Scrap You Later - Hold or Sell

Tom goes through the 2022 Recap for copper, brass, and insulated wire. Read more below for the full recap and 2023 outlook.2022 RecapWhat you'll find in all of our different recaps of 2022 is that April was the best month to sell materials. That being said, we still saw solid averages in 2022 for materials like yellow brass, insulated copper wire, and other grades of copper scrap.Bare BrightThroughout the year, stripped copper wire averaged $3.65 per pound. These numbers peaked in April when some prices were above $4.00. Overall, compared to years in the past, we saw a solid market throughout 2022. After we saw many of the same patterns of higher oil and fuel prices, we started to see the pullback on many copper prices in June 2022. While there still is a demand for many of these materials, one of the biggest fears is a worldwide recession which could be happening as you read this and potentially going into more of an effect in 2023.#2 Copper#2 Copper averaged around $3.00 per pound for the year, and that's an excellent average. Many people have talked about the price going back to $4.00 per pound for copper, but this does not seem realistic given the current market conditions and the world economy. Even though the electric vehicle market and the eventual electrification of the grid, moving away from coal and natural gas and towards renewable energy sources, will increase the usage of copper, we have yet to see that taking rate effect right now.Yellow BrassYellow brass averaged just above two dollars per pound in 2022, with prices topping out at around $2.30 per pound. Some of the lower reported prices were in the $1.50 range, but overall we saw solid numbers across the country for reported yellow brass prices. Of course, the brass price will be dictated heavily by the copper and zinc markets, but we are very happy with what we saw at the end of 2022 and predict strong markets in the first half of 2023.We don't want to leave out items like insulated copper wire as they will follow similar trends to the last few metals we discussed. But we saw THHN Wire around $2.33 as a year average topping out around $2.$.75. Insulated copper wire averaged just below one dollar per pound overall, and those prices top around $1.25.Outlook for 2023The demand for copper will stay strong for a while, but the usage and the speed of consumption will be something to look for in 2023. Many parts of the world continue to move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. we are watching these markets closely. One major thing to remember is that any type of economic pullback, whether in the United States or across the world, will affect copper prices as these markets are international and traded, taking into account all economic and political environments.This is a significant thing to remember as many people need to remember that copper is a worldwide traded commodity, unlike the stock market, which has multiple US based companies. The prices for copper and all commodities is dictated by worldwide supply and demand. With a lot of recessionary fears, as well as different political environments across the world, they're still going to be a lot to figure out when it comes to copper prices in 2023. Support the show

Copper prices over the last week we've seen a very nice increase, with markets going up about $0.10 per pound. These increases were not expected but are certainly welcomed. Read more

Aluminum prices have strengthened by 4 to 6% over the last few weeks. That may not seem like a lot, but a lot of the market movements are going up and down 2 to 3%, sometimes daily. Aluminum prices have...

We read an article this week about the power of copper and how the market may still be getting ready to go higher. This article discusses the massive electricity demand, with global electricity consumption potentially doubling by 2050.With the electric and solar push across the world, we may continue to see copper prices increase and demand increase over the next few years. While this is more of a big-picture view, this does give us an insight into where the copper markets could be headed, and we may be at or near the bottom of the market for the foreseeable future.Read more: https://iscrapapp.com/?p=1227235 Support the show

Last week we saw copper prices increase by about $0.35. Overall, since Friday, November 4, we've seen an increase of about $0.45 altogether.One of the primary reasons we saw the increase in this market is that the Chinese are talking about lifting COVID protocols, which could jumpstart more materials consumed.Read more

Copper prices showed excellent resiliency the other day, with the markets lifting to a level not seen in many weeks, if not months. Generally, large jumps like that come with significant declines, and on Monday, we saw about $0.09 come off the market from the $0.26 added on Friday.

