Recycling Copper: The Different Types & Their Uses

Copper is one of the most common and valuable metals in the world. It is used in many applications, such as electrical wiring, plumbing and heating systems. Recycling copper has become increasingly important in recent years due to its high demand and value. Knowing the different types of copper that can be recycled is essential for individuals and organisations looking to help protect the environment and make some extra cash. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various types of copper you can recycle and why recycling copper is an excellent choice for sustainability.

Copper #1 is slightly different to shiny copper. It’s a type of clean, unalloyed and uncoated copper with no paint, solder, insulation or other impurities. It’s primarily used in electrical wiring, tubing and other general-purpose applications due to its excellent conductivity characteristics. Other copper #1 applications include car radiators, heat sinks and plumbing installations for hot and cold-water lines. It’s valuable and can be recycled to make new products.

Clean copper #1 should be separated from other non-metallic materials, as these can contaminate the recycling process. Once sorted, it’s ready for melting down and purifying. This may involve chemical treatments or mechanical processes like wire drawing, depending on its condition. After cleansing, it can then be cast and sold as pure copper bars or other products.

Copper #2, also known as “burnt copper”, is a type of copper that has undergone oxidation for an extended period of time. Its colour can range from a light reddish-brown to black in appearance due to the presence of impurities such as paint, insulation and solder. Copper #2 mainly comes from sources like electrical wiring, generators, motors and transformers. Although it’s less valuable than shiny copper, copper #2 is still worth the effort to recycle.

Copper #2 can be recycled with relative ease, and this process involves the removal of insulation and other materials that are mixed into it. This can be done in a number of ways, including mechanical separation and burning off the impurities. Once the impurities have been removed, copper #2 can be melted down and used to create a range of new products.

Domestic copper, also known as insulated copper wire, is a low-grade copper that includes alloyed and coated copper. It contains a few impurities, such as brass, aluminium and steel. Domestic copper comes from jewellery, coins, pots and pans. It’s often found in older household appliances as well, like refrigerators and air conditioners.

Domestic copper recycling involves removing the coatings and insulation, breaking it down into smaller pieces and melting it. You can recycle domestic copper into decorative items and new home appliances.

Irony copper is the lowest quality copper you can recycle. It contains a significant amount of impurities, such as iron and steel. Irony copper is commonly found in washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, motors, transmissions and auto parts. It’s a dark reddish-brown colour. Irony copper has limited applications but can be recycled to make new products, such as piping. Recycling irony copper reduces the need for mining for raw ore.

The recycling process for irony copper requires specialised equipment and expertise to carefully remove the impurities. A professional recycling company will be able to handle this process with ease and precision.

Recycling copper is an effective way to conserve natural resources and reduce waste. By reducing mining operations, recycling copper can help protect ecosystems.

Copper recycling involves collecting scrap copper from many sources, such as plumbing fixtures and construction materials. The scrap copper is then taken to a recycling plant where it is separated, melted down and moulded into new products.

Different types of copper have different values and applications. Shiny and copper #1 are high-quality copper commonly used in electrical wiring, plumbing and roofing. Burnt, domestic, and irony copper have various impurities and lower values. However, they are still useful in making new products. By recycling copper, we can reduce the need for new copper mining and decrease our carbon footprint.