The Different Kinds of Scrap Wire You May Come Across

Commercial businesses and construction companies deal with such high volumes of scrap materials on a regular basis. While a lot of this needs to be disposed of, there is a lot of value in saving and repurposing scrap metals, especially scrap wire in Toronto. Most wiring is made out of copper, while some may be comprised of other metals. Depending on the type of wire you have, you can receive a reasonable price for your contributions to a company like TAL Metal. This not only benefits your business financially, but it also benefits the environment. If you come across a large volume of scrap wires on your job site regularly, reach out to TAL Metal for scrap metal pick up. 

Here is a breakdown of some of the different kinds of scrap wire you may come across.

Common Types of Scrap Wire

There are a few different types of scrap wire you may come across on your job site. While copper wire is the most common, other metals may be used for wiring as well. The type of wire you find will determine how much money you receive for your contributions. 

Bare Bright Copper Wire

This is the highest value copper wire you may come across. It is so valuable because it is a high-grade copper wire that is clean and uncoated. This is commonly found in electrical wiring, industrial cables, and large appliances. Since the purity of the copper in this wire is so high, it should be separated from other wiring. These wires are identifiable by their bright, shiny appearance and lack of insulation.

#1 and #2 Insulated Copper Wire

Insulated copper wires are the most common, especially in residential and commercial construction. Number 1 copper wire is of a higher purity and tends to be cleaner. #2 copper wire often contains higher volumes of contaminants and other metals, which can lead to it corroding and rusting over time. Both, however, will have a thick layer of insulation over them. You will need to strip them before sending them for scrap metal pickup. Ensure that you use a wire stripper when doing this.

Communication and Data Cables

Data cables are also relatively abundant, especially when clearing out commercial office buildings. These may include coaxial, Cat5/Cat6, and telephone cables. These wires contain small amounts of copper, but can and still should be recycled if accepted by your local collection facility.

Aluminum Wire

Aluminum wire is much less common than copper; however, it is pretty valuable. Aluminum is usually found in power lines, HVAC systems, and electrical transmission cables. These are easily distinguishable from copper because aluminum is silver in colour, whereas copper is reddish-brown. 

Sort Your Wires for Scrap Metal Pickup

Regardless of what kind of wiring you find in your scrap bin, if it is made of metal, it can likely be recycled and repurposed. While bare bright copper and pure aluminum are the most valuable, insulated wires may be more abundant. Regardless of what you find, ensure that you prepare all of your scrap wire in Toronto before calling TAL Metal for scrap metal pickup. Contact us today for a quote on your scrap wires!

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