Copper Recycling Tips for the Average Homeowner

Copper is one of the most valuable metals used in household items. From wiring to kitchen items, copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Recycling copper is very beneficial to the environment and the recycler. Unfortunately, not many homeowners know how to recycle this metal. So, throughout this article, we will go over ways to differentiate copper from different types of metals, common items that contain copper, the importance of copper recycling, and some recycling tips for the average homeowner.

Differentiate Copper From Different Types of Metals

Many household items contain copper. However, many homeowners confuse copper with other metal types. So, there are four common things that we typically look at to classify a metal as copper.

• Color: Copper is brownish to reddish in color. It is often confused with brass, which is more yellowish. To see the color of copper, look at a clean penny and use it as a reference.
• Rust: Unlike other metals, copper doesn’t rust. If it does get oxidized, you will see a blue-to-greenish substance appear on its surface. If you think a metal is copper, check to ensure it doesn’t have rust.
• Sound: Copper sounds softer and more muted. If you have copper, knock it against something and listen to the sound. Compare the same sound with a normal metal you find. You will hear a big difference.
• Magnet: Lastly, another unique feature of copper is that it’s not magnetic. You can use a magnet to see if the metal sticks.

Common Items That Contain Copper

If you want to start your copper recycling and don’t know where to start, there are some common items that usually contain a lot of copper that you can use. The first one is pots or pans. If you have any that you don’t ever use, recycling them can be a great choice. Other items include but are not limited to jewelry, old coins, door knobs, and wires. The last interesting item that you should know is old pipes. Although they are usually not easily found, old pipes are a great source of copper.

The Importance of Copper Recycling

Scrap metal recycling has benefits to the recycler, the economy, and the environment. If everyone was conscious about copper recycling, they could help reduce the need for copper mining by more than seventy percent. Don’t waste this precious metal. Find items that include copper in your house or neighborhood and recycle them. You would help the economy and prevent the landfills from being filled with waste. Are you looking for a professional scrap metal company in Peachtree City to help provide you with additional income?

M&M Recycling

As M&M Recycling, we are one of the top-paying scrap metal buyers in Atlanta. Being a locally owned and operated metal recycling company for more than thirty years, we are here to offer everything you need to recycle. Call us today to learn more about us and our services, or get estimates for your scrap metals right away.