Do you have broken or old Christmas lights collecting dust? Don’t toss them in the trash—recycle them and get paid! Whether you’re cleaning out holiday decorations or decluttering after the season, scrapping Christmas lights is a great way to make extra money while helping the environment.
With valuable metals like copper hidden inside, scrap yards will pay you for your old holiday lights. Use the iScrap App to find the best local scrap yards and get up-to-date Christmas light scrap prices near you.
Why You Should Recycle Old Christmas Lights
Christmas lights wear out, break, or get replaced with newer LED models. Instead of throwing them away, scrapping your lights offers two key benefits:
Reduce landfill waste by recycling the materials inside
Get paid for the copper and other metals in the wires and plugs
Local drop-off points like recycling centers or big box stores may take your old lights, but scrap yards actually pay you. Use the iScrap App to quickly locate yards near you that accept Christmas lights for cash.
How Much Are Christmas Lights Worth? Scrap Prices Explained
The scrap value of Christmas lights depends mostly on the copper content and the current market rate. Since Christmas lights contain more plastic from bulbs and insulation, they’re typically classified as insulated wire or dirty wire at scrap yards.
What Metals Are Inside Christmas Lights?
Knowing what’s inside your Christmas lights can help you prepare them better for scrapping:
Copper Wire: The main payout source, hidden inside the green or white wire coating.
Brass Connectors: Found in some plugs, brass pays more than standard wire.
Plastic & Glass Bulbs: Generally not valuable and may lower the scrap value unless removed.
How to Prepare Christmas Lights for Scrap Yards
To maximize the value of your Christmas lights:
Remove Excess Plastic: Take off decorative plastic pieces when possible.
Separate by Type: Some yards pay differently for LED vs. traditional lights.
Strip Plugs (Optional): Removing brass connectors can increase payout if you have time.
Bundle Wires Together: Makes it easier for scrap yards to weigh and process.
Remember, you don’t have to strip the wires to get paid, but separating clean metals can increase your return.
Where to Recycle Christmas Lights Near You
Best Option for Cash: Local scrap yards—find one using the iScrap App. Other Options:
Municipal Recycling Centers: Good for responsible disposal, but no payment.
Retail Drop-Off Programs: Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s may offer seasonal light recycling, but don’t pay cash.
E-Waste Recyclers: Accept lights but usually for free.
To get paid for your Christmas lights, scrap yards are your best bet.
Other Holiday Decorations You Can Scrap for Extra Cash
Don’t stop at just lights! After the holidays, you can also scrap:
Metal ornaments (brass, aluminum, steel)
Light-up decorations (frames often contain recyclable metal)
Artificial Christmas trees with metal bases
Extension cords and power strips (contain copper wire)
Pro Tip: After the holidays, check for discarded decorations in your neighborhood—free scrap metal is everywhere!
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Disclaimer
These scrap prices are for reference only based on market trends and resources. No scrap yards are required to honor or pay these prices. Contact your local yard for their prices.
