Recycling Copper Scrap: How It Benefits The Planet

Copper is one of several materials commonly recycled and used again to prepare various items that individuals can use at home, work, or even in industrial settings. Recognized as one of the first metals ever used by humans to assemble different objects, it's often in demand, with millions of pounds of copper used daily in many industries.

Why Is It Beneficial to Recycle Copper?

Copper is a recyclable material that people can reuse multiple times. Rather than extracting more copper from natural resources, recycling helps protect and preserve such a resource, which is naturally better for the environment. If you want to make an effort to protect the environment by attempting to reduce your carbon footprint, recycling is one way to make a real difference. But while most people think about recycling their glass and plastic bottles, copper is another material that can and should regularly be recycled.

While recycling copper protects this resource so that there is more than enough of it to go around, even hundreds of years from now, it's also a fantastic way to save money. It's typically more expensive to produce new copper than to take old copper, melt it down, and use it to construct something from scratch.

Is Copper a Valuable Material?

Because it's a popular metal used in various products, buildings, and other objects, copper is an incredibly valuable material. In fact, many recycling plants are willing to pay for recycled copper. However, the amount of money provided will usually depend on the overall weight of the copper, with heavier loads paying out more. Most people will recycle copper to do something positive for the planet, so getting extra cash in exchange for this material is simply a bonus to them!

What Types of Items Typically Contain Copper?

Most don't realize how many things they use each day that contain at least some copper material. From door knobs to appliances, plumbing fixtures, electrical cables, jewelry, tables, and more, there are many ways to use copper to create items people want, need, and regularly use.

Should You Recycle Items Containing Copper Instead of Tossing Them Out in the Trash?

When you come across unused or broken items in your home that contain copper, consider recycling them instead of putting them in the trash. Instead of contributing to adding even more garbage in your local landfills, you can positively impact the environment by recycling one of the most important metals used today.

Find out more about copper scrap recycling.