Copper is a fascinating metal since it protects itself through a process called oxidation. With this oxidation process, the metal creates a green layer that protects it from environmental elements.
It is not just copper’s ability to protect itself that is interesting. This metal also has a fascinating circular recycling process.
Copper can be reused over and over again for many years and many times. This metal is 100% recyclable and doesn’t degrade, no matter how many times it is smelted down for reprocessing.
Let’s take a closer look at the circular recycling process of copper and how anyone in Melbourne can cash in on this process.
Coppers Origin
Copper is a metal that is extracted from underground or open-pit mines. This metal can be found in its pure elemental form (Cu), but this pure form is extremely rare. For the most part, copper is harvested by processing sulfide ores found inside the earth. The sulfide ore is smelted down and processed to extract pure copper.
Most copper items or materials used in our modern society contain a lot of copper. These products usually contain 99.9% copper but can contain small traces of phosphorus and silver to strengthen the material a little bit.
Copper Use
After harvesting and processing copper, the material can be sold in block form, after which it is processed into products like plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, jewellery, coins, statues, artwork, musical instruments and many other products.
Copper products can be used for countless years because the material doesn’t rust or erode. Thanks to the oxidation process, this metal can stay in use for centuries without wearing down.
Discarding Copper
Copper is mostly discarded when the products the metal is used for are no longer functional or when buildings are demolished.
Collection and Sorting
When the copper-containing materials are discarded, it is up to scrap metal collectors to find these materials and collect them. The metal is then sold to scrap metal companies like Danny Scrap Metal, where it is sorted from other metal types that make it to the scrap yard.
Processing and Shredding Copper
Copper-containing products are usually taken apart to remove the copper from other materials like coatings. The metal is then cleaned and shredded to prepare it for melting. Special equipment is used to remove contaminants from the raw copper metal.
Melting and Refining Copper
Copper is usually melted in a furnace. This helps separate the pure copper from other contaminants. Some recycling industries also use electrolytic processes to purify the copper. After purifying the metal, it is usually cast into block form and stamped.
Developing New Products
Manufacturing companies purchase purified copper from refineries and then proceed to produce new materials. In some cases, rods and sheets are produced and distributed to other industries that use these materials to produce new items. In other cases, the copper is directly processed into useful products like pipes.
Distribution
The newly produced products are then put back into circulation. They are distributed to the general public, where they are used inside homes. At this point, the circular recycling process starts all over again.
Sell Copper Scrap Metal in Melbourne
Anyone can contribute to this important circular recycling industry by simply collecting old copper and selling it to a scrap metal company. Supporting recycling industries is great for the economy and helps our planet a great deal. As an added bonus, those who collect and sell scrap metal are rewarded with some extra spending money.
If you also want to become part of this circular recycling process or want to make an extra income, then we welcome you to start collecting copper and to reach out to Danny Scrap Metal when you have a pile to sell. Our Melbourne scrap metal company offers the highest payout rates and welcomes any copper you might have.