MATERIAL UPDATE: Computer Wire vs. Insulated Wire

Posted: January 20, 2026

Computer Wire vs. Insulated Wire

A question that has been coming up a lot at the door and on the phone with customers has been the difference in price and classification for computer wire and insulated wire. Below are the pictures and grading updates on how we buy scrap copper wire.

: Insulated Wire (Cat 5/6) – Has less plastic inside therefore is a higher price.

: Computer Wire – These are regular wires from appliances which have more plastic.

If you still have questions or would like some further explanation of how we are buying various copper wires for scrap, feel free to call us or contact us thr0ugh our website.

INSULATED WIRE PRICE

COMPUTER WIRE PRICE

Cat 5/6 vs. Cat 5/6 Cross

Another change we have at our scale is the difference between Cat 5/6 and Cat 5/6 Cross. The Cat 5/6 Cross (pictured above) has an extra piece of plastic which adds weight to the wire, therefore resulting in a lower price at the scale. Be sure to cut your Cat 5/6 before bringing it in and sorting it correctly.

CAT 5/6 PRICE

CAT 5/6 CROSS PRICE

Have Questions About Copper Wire? Contact Us!

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone

Address

Images

Comments - **Attaching PHOTOS will Expedite Our Response & Quote**

Read Recent Articles:

	What Does It Mean to Be an R2 Certified Yard? February 11th, 2026 If you’re scrapping electronics, clearing out a home office, or are responsible for disposing of business IT equipment, you may have seen the term "R2 Certified Yard". But what does… READ MORE
	Scrap Metal Recycling Center January 20th, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Rockaway Recycling Scrap Metal Recycling Center, was featured on the Cover of Recycling Industry Leading Magazine, Recycling Today. Rockaway, NJ – Scrap Metal Recycling Center, Rockaway Recycling… READ MORE
	Scrap Metal Yard Near Wayne, NJ January 20th, 2026 Scrap Yard Near Wayne, NJ - Rockaway Recycling Let Rockaway Recycling be the Scrap Metal Buyer Near Wayne, NJ, that you come to with your scrap metal! Since 1977, Rockaway… READ MORE
	Scrap Metal Prices Per Pound – Rockaway, NJ January 20th, 2026 See the Scrap Metal Prices Per Pound from Rockaway Recycling. Rockaway Recycling in Rockaway, New Jersey, provides scrap metal prices per pound and updates them every day on our website. By… READ MORE
	Scrap Industrial Chillers January 20th, 2026 Rockaway Recycling Buys Scrap Industrial Chillers Rockaway Recycling will pick up and pay cash for Scrap Industrial Chillers throughout the Tri-State New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut areas. We… READ MORE