On this planet we have a limited amount of materials. We use things too fast, and it won’t slow down any time soon. If we fail to be careful, even something as simple as copper could become a rarity if it becomes scarce.
We have only a limited amount of copper in the world. This is why many establishments have been created to reuse unwanted copper.
The recycling process is better for the environment than mining new copper. Also, people make money through recycling.
Scrapping copper and selling it as scrap metal may be a way for someone to make extra money. In order to do that, it is necessary to separate copper from other metals. The copper itself is also important to separate since there are different grades of copper. Then NRI Metals can go about getting it ready for its next use.
About Copper
Copper is a metal that is used as a wiring material, in motors, plumbing, machinery, roofing, and a variety of other uses.
Non-ferrous metals such as copper are more expensive than iron-containing metals, and that is because they do not contain iron. A magnet test can help you figure out whether a metal is ferrous or nonferrous. Non-ferrous metals include brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. If the magnet bonds with the iron, it is non-ferrous. Ferrous metals include steel, iron, and titanium. This is necessary for copper recycling later on when you have to separate your materials.
Other than copper, silver is the only other material with better conductive properties. Because of this, copper is used in so many wires today. It’s important for electricians when they arrange electric lines. Construction workers ought to take into account electrical lines when they are building buildings.
Reasons to Recycle Copper
It’s likely that the copper items in your home were once something entirely different before the copper was used, and for good reason! Since copper is easy to reuse and recycle, it’s wise to do so.
The main reason we use copper recycling instead of mining new copper is that recycling copper uses about 90% less energy than mining it. Using less energy results in less air pollution. Mining uses valuable resources, produces a lot of pollution, and is very expensive. Due to the high cost of mining copper, reusing the copper we already have lowers manufacturing costs and retail prices.
Copper is a non-renewable resource. This means that when we use up all the copper available, there will be no more to use. We’ve used up less than 12% of the world’s copper supply so far. The good news continues, as copper is a very useful metal that can be reused and recycled, which means the copper levels won’t diminish very rapidly as long as we continue copper recycling.
Furthermore, recycling can be profitable. Copper is one of the most profitable materials for people who gather scrap metal to sell under brass. In fact, it retains 90% of its original value in ideal cases. You can also find copper relatively easily.
Separating Copper For Recycling
Before you go to the recycling center, you have to separate the different types of copper as well. You might believe that all copper is the same, but that’s not true. Here are the different kinds of copper to separate.
– #1 copper
This copper is the most valuable since it is in the best conditions. It has no insulation, no oxidation, and no oil on the material. Most people will strip all the insulation off of the pure copper wires. But that doesn’t mean that the wires shouldn’t be separated into their own pile.
– #2 copper
This is the second type of copper after #1. It may have some imperfections to it, which makes it harder to clean and recycle. A copper pipe that has oil or residue is known as #2 copper, which means you can expect it to cost less.
– copper wiring
This final, least expensive category is reserved for those who cannot strip copper wiring insulation (or do not want to). It is best to avoid stripping any cable that is smaller than the width of your pinky.
Whether you want to know how to separate copper properly or need some guidance, the people at a recycling center like NRI Metals in Hugo MN can help. More experience you gain, the more money you will make. The better your scrap metal is separated, the easier it will be for the recycling center.
How Copper is Recycled
Copper recycling is a very detailed process. There are variations depending on the copper being recycled, but it generally goes through the same process.
First, copper is put through an assembly line that breaks down the copper to very small pieces that separates the pure copper from any insulation or any other objects it’s combined with. There are also times when copper is mixed in with other materials, such as lead or tin. Copper recycling processes may skip the refining process and keep the materials together if it will cost more money to separate the materials than to keep them combined. If you have any questions on what will happen with your scraps, ask the people at the e-waste recycling center.
After all insulation and other materials are separated from the copper, the copper is put through a grueling process. It goes through a screener that examines the quality. It is then put through a density separator to divide them even further. It then goes through an inspection. This copper is finally taken to the final stage of the process where it is turned into 5/16 rods. These rods are then used to make whatever products are in demand. It will be back in the store on the shelf with no sign of it being recycled except maybe a sticker on the packaging.
There are very strict requirements throughout the process, and all copper that comes out of the recycling process will be as clean and pure as possible.
Copper used in wiring is the most difficult for copper recycling. This is its biggest downfall when it comes to recycling. We are finding better ways to accomplish the goal of reusing copper in wiring, but it doesn’t help that electrical systems are growing all over the world.
Throwing Away Copper
Our landfills are getting more full every day. We need to find space to keep this trash, and then we need to use valuable resources to take care of it. Adding copper to these landfills is a completely unnecessary action that has negative effects on the environment. Why throw away material that can be used over and over again with very little trouble? It’s every person’s responsibility to keep copper out of the trash can and into the recycling bin. If we don’t, the copper supply will disappear much more quickly than it has to. Not only will prices go up until it disappears, but we will be forced to use subpar materials as well. Don’t throw away copper unnecessarily. E-waste recycling companies are happy to pay you for your efforts.
The more you know, the more you will be able to help the environment as well as your wallet. Copper is a very useful material, and it’s our responsibility to utilize it to its fullest potential before the supplies deplete to nothing. Too many people throw copper away, but throwing it away is only adding to the already giant landfills that are getting out of control. With just a little bit of effort, it can be handled more properly. Gather up the copper in your home and take it over to the nearest recycling center. Just be sure to separate things beforehand to help the people at the E-waste recycling center and earn yourself even more money.
