Grey 
You might run into some problems at the yard if the copper is in a form that they're not used to buying. Flattened out tubing and folded up wire is okay but they might be wary of pellets & granules.
Additionally , the cost of equipment is likely to be a lot more than the money you would get from the copper if you're doing it on a small scale. It wouldn't be a good business decision.
It's been awhile since i did copper but i had the same volume issue. I ran across a household kitchen trash compactor. It didn't cost anything and did an okay of job of packing the copper tubing and wire down so it took up less space.
In hindsight ... i don't know if it was a good call or not. It all pays the same per pound. It's extra work and energy to spend time fussing with compacting the stuff. Maybe it's better not to obsess over it.
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