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I realize that amount of copper scrap will vary widely with the project and contractor. I have a small pile of stripped copper wire trimmings that I have saved over the years from a number of our private projects both large (1000 sq ft addition over a 900 sq ft garage) and medium (kitchen remodel that required all new runs) and small (minor remodels). Not sure what amounts of scrap others have observed, or if anyone has even measured what is typical.

I hadn't weighed anything up to now so I can't break out any subtotal for prior projects. I just know I have collected about 20 lbs of stripped bare copper trimmings from 10 years worth of past projects. And I just weighed the stripped trimmings from a recent small project (new wire run to fuse box supplying a gazebo with 3 light circuits, fan circuit, and 3 outlets) and the total was 210 grams. Not a lot - but then this electrician is a very efficient one-man show who doesn't like to waste wire.

Any observations from others?

Edit: I missed some wire - total scrap from rough-in was 443 grams, nearly a pound. Is it worth collecting and stripping? Frankly no, not for these tiny scraps. Even the electricians typically don't consider it worth their while to save. But it is mildly theraputic, environmentally friendly, and does create a modest return.

You're right; the scrap generated will vary by contractor and project. Some contractors are more efficient than others at using material, and some are more aggressive about recovering scrap from job sites.

Are you planning on selling the scrap material or just holding onto it? Bare bright copper should fetch around $2.00-2.10 a pound or so.

Wish u was allowed ,burnt, wire.instead of $0.20 for mine.