Industrial Copper wire

Hey everybody. Hoping someone can answer this for me. I recently found about 30ft of industrial copper wire in someone's trash after they moved. Assume it was used during wiring of the house. Anyway, stripped it all down and took it to the scrap yard where I was questioned on how I got it by 4 guys that work there. Then they told me it I wasn't in trouble but that it was "industrial" and I can't scrap it unless I have proof where it came from or something. Seems like a lot of copper to throw away (bucket prob. weighs 30 lbs). Is there any way to still sell it or does this sound right? They also told me that no other scrap yard here would probably buy it either. I just figured it was thick bare bright. Thanks for reading. Any help is appreciated

I live in Northern Indiana too btw

That seems odd, I've never heard of a yard refusing wire due to the size. I would tend to believe most copper wire in a scrap yard is industrial wire, at least weight wise that is. Although my metal has never been denied I would try a different yard.

Here in NY I can tell you they would look at me pretty weird if I showed up with industrial stuff. I guess certain areas are different. In NY they don't fool around with copper theft, and I don't know if they would deny me if I tried that, but they would sure say something and ask a question or two. Since I almost live there though, the guys would surely let me slide Im sure but not if it was on a regular basis. That would just smell of theft I would imagine. On the other hand, if I got denied I would try another yard and maybe cut the pieces a bit smaller so as to not look so suspicious? I don't know exactly, but as long as you didn't steal it you should be ok to try another yard if there are any around you. Hope this helps.

This is exactly why I do a bill of lading for things that are big or valuable.

Hassling for 30 lbs of copper. As they say in goodfellas. F you pay me.

I've been going to this one 3yrs too. At least once a week

Originally Posted by scrapping

That seems odd, I've never heard of a yard refusing wire due to the size. I would tend to believe most copper wire in a scrap yard is industrial wire, at least weight wise that is. Although my metal has never been denied I would try a different yard.

Thought about that..they said I'd be lucky if any here will buy it

Originally Posted by d.weglarz13

Here in NY I can tell you they would look at me pretty weird if I showed up with industrial stuff. I guess certain areas are different. In NY they don't fool around with copper theft, and I don't know if they would deny me if I tried that, but they would sure say something and ask a question or two. Since I almost live there though, the guys would surely let me slide Im sure but not if it was on a regular basis. That would just smell of theft I would imagine. On the other hand, if I got denied I would try another yard and maybe cut the pieces a bit smaller so as to not look so suspicious? I don't know exactly, but as long as you didn't steal it you should be ok to try another yard if there are any around you. Hope this helps.

Cutting it down crossed my mind too. Probably try another yard in case they remember

Originally Posted by ScrappinRed

I second this idea. Almost anyone who legally demos or builds houses, is a handyman, or does construction should be able to give you a letter your scrapyard would accept.

Would I just meed a letter saying they rightfully gave it to me?

Originally Posted by Metalbestos

Sometimes workers will leave these things in the dumpster only to retrieve them themselves later . I have never had a problem selling any of my metals . Hope it works out for you thou . Good luck

Originally Posted by armygreywolf

This is exactly why I do a bill of lading for things that are big or valuable.

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

just sell on ebay you will do just as good as the yard perhaps better

Considered ebay too. Put it on craigslist thinking a contractor might buy but no luck yet

Thanks everybody, didn't expect so many replies. Sorry if I screwed up on replying. New to forums lol. It was pretty interesting when I took it in . Guy at scale calling 3 other employees over had me worried for a minute lol. Gonna decide what to do by monday(starting with a call to a different yard). Thanks again guys!

I would talk to someone besides the guy at the scale. I go places when I talk with the higher ups.