How Should Companies Prepare Their Scrap Copper?

There is a steady and growing demand for copper metal in a variety of industries because it offers excellent durability and conductivity. However, as demand increases, supply also has to increase. While mining new copper seems like the natural solution, mining copper requires a great deal of money, time, energy, and resources. The entire process produces significant carbon emissions that could be avoided with scrap copper recycling. If you are a business that happens to have large quantities of scrap copper in Vaughan, TAL Metal can collect it for a profit, benefiting your business financially and in terms of social responsibility. You just have to ensure that it is adequately prepared before collection. Contact us today to learn more about our metal scrap yard in Vaughan.

Here is a guide on how to prepare your scrap copper.

Understand the Value of Scrap Copper

Not all copper is the same. When going through scrap copper from plumbing, electrical, and industrial applications, you may find different copper varieties. Each one contains different quantities of pure copper. There is bare bright copper, copper #1, copper #2, and insulated copper. Since bare bright copper is of the highest purity, it is worth the most. Insulation copper, which usually comes from wiring, is generally worth the least.  Because of these varying values, it is vital that you organize your copper by type so that you can get the most accurate quote. 

Sort and Separate Copper from Other Materials

Depending on where you source your scrap copper, you may notice that a great deal of copper elements are attached to other kinds of hardware or metals. While other metals like aluminum may be recyclable, it is vital that you separate all of the copper pieces from any other appliances, tools, hardware, etc. Any screws, nails, or wire coatings need to be removed from copper before you recycle it. Once this is done, you should clean off your copper.

Strip and Clean Copper Wires

Preparing larger copper pipes for recycling is much easier than prepping copper wiring. Copper wires require a few extra steps to be adequately prepared for recycling. 

1. Collect and sort all copper wires by type and thickness.
2. Remove attachments like plugs, tape, or connectors.
3. Cut or score the insulation lengthwise without damaging the copper.
4. Pull off the insulation to expose clean copper wire.
5. Wipe or brush the copper to remove dirt or residue.
6. Coil and bundle stripped copper neatly.
7. Store in a dry container and label by copper grade for recycling.

Send Your Scrap Copper in Vaughan to TAL Metal

If your company comes across high volumes of scrap metal, especially scrap copper in Vaughan, then you can reap the financial benefits of recycling it at a reputable facility. However, before doing so, you need to ensure that all of your metal is adequately prepared to be recycled and repurposed. Organizing, cleaning, and stripping your copper will ensure that you get the most accurate quote. Reach out to TAL Metal today to learn more about what you can receive for your scrap metal contributions. 

CALL NOW!