: Political decisions, pandemics, and trade disruptions can cause price volatility. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant fluctuations in copper prices worldwide.
• London Metal Exchange (LME): The LME is a key benchmark for copper prices globally. Prices negotiated here directly impact scrap copper prices offered by dealers in Ireland.
• Quality and Purity: Clean, high-purity copper scrap yields better prices than mixed or contaminated materials.
• Local Market Conditions: Transport costs, recycling infrastructure, and regional demand also affect prices.

Because of these factors, copper prices can change daily, so it’s wise to monitor market updates regularly.

What Are the Latest Scrap Metal Prices?

Copper is often the most valuable metal in a mixed scrap load, but prices for other metals also fluctuate. For example, as of early 2025, scrap metal prices in Ireland include:

• Steel: Around €0.19 per kg
• Brass: Approximately €3.20 per kg
• Lead: About €1.30 per kg
• Aluminium: Roughly €1.00 per kg
• Stainless steel: Around €0.50 per kg

Knowing these prices helps you understand the relative value of your scrap and decide when and where to sell.

Tips to Get the Best Price for Your Copper Scrap

• Sort and Clean Your Scrap: Remove insulation, plastics, or other contaminants to improve purity and value.
• Sell in Bulk: Larger quantities usually attract better prices.
• Choose the Right Time: Monitor copper prices and sell when rates peak.
• Use Trusted Scrap Dealers: Professional services can offer better prices and ensure legal compliance.
• Consider Professional Rubbish Disposal Services: These companies can collect your scrap safely and handle the recycling process, maximising your returns.

The Role of Rubbish Disposal in Scrap Metal Management

Proper rubbish disposal is crucial when dealing with scrap metals like copper. Using licensed disposal services ensures your scrap is handled legally and recycled responsibly, helping protect the environment while allowing you to benefit financially.

The cost of 1 kg of copper in Ireland currently ranges broadly from about €3 to €8 depending on purity and form.

Prices are influenced by global markets, supply and demand, and local factors. Staying informed about what are the latest scrap metal prices? and working with reputable scrap dealers or rubbish disposal professionals can help you maximise your returns when selling copper scrap.

By understanding these factors and preparing your scrap properly, you can turn your copper waste into valuable income while supporting Ireland’s sustainable recycling efforts.