In the metals recycling sector, copper remains the absolute benchmark. Nicknamed “red gold” because of its high market value and unrivalled conductivity, copper is the core business of the Sclavo Eco-Relais in Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Located at 30 rue Claude Bernard, our center welcomes electricians, plumbers, heating engineers and industrial companies from the Cap 3000 and coastal areas on a daily basis. This comprehensive guide details how to sort, prepare and sell your copper to maximize your profitability in 06700.

Why is copper the most precious metal in Saint-Laurent?

Copper (Cu) is a non-ferrous metal essential to the energy transition. Its global demand is exploding with the development of electric vehicles and data infrastructures. In Saint-Laurent-du-Var, we follow the fluctuations of the London Metal Exchange (LME) to offer you a real-time quotation.

  • Infinite recyclability: Copper loses none of its chemical or physical properties when recycled.
  • Energy savings: Recycling copper requires 85% less energy than mining it. By bringing your offcuts to the Sclavo Eco-Relais, you are actively participating in the local circular economy.

The different types of copper bought back (Winning sort)

To get the best price per kilo at Saint-Laurent, it’s important not to mix qualities. Here’s how we classify your inputs:

  1. Millberry copper: This is the grail of the scrap dealer. This is copper wire over one millimeter in diameter, perfectly clean, with no sheathing, varnish or traces of oxidation. This is the highest-paid category.
  2. Mixed copper: Very common among plumbers in the 06. These are tubes, pipes and water heaters. If they show traces of solder (tin), paint or limescale, they fall into this category. Its value is still very high, but lower than that of Millberry.
  3. Heater copper: Copper heating elements are bought in specifically. Be careful to remove any steel or plastic parts to avoid decommissioning.
  4. Electrical Cables: If you don’t have time to strip, we buy back your cables with their plastic sheaths. The price is calculated according to a “yield” (estimated percentage of copper). We handle domestic cables (VGV), industrial cables (RO2V) and computer cables.

Advice for coastal electricians and plumbers

The Saint-Laurent-du-Var Industrial Zone is a hub for craftsmen. To optimize your visit :

  • Is stripping worth it? If you have large power cables, the financial gain of stripping is real. For small, flexible cables, the time spent is not always worth the “mixed cable” price.
  • Remove brass: If your copper pipes have brass fittings, cut them off! Brass and copper are sold separately. If you leave them on, you risk being paid the price of the cheaper of the two metals.
  • Secure your stock: Copper attracts covetousness. Don’t leave it visible in your van on construction sites. Come regularly to our counter on Rue Claude Bernard to “empty” your truck and secure your cash flow.