Do I need to remove brass fittings from copper pipe?

Yes, if you want the copper priced as No. 1. Fittings left attached make it a mixed item. Cut them off and we will weigh the brass separately at the brass rate — you will do better on both.

No. 1 Copper

Clean, unalloyed copper solids and tubing.

Get a price on WhatsApp 0413 222 171

No. 1 copper pipe and tubing scrap recycled at Shine Motor Corporation Ingleburn NSW

What this grade accepts

Clean copper pipe
Punchings

What it does not

Solder
Brass fittings

Where it usually comes from

Plumbing
Construction

How to prepare it

Cut off brass fittings and solder joints.

Not sure? Send a photo before you sort anything — it costs nothing to ask.

About No. 1 Copper

No. 1 copper is clean, unalloyed and uncoated copper at least 1.6mm thick — clean tube, bus bar, heavy gauge wire and solid copper offcuts. Light oxidation is acceptable at this grade, which is the main practical difference from bright copper wire.

What takes copper out of No. 1 is anything attached to it: solder, brazing, paint, fittings, or the brass valves left on a length of tube. Plumbers bringing in stripped tube generally get the best result by cutting the fittings off and keeping them separate as brass, rather than presenting a mixed load.

Burnt copper is not No. 1. Burning insulation off wire is illegal in NSW under EPA air pollution rules, and the resulting metal is graded down for the surface contamination regardless. Insulated wire is bought as its own grade, priced on recovery percentage.

Common questions

Do I need to remove brass fittings from copper pipe?: Yes, if you want the copper priced as No. 1. Fittings left attached make it a mixed item. Cut them off and we will weigh the brass separately at the brass rate — you will do better on both.