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Copper scrap grades: millberry, birch, cliff and insulated wire

The names scrap traders use, what they mean, how scrap is priced against the LME, and the checks that matter before you pay.

Copper Supply2 min read

Scrap copper is a large part of the market and has its own language. Most grade names come from the specifications of the US recycling industry association, ISRI (now known as ReMA), which uses short code words for each grade. Traders don't always use them precisely, so always confirm the description.

The main grades

Trade nameCode wordWhat it should be
Bare bright wireBarleyClean, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire, not finer than a set gauge, bright and free of oxidation
No. 1 copper wireBerryClean, unalloyed copper wire, may be lightly oxidised
No. 1 heavy copperCandyClean, unalloyed copper solids, clippings, busbars and tubing
No. 2 copper wireBirchUnalloyed copper wire with some coating, oxidation or contamination
No. 2 copper solidsCliffMixed unalloyed copper solids with more contamination

Millberry is widely used in offers for clean bare bright or No. 1 wire of about 99% copper or better. Birch/Cliff offers usually mean No. 2 wire and solids. Ask the seller exactly which they mean, and get photographs of the actual lot.

Insulated wire scrap still has its plastic coating. Its value depends on the recovery: how much copper is left once the insulation is removed, which can vary widely between lots.

How scrap is priced

Clean grades are usually priced as a percentage of the LME or as a discount to it, close to cathode for the best bare bright wire and much further away for No. 2 and insulated material. The grade, the recovery, the location and the payment terms all move the price.

Checks before you pay

  • Photographs and video of the actual lot, with a date and a reference you ask for, such as today's newspaper or a sign with your company's name.
  • Independent inspection for grade, contamination and weight. Moisture, oil and hidden heavier material are the common problems.
  • Export documents. Several African countries restrict or tax scrap exports. Check that the seller can legally export.
  • A small first lot. Scrap quality varies more than cathode, so start with a trial. See trial orders.

This guide is general information from our experience in the copper trade. It is not legal, financial or tax advice. Markets and rules change, so check current conditions before you rely on anything here.

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Copper scrap grades: millberry, birch, cliff and insulated wire · Copper Supply