To get a fair price in waste cable recycling, correctly classifying copper is key. Here’s a practical, straightforward guide:

1. Bright Copper (Highest Value)

   Bright reddish-purple, no oxidation or coating. Found in new cables, BV hard wires, BVR flexible wires. Copper purity ≥99%.
2. Pure Copper / Mixed Copper Wires

   Darker color, slightly oxidized. From used cables and equipment. Slightly lower purity than bright copper.
3. Copper-Clad Aluminum / Copper-Clad Steel

   Looks like copper but is white/yellow inside when cut. Lighter weight, magnetic in some cases. Not pure copper.
4. Brass Components

   Yellowish, hard alloy (copper + zinc). Used in terminals and connectors. Lower value than pure copper.
5. Tinned / Nickel-Plated Copper

   Silvery surface, but purple inside when scraped. Common in electronics and equipment wires.