Copper prices were down over the last few days, but we saw a quick recovery on Tuesday with a $0.10 increase. Last week we announced to our YouTube members that there was a nice copper increase, they were able to take advantage of that, and I negotiated with some scrap yards for better prices. If you want to learn how to make more money and get different market tips, consider becoming a YouTube member today!Read more: https://iscrapapp.com/blog/weekly-scrap-prices/ Support the show

Let's talk about being dazed and confused in a market that seems to be more and more confusing as the weeks go on. Here we are in the third quarter and see signs of market weakness, possibly due to the upcoming midterm elections. While we won't talk about politics, they play into what the scrap prices do, as many people are unsure where markets are moving after elections because of new and upcoming laws and regulations.Read more: https://iscrapapp.com/blog/weekly-scrap-prices/ Support the show

We have seen little to no movement with the markets. Markets are all over the place, and overall going into the 4th quarter, we do not expect to get much of a market expectation until the post-election cycle in November. These markets will be wishy-washy for the rest of the year, and we think now is as good a time as ever to sell. We know many people are not sure about the markets, but we have to think about next year and the looming pullbacks overall in the markets. Read more: https://iscrapapp.com/?p=1227235 Support the show

We have seen copper prices increase by about $0.10 over the last week, which is welcomed. Whether or not that will last will depend on many different factors. Now that we're starting to see the oil prices go back up and supply cut across the spectrum, this may be a short-lived increase. We continue to recommend selling...READ MORE Support the show

Once a month, we will bring in Marc Champagne to help go over energy outlooks and how they will affect the scrap markets. We are excited to do this and to hear what your thoughts are.With things changing year after year, we are watching these markets and changing market conditions for things like renewable energy, and with more clean energy initiatives, we may see short-term problems but long-term solutions coming. Read more: https://iscrapapp.com/?p=1227235 Support the show

Copper has stabilized with a lot of optimism, going into next year and the next 5 to 10 years based on not only clean energy but the massive demand for worldwide consumption. In the next few years, we could see a lot of copper being consumed for many industries, leading to strong optimism. Today we are seeing prices that might be at the bottom of the market, according to some economists that we've been listening to but after massive global growth last year, we have seen the copper prices level out over the last 90 days. 

The good news? Copper prices this time three years ago were still significantly lower but could also be a little misconstrued because of the number of dollars that will print it off for the last two years.Read more

With copper prices declining, it doesn't worry us in the big picture, only in the week-to-week picture. We think the long-term price of copper will continue to increase as more electric-powered and clean energy projects start to come online and need more of the red metal to be consumed.Read more: https://iscrapapp.com/?p=1226910 Support the show

When scrappers ask us how to get started and what's most important - there are two things: magnet and files. Tom goes over how to use them to get started on scrapping. Support the show

Going into the fall, if you were planning on holding your material for an upward price swing, you might want to get ready to cash it in September or October. Since the copper market bottomed out at a trading level of $3.15 a pound, we have now seen the market regain steam and add $0.50 a pound over the last few months. This was slightly higher before a small drop this morning but is still a positive sign going into the fall and winter seasons.  Support the show

We had a recent request from a scrapper about how their yard didn't share prices - both online or in-person. They were wondering what the best options are to make sure they are getting a fair price. Support the show

Steel prices have continued their slow recovery, jumping about $30 per ton during August in many parts of the country. Meanwhile, Copper prices were relatively flat, with no more than two pennies up or down overall which is a good sign for stability. Read more: https://iscrapapp.com/?p=1226343 Support the show

Tom explains and debunks one of the most common myths about scrapping TVs. A lot of people think there are harmful gases when taking them apart.

We recently got this question from a YouTube subscriber: "Is there Tantalum in E-Scrap? And how do you remove it?" Support the show

Wondering if it's ok to take the inside of the catalytic converters apart? Short Answer: NO, it's not ok. Tom explores why this is not a good idea to make your highest profit.

