What’s So Exciting About High Copper Prices?
If you’ve dropped off copper scrap at Endless recently, you’ve probably noticed something, scrap copper prices aren’t just high, they’re soaring. In 2025, the copper market has shifted sharply, driven by global demand, constrained supply, and sustainability pressures. In this article, we’ll unpack what’s driving the copper price surge in NZ, what that means for you, and where to sell copper scrap if you’re in Auckland, especially at our Onehunga/Penrose and Wairau/Glenfield yards.
What’s Behind the Copper Price Surge NZ
Several factors are combining to push copper scrap prices up:
- Tight global supply: Mines are struggling with regulation, rising input costs, and long lead times. New production isn’t ramping up fast enough to meet demand. Analysts forecast copper demand will continue outpacing mine output into 2026 and beyond.
- Explosion in demand from green tech: Electrification, renewable energy infrastructure (solar, wind), electric vehicles, and upgraded power grids all need more copper. These sectors are getting heavy investment, both here and overseas.
- Recycling / secondary supply bottlenecks: As more people try to recycle, the infrastructure for clean, high-grade scrap hasn’t kept up. Purity, sorting, transportation and processing costs are adding up, adding pressure on scrap copper market 2025 levels.
- Global macro factors: Exchange rates, tariffs, shipping cost rises, and export/import regulation all make a difference. For example, U.S. tariffs on copper imports have created ripple effects affecting global pricing.
What This Means for Sellable Copper Scrap
Because of these trends:
- Prices paid at scrap yards are better than they’ve been in years. If your copper is clean, sorted, and in good condition, you’ll see more money coming your way per kilo.
- Lower-grade copper or mixed + contaminated scrap still sells, but the differential between high-grade scrap (bare, insulated wire removed, minimal impurities) vs mixed copper is wider than usual.
- Timing is more important: market volatility means prices can swing fast, so getting in while rates are strong is smart.
What Copper Scrap Does Endless Accept?
At Endless, we accept a wide range of copper commodities, each with its own characteristics and value:
- Copper Bright & Shiny
Bare copper wire that is completely free from contaminants. This is the highest grade and fetches the strongest returns. - Copper No.1
Clean copper pipes, flat bar, or offcuts without coatings or attachments, making them easy to recycle. - Copper No.2
Painted or corroded pipes and burnt cable. Lower grade than No.1 but still valuable and recyclable. - Copper Domestic
Copper with contaminants such as welds, brass fittings, or other attachments often found in plumbing scrap. - Car Looms
Automotive wiring harnesses containing copper wiring with limited attachments. - Copper Brass Radiators
Radiators featuring copper fins and brass tubes, accepted when free from contaminants. - Ali Copper Radiators
Radiators with aluminium fins and copper tubes, provided they are free from steel or plastic. - PVC Copper with Plug
Copper cable coated with PVC and including the plug. - PVC Copper 30%
Data cable with PVC coating where about 30% of the weight is copper. - PVC Copper 42%
TPS copper cable with PVC coating where roughly 42% of the weight is copper. - PVC Copper 65%
Copper cable with PVC coating where about 65% of the weight is copper, offering higher yields. - Steel Coated Copper Cable
Steel wire armoured copper cable with PVC covering, heavier to process but still valuable.
Where to Sell Copper Scrap Auckland
If you’re looking to get the best deal in the Auckland area, here’s how Endless can help, especially at our major yards:
- Onehunga / Penrose yard: Well-positioned for South Auckland and central city tradies. If you’ve got bulk copper or heavier loads, our weigh-bridge and drive-through setup here make drop-offs quick.
- Wairau / Glenfield yard: Ideal for the North Shore. If you’re coming from Glenfield, Takapuna, or Albany, this yard is your most convenient option.
We always ensure that we offer the best copper scrap prices for you and your business. You know what we’re currently paying. When compared to external benchmarks (global indices, regional scrap reports), Endless aim to stay at the top of the curve.
Forecasts & What to Expect
Looking forward:
- Industry reports (like from Fastmarkets / IMARC / investing-news) expect copper scrap prices to remain high and volatile through 2025. Demand from green infrastructure and electronics will keep tipping the scale.
- Local costs (transport, energy, compliance) may squeeze margins, especially for yard operations, but sharp scrap dealers will still be able to offer strong rates because clean copper is in demand.
- Policy shifts toward renewables, recycling incentives, and possible export/import regulation may further tighten supply or increase value for local scrap copper sources.
How You Can Make the Most of It
Here are some tips if you want to benefit:
- Clean & sort your copper. Removing insulation, separating grades, cleaning off contaminants will get you much better price per kilo.
- Stay updated. Stay in touch with Endless to ensure that you’re receiving the most up to date pricing for your scrap copper.
- Plan transport. Larger, consolidated deliveries especially to our Onehunga or Wairau yards tend to give you better per-kilo returns after freight or drop-off costs.
- Ask about Tradie Legends. If you’re registered tradie, you might access extra perks or preferential pricing via our Tradie Legends programme.
Don’t Miss Out on High Scrap Copper Prices!
If you’ve been waiting to sell copper scrap, right now is one of the best windows we’ve seen in years. The combination of global demand, supply constraints, sustainability requirements and strong local infrastructure makes this a rare time to get good value.
Wherever you’re located in Auckland, whether you drop it off at Onehunga/Penrose or Wairau/Glenfield, Endless is ready to offer competitive rates and honest service. Keeping copper in the recycling loop isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s good for the planet too.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scrap Copper in NZ
1. Where can I sell scrap copper in Auckland?
You can sell scrap copper at Endless Metals, with convenient yards in Onehunga/Penrose and Wairau/Glenfield. We buy all types of copper scrap, including bright & shiny wire, copper pipes, copper domestic with fittings, and mixed grades. Both sites offer certified weighing, most competitive pricing, and instant payment.
2. How much is scrap copper worth right now in NZ?
Scrap copper prices in New Zealand change depending on global demand, grade, and cleanliness of the material. At Endless, we pay competitive rates daily for copper wire, pipes, offcuts, and copper domestic. To get the best copper price in Auckland, bring your material to our Onehunga or Wairau yards where you’ll be weighed and paid on the spot.
3. Do you buy copper wire with PVC coating or plugs attached?
Yes. Endless accepts a wide range of copper wire, including PVC-coated cable, copper with plugs, and data cabling. Our team grades your material fairly, whether it’s 30%, 42%, or 65% copper recovery, ensuring you get an accurate price. Both our Penrose/Onehunga and Glenfield/Wairau Valley sites are set up to handle bulk loads of copper wire quickly and efficiently.
4. What types of copper scrap are accepted at Endless?
We buy almost every form of copper scrap: bright & shiny wire, No.1 and No.2 copper pipes, copper domestic (with welds or brass fittings), car looms, copper brass radiators, and more. Endless pays top copper scrap prices across Auckland, with yards in Onehunga/Penrose and Wairau/Glenfield, making it easy for tradies, workshops, and households to recycle responsibly while earning a strong return.