Copper is the third most used metal globally. In 2022, 14,400 metric tons of refined copper were used in the UK. From copper wire in telecommunications wiring to bus bar clippings, scrap copper is one of the most versatile and valuable metals, leading to significant high demand.
With this demand for one of the most valuable metals comes the great news that recycling scrap copper is possible again and again. In fact, copper is 100 percent recyclable. This is excellent news for the planet and for your environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets.
Whether you’ve got shiny copper or braziery copper, your scrap copper is highly sought after. So don’t send it to landfill; instead, let’s explore the many recycling options available for scrap copper and how your business can earn money from selling scrap copper to scrap metal dealers.
Three Benefits of Recycling Scrap Copper
Segregating scrap copper and choosing a scrap metal dealer may seem a bit of effort, especially if you only produce a small amount of scrap metal, but the benefits go far beyond.
By recycling scrap copper your business can:
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The stats are quite staggering, recycled copper requires 85 per cent less energy than primary production.
- Reduce landfill pollution. Metals can lie in landfills for hundreds of years, leaching potentially harmful substances into the soil.
- Reap financial benefits. Scrap copper is highly recyclable and, as a result, is a valuable asset in your metal waste streams.
Copper pipes, copper wire and copper roofing are some of the most popular copper materials you’ll find in scrap metal recycling centres. Let’s explore how the grade of copper defines the price you’ll get.
N.B If you have a wide range of scrap metals to dispose of, have a read through our recent article: What types of metal can be recycled?
Grading Scrap Copper
Whilst scrap copper is undeniably valuable and can fetch a hefty price as a waste stream, it’s important to understand how scrap copper is graded as this determines the copper prices you can expect to receive.
At the top of the pile is Bright Copper.
Bright Copper
This is the most valuable type of copper, and scrap metal dealers love it. Bright copper contains no impurities and will reach the best prices at scrap metal dealers. This bright copper wire needs to be uncoated and unalloyed, separated from other materials.
#1 Copper
The second most valuable grade of scrap copper is #1 copper. This grade generally covers commutator segments, bus bars, uncoated copper wires, clippings and clean copper tubing with no paint, solder and all fittings removed. #1 copper can have a few signs of oxidation.
#2 Copper
The third most valuable grade of copper is #2 copper. This grade of copper generally has a somewhat dirty appearance and may show more signs of corrosion such as unalloyed wire and copper piping that still has paint and solder attached. This type of scrap copper needs to have a minimum copper content of 94%.
Insulated Copper Wire
Insulated wire comes in two grades: #1 insulated wire and #2 insulated wire. The main difference is in the thickness.
#1 insulated copper wire
- Clean, untinned, uncoated and unalloyed copper wire
- Covered in plastic insulation which doesn’t need to be removed
- Gauge thickness of 16 or above
#2 insulated copper wire
- Unalloyed copper wire often with tin and nickel coating
- Covered in heavy plastic insulation
- Gauge thinner than 16
Once you’ve determined the grade of copper you have, the next step is to choose the ideal time to sell your scrap copper, ensuring the best price for your business.
Scrap Metal Prices
The price of scrap copper is constantly changing. If you’d like to find out how much your scrap metal is worth in your area or even if you’re unsure what grade of copper you have, we’d love to help.
At Waste Mission, we have over 40 years of experience recycling metal. Our team of experts are ready to chat to you: 01438 745307
Choosing A Scrap Metal Dealer
Anyone with scrap metal can sell it, and it’s a relatively straightforward process. But to ensure compliance for your business and a smooth recycling process, we recommend following a few simple steps to choose the right scrap metal dealer for your company.
- Know the law and ensure compliance. Make sure your business is using legitimate metal waste disposal streams. Scrap metal dealers must hold and display a licence issued by the relevant local authority. Do they hold an appropriate Environmental Permit? A T9 exemption is not the same as an environmental permit. For more information, explore this article.
- Check traceability. What paperwork is provided by your scrap metal dealer, and how frequently is it provided? Annual Waste Transfer Notes are easily abused. Is a Waste Transfer Note provided for every single collection? Are they ISO9001 Accredited? What reports can they offer you?
Choose the Best Container for Your Scrap Copper
Scrap copper is valuable, so appropriate containers should be built into your company’s working processes. They should enhance your operations rather than hinder them.
At Waste Mission, we design and manufacture our containers. To help stop metal theft, they are lidded, lockable, and Smartwater labelled. Plus, security tags can be provided for you to ‘lock’ the container whilst it is being transported. Find out more about the containers we offer.
Summary
At Waste Mission, we make your complex waste streams simple. We are driven by our unwavering commitment to doing what’s right – for our clients, staff, and the planet. We aim to educate, encourage and uncomplicate waste management by offering a bespoke, tailored service, all from a single point of contact.
Bring us onboard, and our responsive team of experts will become an extension of your business, taking care of scrap copper so you can stay focused on your core operations. We promise to:
- Guide you to reduce waste and increase your profitability
- Help turn your waste into solutions, reducing reliance on new materials
- Navigate complex regulations for you, ensuring you meet environmental and legal requirements
- Provide a waste portal so you can easily access data on your waste production, recycling levels, and carbon footprint.
Let’s work together to get the best price for your valuable copper metal.
