Copper scrap in all forms isn’t exactly all the same! There are several different kinds of copper scrap and we’ll tell the difference in the coming days. We’ll also provide other useful suggestions for selling scrap copper to help you earn the highest price for the materials you have.
What Is Copper?
Copper is a reddish-orange metallic found in abundance in the earth’s crust. Copper has been used for a long time because it’s extremely malleable and has excellent conductivity. Even today, copper is extensively utilized in plumbing, electrical wiring as well as other applications for construction. It is also used for coins, jewelry and other items of decoration.
Copper is typically found in nature as a result of copper sulfides, or copper oxides. For commercial use the minerals have to be melt to get the pure copper. After the copper is extracted, it is able to be formed into different shapes or cut in thin strips.
What Is Scrap Copper?
Scrap copper is essentially any copper piece that has been employed for its intended function. It could come from plumbing pipes, electrical wiring and jewelry, old coins or from any other source.
Why Recycle Copper?
Recycling copper requires less energy than the process of mining and processing fresh copper ore. Additionally recycling copper cut down on pollution and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition recycling scrap copper or other scrap metal is a fantastic opportunity to earn a little extra cash. If you only do it occasionally or it’s a devoted passion You can be sure that you’re doing your part to help the environment, while making some extra money.
It is also one of the sought-after metal at recycling and scrap yards. It’s because it is among the most desirable metals that you can reuse. A lot of scrap yards will are willing to pay more for copper than any other metal!
Other advantages of recycling scrap metals are:
Recycling of landfill waste is reduced: Every year millions of tons of scrap metal are disposed of in landfills. It takes up valuable space, and it can also be harmful to the environment.
Employment opportunities in the recycling sector As much scrap material that is recycled, the greater need there is for people in the recycling sector.
Conserving natural resources consumes an enormous amount of water and energy to extract metals from ground. Recycling scrap metal helps conserve the precious resources.
After you’ve learned some more on scrap copper let’s have an in-depth look at different kinds that copper scrap is available.
Types Of Copper Scrap
There are four main kinds of scrap copper including bare bright copper Grade #1 copper (grade 1), 2 copper as well as lighter copper (AKA Grade 3 Copper).
Bare Bright Copper
This scrap of copper can be the best that includes pure non-alloyed, uncoated and unalloyed copper. It is often employed for electrical applications due to its bright color and hasn’t been damaged by exposure to elements. It’s made up of 99.9 percent copper, making it the purest type of metal. It’s also known as “bright and shiny copper,” and is also the most profitable kind of scrap copper! Furthermore, it cannot be thinner than 16 gauge, with copper pipes is not allowed! In addition, it should be clean, free of tarnishing, paint or any other impurities.
Grade 1 Copper
In addition to bare bright copper It is second of the most lucrative kinds of scrap copper. To be considered in the category of grade #1 the scrap must be at a minimum of 1/16th of an inch diameter and must be uncoated, clean and non-alloyed.
This kind of copper is referred to in the form of “clean copper,” and it’s composed of clippings, bus bars segments of commutators and busbars, as well as wire. It’s like bare shiny copper, with some discolored or tarnished spots are ok. Grade 1 copper is still a good choice, as it contains the highest percentage of copper (at minimum 92 percent) and is an excellent scrap alternative.
Grade 2 Copper
This kind of copper is typically used in construction as it is less expensive than other kinds of copper. You will also notice it due to it’s “dirty” appearance compared to pure bright copper or grade 1 copper. It comprises wires and pipes which have been soldered and plumbing pipes that have been coated. It should be less than a 16th inch in diameter and devoid of insulation in order to be included in this class. Grade 2 copper is still a good choice, as it contains substantial amounts of metal (at at least 94 percent copper) and is an excellent option for scrap dealers. It is the third-highest value grade.
Light Copper (AKA Grade 3 Copper)
This is the cheapest kind of copper scrap. It contains tarnished or discolored material. It could also contain copper that has been soldered or painted. Light copper is composed of at least 88% to 92% copper, which makes it a good alternative for scrap dealers. You will often see this kind scrap of copper in downspouts, kettles and even in gutters.
Where To Find Different Types Of Copper Scrap
We’ve discussed a lot of the various types and types of copper scrap. Let’s now talk about how to find these scraps. Here are some ideas:
Check for copper wires and copper pipes on construction sites.
Find local businesses who use copper in their operations or products.
Ask your friends and family whether they have any unwanted copper products that they’d like to sell.
Scour auctions, garage sales and flea markets and other stores that sell second-hand items for copper products.
Check for Copper coins (like pennies) that are no more in circulation.
Products That Contain Copper Scrap
As we’ve already mentioned Copper scrap is typically utilized for electrical use. However, it’s not the only way it’s utilized. Here are some other examples:
Tubing and pipes are typically utilized in plumbing applications.
Copper wires are utilized in many electrical wiring applications, like electrical wiring
Coins, both old and new – usually include copper scrap
Certain kinds of jewelry have scrap copper
Copper sheeting is frequently utilized in roofing and flashing applications.
(Learn more about copper wire recycling later)
Tips For Selling Copper Scrap
You’re now ready to market your product. Here are some tips to ensure you receive the most value from your items:
Take a look at the prices for scrap metal prior to selling. This will let you be aware of how much copper is worth and you’ll receive a fair value for it.
Find a reliable Scrap metal buyers. This is essential since not all buyers will offer the same amount to purchase your copper. It’s always good to look at prices prior to selling.
Be sure to bring your ID in the event that you decide to sell the copper scrap you have. Certain States require ID for any scrap metal transaction Therefore, it’s best to be ready.
Determining Copper Purity
It’s also crucial to understand how to assess the quality of the copper scrap prior to you decide to sell it. The easiest method for doing this is with the copper testing kit that can be found in most hardware stores.
An alternative is to bring any copper waste to an area recycling center or scrap yard and get it tested there. The majority of facilities will test it at no cost or for an additional fee.
In terms of pure copper, the greater your percentage of purity, greater you’ll receive from your scrap. Therefore, if you’ve more pure copper scrap test it to determine the most profitable value for it!
Additional Tips For Selling And Collecting Scrap Metal
The kinds of copper scrap we’ve discussed in this article are one of the most profitable scrap metals that you can recycle! But before we move on we’ll give you some more ways to sell scrap metals and earning the most profit from them.
Sort and clean your scrap metals prior to deciding whether you want to sell them. This will enable you to receive the most value for your materials, and will simplify the selling process.
Take care when you store them: All kinds of scrap metals should be stored in a dry, cool location. You can cover them with an tarpaulin or tarp when you’re keeping them outside to shield them from weather and other elements.
Be aware of the market: The prices of scrap metal are subject to fluctuation, so it’s always advisable to monitor the market and to sell when prices are at a high.
Separate your scrap metals. It’s an excellent idea to segregate the different kinds and types of metal scrap. This makes it much easier to sell them and receive the most competitive prices for each kind of metal.
Don’t forget the small bits of scrap metal. Even small scraps of metal could add to make profits. Don’t forget these when you’re accumulating materials!
Earn More For Different Types Of Copper Scrap
Now you are aware of the various kinds of copper scrap and the best way to make the most for the scraps. What is the time to wait? Begin collecting your scraps today and earn some extra cash by reusing scrap copper!
We’ll help you earn the most value for your scrap and even collect them from your property and help with the commercial clean-out. Contact us today to find out more!
