Copper is a highly sought after metal in the scrap metal recycling industry. The reason copper is sought after is because it does not degrade significantly during the recycling process. Nearly as much copper is recycled as is mined each year in the U.S. Not including wire production, 75 percent of copper used in the U.S. copper comes from recycled copper scrap. Copper is 100% recyclable and the value of its scrap material can be over 85 percent, and up to 95 percent the price of newly mined organic material.
Why Do Businesses Recycle Copper?
Recycling Scrap Copper Has Environmental Importance
Copper is an essential trace element that is necessary for the health of animals and plants. Some environmental benefits of recycling copper include reduced energy requirements for processing, natural resource conservation, and solid waste deviation. The energy requirements of recycled copper are as much as 85% to 90% less than the processing of brand new copper.
Recycling Copper Cuts Back on Mining
Simply said, the more copper recycled, the smaller the need for copper mining. Mining uses up an incredible amount of time, fossil fuels, and energy. The United States has no need to import copper, according to the Copper Development Association. This is mainly because of the act of recycling, which provides 95 percent of the copper for domestic usage.
Reduce Landfill Waste by Recycling Industrial Copper Scrap
By recycling industrial copper scrap, you are eliminating the product from taking up space in landfills. Many things that may be thrown away in the trash could have copper in them. Office electronics, construction waste, and wiring to name just a few. The average home can contain 400 pounds of copper. So, a large corporation could greatly reduce waste by recycling scrap materials.
The Economic Importance of Recycling Copper
Roughly 8% of the world’s copper generation is produced by the United States. Just about half of the U.S copper production comes from recycled materials, however. In 2010, recyclers in the U.S. refined 1.8 million metric tons of copper for domestic use and export.
Copper is Everywhere
Copper can be found all over various businesses. It can be found in the building wire, plumbing, computers and other electronics, built in appliances, company cars, and heating and cooling systems. By having a business recycling plan in place, your company can help to cut down on waste, lower your carbon footprint, and save money.
Does your Arizona Business Create Copper Waste?
Give Consolidated Resources Inc a call at (623) 931-5009 and we’ll create a custom recycling program to maximize the value of your copper metal waste.
