Is stripping cable always more profitable? Cable types, copper content and why burning is harmful.
Everyone selling scrap cable asks the same question: "Will I get more if I strip it?" The answer depends on the type of cable, the amount and the time you will spend.
Where does cable value come from?
The conductor inside — copper or aluminium — makes up almost all the value. The outer sheath and insulation have no value as scrap. That is why unstripped cable is priced by its copper content.
Thick cable versus thin cable
Thick power cables such as NYY have a high copper content and fetch a good price even unstripped. Medium cables such as TTR and flexible cables have less. Data, phone and thin signal cables are mostly plastic and have the lowest copper content.
Is stripping always worth it?
Stripping thick power cable is relatively easy, and it sells as "bright copper", the top grade. Stripping thin cables by hand takes hours and is usually not worth the effort. We recommend handing over thin cables as they are, and stripping thick cables if you can.
Burning cable: illegal and harmful
Burning cable to strip it is prohibited under environmental law and carries heavy fines. Burning plastic gives off toxic smoke. High heat also oxidises the copper; burnt copper does not count as bright copper and is bought at a lower price.
Sacks of mixed cable
We also take sacks of mixed cable. At pickup we sort the cables by type and price each at its own content. For large amounts from construction sites and factories we can set up regular collection.
Send photos, get the price, we collect from your address
Send photos of the material and the approximate amount; we will tell you the day's price and plan the pickup day.
