Copper Recycling: Everything You Need To Know

Copper Recycling: Everything You Need To Know

As a result of the UK government’s net zero plans, the demand for recycled metal is increasing – with copper being one of the most sought-after materials. But which types of copper are the most valuable to recycle? We’ll break them all down for you below – including how copper recycling benefits the environment, whether it can reduce costs for trade businesses, and how to make the most of scrap copper prices.

Which types of copper are the most valuable to recycle?

Copper Pipes: Often found in old plumbing, heating and fire sprinkler systems, as well as the valves and fittings used in copper pipework.
Copper Wires: Widely used across the majority of electronic devices and common household appliances. Before the copper wires can be recycled, they must be stripped of any insulating materials within them.
Copper Roofing Sheets & Panels: The vast majority of roofing sheets and panels will contain copper. It’s best to ensure any build-up of paint or tar is removed as far as reasonably practical before your visit to our scrap yard. Learn more about maximising the value of your scrap metal.

How does copper recycling impact the environment?

Copper recycling impacts the environment positively, here’s how:

Requires over 85% less energy when compared to manufacturing copper from scratch.
Produces approximately 65% less CO2 emissions than mining virgin copper.
Reduces waste sent to landfill.
Preserves natural resources and protects wildlife/habitats.

Can copper recycling help reduce costs for trade businesses?

Yes, copper recycling is an excellent way to reduce your trade business costs. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Reduces Site Waste: Saves on costs by using fewer materials.
Lowers Landfill Tax: Directly decreases project expenses and waste costs.
Appeals to Eco-Conscious Clients: If you have customers interested in sustainability, promoting the fact that you recycle your project waste could encourage repeat business.

Scrap Copper Prices

Before copper can be recycled, it must be sorted. High-grade copper requires the least amount of processing. While lower-grade copper may require additional treatments, such as removing impurities and separating the metal from any adjoining materials, it is still valuable.

Whether you bring in bare bright copper or #2 copper, our scrap metal merchants have the knowledge and experience to pull out the scrap best-suited for recycling and use this information to give you the most accurate price.

The London Metal Exchange (LME)

At Kas Metal Trading, our scrap copper prices are always based on the world centre for industrial metal pricing, hedging and trading – the London Metal Exchange (LME). The majority of all non-ferrous metal business is transacted via their platforms.

This ensures you’ll always get the best, most competitive price paid for your scrap metal, based on the current market. Read our full guide to the LME.

Choose KAS for Your Copper Recycling

If you have any spare scrap copper lying around, visit our safe and reliable local scrapyard today to weigh-it-in with Kas – earn some extra cash, free up some space on the way to your next job and do your bit for the environment.

Give us a call, email or visit our local scrap metal yard at M46 0RY today. Based in Atherton, our scrap metal merchants can also service the following locations:

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We Can Guarantee…

✅ The very best scrap metal prices, always based on the London Metal Exchange (LME).

✅ Fast turnarounds, allowing you to get back to what you do best as soon as possible!

✅ Flexible same-day payments (before 4pm) via cheques, bank transfers or our very own pre-paid card method.

Tags: scrap metal recycling, Scrap Metal Recycling For Trade, scrap metals