Copper is a reddish-brown metal that's been used by humans for thousands of years. While not typically deemed as valuable as gold or silver, it's still prized for many functional and decorative purposes. Copper recycling can be very lucrative since the metal has many applications in day-to-day life. Here are some of the most common uses. 

Why Is Copper Valuable?

1. Construction

Close to half of all copper used today is for building construction. An average single-family home contains 439 pounds of it, so building renovations often yield quite a copper recycling haul. The metal is the standard for pipes transporting potable water, as the element has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. 

It's also used, either by itself or in alloys, in heating and cooling systems, oil and gas lines, gutters, and roofs. Additionally, copper mixes with zinc to create brass, a popular choice for indoor fixtures.

2. Electronics

High conductivity, ductility, malleability, and corrosion resistance make copper an ideal material for electrical applications, particularly for wiring and cables. These attributes make copper a key component of the power, telecommunications, and computing industries, which use the metal for circuit boards, microchips, processors, and connectors. 

You can also find it in most consumer electronics, including cell phones, laptops, televisions, modems, and vacuums. With advances in technology, many products become outdated quickly and become a source of copper recycling.

3. Transportation

The transportation industry also depends greatly on copper for its electrical and thermal properties. Planes, trains, cars, trucks, and boats all contain this metal. It's an essential material in automobile production, as modern vehicles have integrated more electronics, such as navigation systems and anti-lock brakes. 

Demand will only increase as electric and hybrid cars become more mainstream. A conventional car may contain as much as 50 pounds of copper, while an electric model requires two to four times more.

Make extra cash by taking your copper recycling to Holmes Iron & Metal Inc. Located in East Spencer, NC, the scrap metal facility is easily accessible from Greensboro, Charlotte, and the surrounding region. The team has more than 40 years of experience evaluating and processing a wide range of metals, including copper, aluminum, and brass. They also accept larger items like motors and radiators and do their best to offer top dollar to every customer. For more information about recycling, call (704) 633-6119 or visit their website.