While the lowly penny may not appear valuable, copper is one of the most popular materials used by engineers and manufacturers across multiple industries. In addition, it is an incredibly versatile material that can be found in everything from electronics to plumbing, making it a valuable resource. But what happens when you have leftover copper or are looking for ways to recycle it? Fortunately, recycling copper has numerous benefits and is relatively easy to do. Here's what you need to know.
Where Do You Find Copper to Recycle?
Copper can be found in many everyday items that are no longer being used, such as old electronics, appliances, pipes, wires, and even jewelry pieces. If you are unsure if something contains copper, you can look for the 'Cu' symbol on the item, which indicates that it contains copper. Additionally, it is worth mentioning here that copper is not magnetic, so it cannot be picked up with a magnet.
If you are remodeling a house, separate the used copper pipes and other copper debris from the rest of the construction materials for recycling.
How Is Copper Recycled?
The recycling process for copper begins with you collecting it. Once you have the material, you need to separate the copper from other materials attached to it, such as insulation or plastics. There are multiple ways you can do this, including using a wire stripper or dismantling the item you are recycling.
The next step is to take the copper to a local scrapyard or recycling center, where it will be weighed, and you will be paid for it. The amount you will receive is based on the current market rate for copper per pound.
What Is Recycled Copper Used For?
Once the copper is recycled, it can be used to create new products such as electrical wiring, pipes, coins, and jewelry. It is also commonly used in building construction. Since copper can be recycled many times while still retaining its properties, it is often considered a sustainable choice.
Is Recycled Copper Valuable?
Recycled copper is very valuable because of its ability to be recycled multiple times. In other words, metal scrap yards are willing to pay well for used copper.
For manufacturers, used copper costs less than buying brand-new copper ore from the mine.
What Are the Benefits of Recycling Copper?
Overall, recycling copper has numerous benefits, including:
- Reducing waste in landfills
- Saving money on manufacturing costs
- Strong and durable
So, the next time you find yourself with extra, unwanted scraps of copper, understand that you have a valuable resource on your hands, not just a lowly penny.
Contact copper recycling services to learn more.
