Copper Scrapping

Swanson10

Well-Known Member
Jun 12, 2008
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Hello all,

Des Moines resident here and i have recently begun a remodel of a basement bathroom. Cut out a bunch of copper piping and instead of just throwing it away, I was looking to get it to a scrap yard. Has anyone in the metro ever done this in town? If so, where did you take it and how was your experience doing it?
Thanks for any input given.
 

FallOf81

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Oct 24, 2017
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There's professionals that would have done that for you for free. You didn't even have to be there.
 
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AgronAlum

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Jul 12, 2014
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I took some stuff to Alter awhile back. Pretty easy process. Just pull up, unload, weigh and get a check. Most scrap places post their rates on their website.

We had about 100+ lbs of copper in our front yard a couple weeks ago that Metronet left there. I was going to take it for scrap after awhile until a shady van pulled up and beat me to it. I was going to call it a fee for them ******* up our back yard and letting our neighbors dog loose.
 
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CycloneWanderer

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Nov 4, 2007
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Wandering
Find companies that buy scrap metal in your area (copper is valuable). Have them bid on what you have. Take the highest bid.
 

Althetuna

Ducky was the best dog.
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Jul 7, 2012
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Somewhere in the Minneapolis Area
Many, many moons ago I was a refrigeration installer. Company used to let us scrap copper we tore out. As mentioned above, take to Alter on Hull ave. Make sure copper is clean, cut out any soldier joints. Clean unfouled copper will qualify for type I and will fetch a higher price.

They weight it and cut a check. I would recommend taking it yourself. As I recall, they will ask to see your license. Other than that, the process is super easy.

Edit: Old copper will be type II but still very much worth taking in. Be sure to remove any insulation. They will significantly reduce the price they'll pay if they have to remove it.
 
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