Six Things You Shouldn't Do When You Are Recycling Your Copper

5 April 2021
 Categories: , Blog

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If you have scrap copper available to you, it's important that you recycle it. Recycling scrap metals like copper isn't only good for the environment, but it can also be lucrative. Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals out there.

Unfortunately, those who recycle copper sometimes make mistakes. The following are six things you shouldn't do when you are recycling your copper if you want to maximize the convenience, safety, and profitability of the endeavor. 

Taking scrap copper to a particular scrap recycling yard without doing research

Different scrapyards are likely to pay different amounts for copper. If you want to maximize your earnings, you should shop around and find the scrapyard offering the most for recycled copper. You shouldn't automatically take your copper to one particular scrapyard without doing your research. 

Neglecting to separate copper from other scrap metals

Those who recycle scrap copper often have numerous scrap materials to recycle. If you are recycling a few different types of metal, it's important for you to separate them. Copper and bronze are worth a lot more than less valuable metals like aluminum, for example. 

Separating your metals ensures that you know how much of each metal type you have. Separating metals makes it so that you have a better idea of how much your scrap materials should be worth before you get to the scrapyard. 

Failing to use PPE 

Handling scrap metal can be hazardous. Scrap metal pieces can have sharp edges. You should use heavy-duty work gloves when handling scrap metal materials. It's also a good idea to wear boots and safety goggles to protect your feet and eyes. 

Failing to factor transportation costs into the equation

One of the biggest expenses of copper recycling can be transportation. You'll need to get your scrap copper from your location to the scrapyard. Make sure you've thought ahead and calculated the profitability of your enterprise while factoring in transportation costs.

If your location is quite far from the scrapyard, it might be more difficult to make a profit when recycling scrap copper. It helps if you can find a scrapyard located fairly close by. 

Allowing copper to corrode before you sell it for scrap

Copper won't rust because it doesn't contain iron. However, it can corrode over time. Severely corroded copper might not be worth as much as it could be when you recycle it. It's, therefore, important to recycle copper before it becomes corroded.

You can prevent copper corrosion by protecting your scrap copper from exposure to water, salts, sulfate bacteria, and dissolved oxygen. 

Not putting enough effort into preparing your copper for recycling

There are certain things you may want to do to prepare your scrap copper to be recycled. For example, you should remove things like insulation or plastic moldings from scrap copper.

The scrapyard might give you less money for copper if you haven't prepared it because unprepared copper means more work for the scrapyard. 

Contact a local copper recycling service to get more tips.