Copper recycling is a fantastic way to make some extra money and benefit the environment. Since the metal is so versatile, recycling centers pay well for the copper you bring in. It’s also a readily available material because it is used in so many different parts of daily life. Below, learn the most common uses of copper. 

What Has Copper Been Used For?

1. Coins

Copper used to be a very common metal used in the coin making process. Over time, the government phased out the use of pure copper for pennies and instead replaced it with a copper alloy, but there are still some coins in circulation that are made of this valuable metal. Since they are rarer than modern pennies, ones made out of copper have more value.

2. Jewelry

Jewelry that is made out of gold or silver is often mixed with small amounts of copper. It helps to make the metals stronger so they can withstand daily wear better, and it also changes the appearance of the gold and silver. The popular rose gold that’s commonly used in jewelry has its pinkish tone because of the copper that is alloyed into it.  

3. Transportation

Since copper has high thermal conductivity, it’s used in everything from small ships to large planes and trains. Some of the more common uses include copper propellers, bolts, and condenser pipes on ships, radiators and braking systems in cars, and the hydraulic pneumatics and cooling systems of planes.

4. Electrical Components

Copper is used in many different electrical appliances and tools. It’s often used to make the wires that carry electricity through these devices because it’s such a great conductor of electricity.

You can find copper wires in simple home appliances like toasters or microwaves as well as larger ones like washing machines and refrigerators. Copper is also commonly used for electrical wiring throughout homes and office buildings.

5. Plumbing

Old plumbing pipes are a popular source of copper recycling. For years, it was the primary material used when creating plumbing for homes and commercial properties, because it is highly resistant to corrosion and durable enough to last for years. While new materials like high-density polyethylene have been introduced to the market, many older plumbing fixtures still have this valuable metal in their pipes.

 

Get rid of that extra copper you have by taking it to the team at Holmes Iron & Metal. As the premier copper recycling facility in Salisbury, NC, for more than 40 years, their team is highly trained in evaluating the worth and weight of your copper. They provide fair evaluations and will pay you cash for your supply. Visit them online for more information, or call (704) 633-6119 to speak to a representative.