If you're lucky enough to own any copper, you may be wondering just how valuable it is. It's good to know that there has been a strong growth for copper products in recent years due to high demand in emerging economies and widespread use within technologically forward industries. But why is this material just so popular, and why is it particularly suitable for recycling?
Excellence in Recycling
Unlike many products, copper can be recycled time and again without any degradation or performance loss. This means that the quality of the material will be top-notch and equally as valuable as the original mined product. Therefore, industries that rely on copper can buy recycled materials and use them alongside any "original" copper from primary production.
Advantages of Copper
Copper is also very long-lasting, and the fact that it is unlikely to wear out gives it that high value. It's in widespread use throughout the communications industry, as well as power generation and transmission. Companies can use copper to create electrical wiring, circuitry and contacts for machines, appliances and household electronics. Copper can also be used within the transport sector to create vehicle harness systems and connect a wide variety of ancillaries available through the aftermarket.
Driving Recycling Efforts
As there is so much demand for recycled copper, individuals or companies that may not have previously looked at recycling are inclined to make an effort. This drive also benefits other recycling industries, where these companies recover other metals such as lead, nickel, zinc or silver while recovering the copper.
How to Value Copper
If you own any copper, it makes sense to talk with some recycling experts. They will be able to grade the material following a thorough examination and, once accepted, will need to eradicate any impurities that may be present. They may also use chemical compounds to analyse the metal to search for any corrosion or determine the piece's exact value.
What to Do Next
Remember, copper can be found in a variety of appliances or consumer electronics, as well as in older vehicles. Without knowing it, you might have quite a collection of copper on hand, and it makes sense to investigate the possibilities. Get in touch with a specialist recycling agent to help you determine the value of your copper trove. They will identify what you may have and will be delighted to give you an estimate in return.
For more information on cash for copper, contact a professional near you.
My parents raised me with a love for the environment from a very early age. Our family home was always big on recycling where we could, and I carried this ethos through to my own home when I moved out. Not everyone realises how easy it is to incorporate recycling into their daily life, so I began this blog to help share my advice on this topic. From recycling your own home rubbish to using recycled products when renovating, my posts cover a multitude of ways you can embrace recycling. Teaching your kids how to compost is another way you can recycle your rubbish, so come on board and see which recycling techniques appeal to you.