Tom answers a YouTube Question: "Is copper, and nickel cheaper in China? I heard a rumor that in China they don't follow The LME, and they have a monopoly!" Support the show

When is the right time to start thinking about becoming a full-time scrapper? Tom goes through several things you will have to think about and plan for before you make the MAJOR move.

Tom walks through various common copper wires and cables for recovery rates. If you are wondering if you should strip something and what kind of copper recovery you will get, we have some help here: https://iscrapapp.com/?p=1169742Watch more: https://youtu.be/58vgFTudi_Y Support the show

ONE HALF of 2022 is over and we are at the cusp of the 2nd half starting. Where are scrap prices heading? Where have they been? What should you sell? What should you sell? Tom has all the answers to give you a good idea of what to expect heading into the second half of 2022. Support the show

In this 3-Part Series, Tom Buechel and Energy Economist Marc Champagne tackle the future possible challenges for the world as we continue to deal with the oil and energy crisis. Support the show

In this 3-Part Series, Tom Buechel and Energy Economist Marc Champagne tackle the current events that have led to the current market conditions and how the world is handling them. Support the show

In this 3-Part Series, Tom Buechel and Energy Economist Marc Champagne tackle the past events and actions that brought the world to the current energy crisis we are dealing with today. They discuss everything from conflict in Ukraine, to the pandemic, to the quick hike in prices of oil.

Tom goes through several types of fans to see if they are worth taking apart for the electric motors inside. Remember, some motors may be made with aluminum, not copper.Watch more here: https://youtu.be/gJ9ixG0nwhQ Support the show

Born from a scrap yard, Rockaway Recycling, Tom, the Found of the iScrap App, explains the beginnings of the scrap metal app and how it came to be where it is today! Support the show

Tom walks through some of the most common metals that are found at scrap yards and how you can sort and separate them for the best profit. While some materials can be taken apart, that doesn't mean they have to be. Support the show

Tom walks through some of the common frustrations we have heard from scrappers over the years and how you can deal with them. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

Tom walks through some of the options when becoming a full time scrapper and getting a license. Support the show

Tom walks through some of the fastest ways to scrap your electric motors. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

Tom catches up with some of the top tips for scrapping various copper wires. Support the show

Looking to make a quick buck. We have some helpful information to help you earn as much as you can with your computer towers. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

Tom goes through some of the common items and things you can find on a stainless steel sink to not only make it cleaner, but make some extra money on brass that is attached. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

Tom goes through some of the recent questions that YOU the scrapper has asked over the last few weeks. Have a question of your own? Email our team at info@iscrapapp.com. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

Wondering who to talk to at a scrap yard when you have problems? Tom addresses some options on fixing problems when you sell your scrap to local scrap yards. Before you quickly change yards see if you can get some explanations. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

Join Tom and his dad, Tom on how the boom of scrap from the 1970s to present-day scrap metal recycling. Discussions on how copper prices have changed, the change in e-scrap, and how materials have been changed among scrappers and how scrap yards buy them. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

We asked. You Answered. Recently our team asked on Reddit (yes, we're on there!) what frustrations were most common as scrappers. These were some of the top ones and Tom's suggestions on how to deal with them.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iscrapapp)

Ever wonder why you see some reported prices on the iScrap daily in areas, but in other areas your own prices haven't changed? Or have you seen competing scrap yards never change prices? Tom addresses some of the major reasons why some scrap yards choose not to change prices - and no it's not to "screw" you out of money.Read more here: https://iscrapapp.com/?p=1223628 Support the show

We brought fellow scrapper Dave online with us to discuss various boards and e-scrap techniques on what to look for in boards and computer parts when you are looking to boost your profit in scrap.Be sure to subscribe to Dave here

Mining for metals is an essential part of the growth of the economy but also a trivial part of the environment. But recycling metals to help reduce the necessity of mining for raw materials is important and can also have an environmental impact. However, when new mines are being built and current ones produce more, it is a good sign for everyone. The tricky part is that there is a good, bad, and ugly side to mining raw materials.