How to Sell Copper Pipes for Scrap in Singapore

Copper pipes are one of the most common — and valuable — non-ferrous scrap items in Singapore. Old plumbing, HVAC copper tube, refrigeration lines, and gas supply pipes all yield high-grade copper scrap. Here’s how to prepare them and get the best rate.

Copper Pipe Grades Explained

• Heavy copper pipe (clean) — 15-50mm+ plumbing pipe, no fittings, no solder, clean inside and out. $8.50/kg.
• Medium copper tube — smaller plumbing / HVAC tube, some fittings OK. $8.00/kg.
• Refrigeration copper — R-22 or R-410 copper lines, usually with oil residue. $7.50/kg.
• Pipe with brass/solder attachments — braziery grade. $5.50/kg.

All grades are part of our broader copper scrap buying. For more on grades, see our copper scrap grades guide.

Preparation Tips

• Strip insulation — if pipes have foam/rubber insulation, strip it. Takes minutes per metre and upgrades the grade.
• Remove brass fittings — unscrew or cut off old brass fittings; sell separately as brass scrap.
• Drain refrigeration lines — for AC/refrigeration copper, drain oil and refrigerant (refrigerant requires licensed handler; don’t vent to atmosphere).
• Cut to 1-2m lengths — easier to weigh, easier to transport.

Where Copper Pipes Come From

• HDB renovation — old plumbing replacement, kitchen/bathroom overhauls
• Commercial building refurbs — office AC replacement, tenant fit-outs
• HVAC contractors — chillers, fan coil units, split-system replacements
• Industrial facilities — process cooling, compressed air, gas supply

Selling Small vs Large Quantities

• Small quantities (<20 kg): drop off at 170 Gul Circle. Cash-on-the-spot at grade rates.
• Renovation contractor quantities (20-500 kg): free pickup. Call ahead for a firm quote.
• HVAC contractor quantities (regular 500kg+/month): scheduled pickup with consolidated invoicing. Industrial arrangements.

Refrigerant Handling

If you’re clearing refrigeration or AC copper lines still charged with refrigerant, use a licensed AC technician to recover the refrigerant first. Venting refrigerants to atmosphere is illegal in Singapore (NEA regulation) and creates safety hazards on our yard floor. Once drained, the copper lines are ready for scrap.