Company Blog 2026-07-21 14:11:59

How much money can you make stripping copper wire？

2026-07-21 14:11:59

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Copper wire consists of a single or multi-strand copper core, with an outer layer of insulating plastic. Recycling scrap copper wire can yield significant profits. Profits from stripping copper wire primarily depend on the copper recovery rate, copper market prices, and labor or equipment costs. Under current market conditions, stripping plastic-coated wire yields a profit of $1–2 per kilogram of recovered copper. This profit figure accounts for time and material losses. With a stable supply of raw materials and an efficient copper wire recycling machine, the profit per metric ton can reach $400–600. Specific profit margins will depend on local market conditions.

Factors Affecting Copper Wire Stripping Profits

Source of Profit Margin: The price for recycled cables is typically calculated as “copper recovery rate × copper price – processing fee.” If you strip the copper wire yourself, you can sell it at the current copper price. You can earn a profit of $1–2 per kilogram of scrap wire. The thicker the cable, the higher the profit, as it contains more copper.
Current Market Reference Prices: The price for recycled copper is approximately $14–15 per kilogram. Cable with plastic insulation fetches approximately $9–12 per kilogram.
Key Costs: Manual stripping of wires and cables is inefficient and incurs high time and labor costs. If mechanical processing (using a copper wire recycling machine) is used, efficiency is high, but there are upfront equipment costs and electricity expenses.

How much money can you make stripping copper wire？

Profit Estimates for Different Scenarios

Small-Scale Processing

Thin copper wire: Such as mixed wires, telephone lines, and network cables. Copper recovery rate: 55%–60%. The profit margin from stripping the plastic insulation is only 0.5–1.5 $/h. However, the process is extremely time-consuming. Profits are low. Therefore, it is recommended to sell the plastic-sheathed wires directly.
Thick copper wire: Such as industrial cables and telecommunications cables. Copper recovery rate: 70%+. After stripping, the net profit per jin of scrap wire is approximately 2–3 $.

Medium-Scale Processing

Purchasing surplus industrial cables, automotive wiring, etc. After processing with a professional cable and wire recycling machine, copper granules can be obtained. The copper recovery rate can reach 60%. Profit per metric ton is approximately $600–800.
If 5–8 metric tons of cable are processed monthly, monthly profit can reach $4,800–6,500.

If you are interested in purchasing a copper wire recycling machine, please feel free to contact us at +86 18695875708 (TEL/WhatsApp) to receive the latest promotional quotes and technical solutions free of charge.