How Is Copper Recycled And What New Uses Can It Be Put To?

Copper constitutes a much-needed material in a myriad of industries due to its high electrical conductivity, durability, and malleability. Recycling copper is a significant commercial activity nowadays given the non-renewable nature of the metal. More widely, scrap metal recycling of copper contributes to a more sustainable environment by reducing the demand for raw copper ore. The process of copper scrap metal recycling involves a series of steps, after which the metal can serve a broad array of applications.

Collection

The initial step in the recycling process involves collection. Copper waste, typically found in cables, pipes, and wires, is accumulated from various sources, including construction sites, waste management facilities, and manufacturing industries. Many firms offering scrap metal recycling services will collect copper from their source site for greater convenience nowadays. Once they have done so, the collected material will then be sorted according to its purity. Copper is often mixed with other materials in products. Consequently, sorting is crucial to separate it from unwanted waste that's also been collected.

Processing

At a scrap metal recycling center, the sorted copper will then undergo processing. This stage involves shredding the copper waste into smaller pieces to facilitate the removal of any coatings or insulation, such as those typically found in power distribution and audiovisual wiring, for example. Next, the pieces will be heated to extract the pure copper. This molten copper is then molded into blocks or sheets, which can be sold and transported to manufacturers more efficiently.

Repurposing

Recycled copper maintains its original properties. As a result, it can be put to nearly all of the same uses as new copper. One of its most prominent applications is in the electrical industry, where it is used in making wiring and components due to its excellent electrical conductivity properties. In the construction industry, copper is used for pipes, roofing, and insulation. In addition, the telecommunications industry also relies heavily on copper for cabling.

Moreover, copper's antimicrobial properties make it a valuable material in the healthcare industry, where it can be used in hospital furniture and equipment to reduce the spread of bacteria. For the same reason, recycled copper is often repurposed as kitchenware.

These days, emerging technologies present new opportunities for the use of recycled copper. A good example is in the electric vehicle industry. Car makers now need a significant amount of copper for their batteries and wiring. Indeed, demand and the price scrap metal recycling firms will pay for copper, are only likely to rise in the future. Furthermore, as countries across the planet continue to invest in renewable energy, copper will be increasingly necessary for building solar panels, wind turbines, and other related low-carbon technology. 

For more info, contact a local company like G & M Metal, Inc.

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