Notwithstanding, when taking copper scrap for recycling, there’re two things you need to understand.

The types of copper scrap and the grade of copper in them. Don’t worry. When you read the text, you will understand these things.

Let’s not waste time and get into specifics.

Types Of Copper Scrap

Copper is one of the most widely recycled of all metals. Entirely thanks to its infinite recyclable life. It is thus possible to use and reuse it without changing its original metal quality.

In addition, copper has a high degree of conductivity and flexibility. It has become a suitable material for building and industrial machinery.

Specifically, copper can be used for electrical wiring, plumbing, motors, and other building applications. Different manufacturers use copper to produce kitchenware, speakers, glasses, and other utility items.

Classes Of Copper Scrap

There are mainly four classes of copper junk. #1 copper, #2 copper, barely bright, and light copper. Other types include insulated wire, new copper tubes, and burnt copper wire.

Greasy copper, copper radiators, electric motors, brazed copper, and heavy copper are other types of copper scrap.

  • #1 Copper

You can get good money from #1 copper scrap.

It possesses a high percentage of copper of over 96%. You can get this kind of copper from Scrapable materials such as bus bars.

Others include paint, insulation, cuts, switch segments, and cutaway copper tubing. #1 copper has a thickness of about 1/16 inch.

  • #2 Copper

This type of copper scrap is a diverse non-alloy wire often identified by its slightly dirty appearance. It has a minimum copper of about 94-96% and can be found in the figure of bare bright.

Before being classified under #2, copper scrap must be insulated with a diameter of fewer than 16 inches.

#2 copper scrap must also be free of components such as thin wire, brass, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, lead, and die-cast.

Secondly, it must have any solder, paint, coating, or other tarnish that does not fall under #1.

In the meantime, some recycling centers accept copper #2 as plumbing scrap with soldering paint. Others include enameled wires, oxidized copper, electric motor windings, copper solids, tinned solids, etc.

  • Bare Bright Copper

Of all the squeezable copper, bare bright copper is the most precious.

It is an uncoated, unalloyed wire made of 99% copper. For this reason, it’s often referred to as bright and burnished copper.

They are free of insulation, paint, and other impurity-bearing materials.

Bare bright copper should not also bear signs of tarnishing, such as patina, oxidation, or rubber. Whereas some recyclers may accept these copper wastes, others may not.

  • Light Copper

You can’t win much from light copper scrap because it only holds 88-92% copper. It also contains tarnished paint, solder, and other impurities.

However, they are free from soldered scrap, brass and bronze, oil, iron, and more. You can get lightweight copper from examples of places where copper gutters, downpipes, oil firewalls, kettle boilers, and more.

  • Insulated Wires

They are another rewarding copper junk but are not as expensive as those listed above. They are often unalloyed and uncoated. Moreover, they are sealed with plastic and have a 1/16 diameter.

Items you can get such copper include wiring from electronics, extension cords, and other appliances.

Looking for Copper Scraps?

There are multiple locations where you can find different types of copper scrap.

This includes construction sites, local companies, houses, garage sales, and flea markets. You can also obtain the copper waste from shops that deal exclusively with copper articles.

  • Do You Know What Objects Contains Copper?

It is essential to identify which item is composed of copper scrap.

Otherwise, you will pick up items of no value at the recycling centers. Of course, you know that you will not be paid a cent for such things.

Many people thought that its only electronic devices that contained copper scraps. Although that is true, its use exceeds electronics.

You can get pieces of copper from pipes and tubes, electric wires or cables, copper foil, and some jewelry. Other include Busbar, copper roof tiles, generators, and more.

There is also domestic equipment that contains copper scraps. They include microwaves, heat sinks, kitchenware, A/C, television, and kitchen and bathroom sinks.

How Do You Make Money Selling Copper Scraps?

Whether you collect copper scrap as a profession or business, you should know how to get the most money for your materials.

Here is a helpful guide.

First, verify the current price of copper waste in your region. This is to help you know the best available price for your scraps.

Next, find a reputable purchaser.

We are referring to purchasers offering the fair market value of copper scraps. Remember that not all buyers provide the same price for copper scrap.

Consequently, it would be best if you compared variable prices.

What’s more, take your ID along when selling copper scraps. Some states require sellers always to have an identity document when carrying out this transaction.

  • What to Keep In Mind During The Sale Of Copper Scrap

There are a few things you must keep in mind when selling copper scraps. These elements will put you on the profitable side while minimizing your potential losses.

First and foremost, clean and separate the types of copper scrap you would like to sell. This allows you to obtain the best price for your materials while facilitating your sales process.

Next, keep an eye on the market and don’t overlook prices.

As you know, the scrap market often evolves due to certain factors. As a result, your goal is to sell when the price increases.

But what if the price doesn’t rise? Then it would be best if you considered selling your small materials for a small markup. Lastly, properly store your copper scraps.

How do you do that? It’s pretty simple. Preserve them in a cool and dry space. You can also cover them with a tarp if you store them outdoors.

As we mentioned in our introduction or discussion, copper is one of the highest-cost metals in recycling. The copper scraps listed above are recyclable, and you can make cash by selling one of them.