Copper is one of the most valuable metals in the scrap market, with a wide range of applications from construction to technology. But what makes copper piping particularly sought after?
At ETM Recycling, we help you make the most of your waste and ensure everything ends up in the proper recycling channels. In this blog, we’ll explore the main reasons behind the high scrap value of copper piping, and how you can maximise its value for the best returns.
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Why Copper Piping is So Valuable
Copper is a versatile metal, and is a fundamental material for the electrical, industrial, telecommunications, healthcare, and construction industries. This wide range of applications means there is always a demand for copper, which is hard to meet with raw materials alone.
Copper piping contains a large quantity of the material, often in reasonable purity. This makes it a lucrative source of copper that’s easy to process and convert into a new product or form.
Some of the main reasons why copper is so valuable include:
- Conductivity
- Malleability
- Durability
- Anti-microbial properties
These aspects make it an ideal material for many use-cases like wiring, power lines, piping, and electrical components. If you’re looking to make the most out of your copper piping, the first step is understanding what affects its sale value – and what you can do about it.
Find out more about the most valuable scrap metals >
Factors That Influence Scrap Copper Pricing
Scrap copper piping is a generally stable market, but the price of each unit can fluctuate depending on a number of factors.
Purity
The ease of recyclability for your copper piping depends on its purity. A high purity means the piping will be easier to convert from one form to another. If your piping is cut with other materials, or has contaminants, the value may be lower than that of pure copper piping.
Form
While we’re primarily covering copper piping, the form of your copper can also make an impact on its sale value. For example, copper that comes with things attached like fixtures, paint, or plaster can lower the sale value. Likewise, thinner copper material may end up worth more per kilo due to the lower processing requirements – though this can depend on the vendor, and may not offer a noticeable difference.
Market Prices and Demand
The current market value of copper will of course play a large role in determining the value of your scrap copper piping. When selling your copper, it may be worth paying attention to the current market status to make sure you’re not selling during a dip. While copper is generally regarded as quite stable, it can fluctuate, so this is a key consideration.
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How to Maximise Scrap Value for Copper Piping
Now that you understand what factors play a role in determining the price of scrap copper piping, the next step is to maximise it. This will let you get the most cash for your copper, while giving the recycler the easiest time with recycling.
There are three main ways you can maximise the value of your scrap copper piping:
1. Cleanliness
It may seem like a simple idea, but making sure your copper piping is cleaned up and free of detritus, grime, grease, and dirt can greatly increase its value. This enables the purchaser to see its quality clearly, and reduces the number of processing steps that need to occur to utilise it. It’s quite a simple process to carry out, so it’s worth doing before selling any of your scrap piping.
2. Separation
Ensuring your copper piping is isolated from other materials can also increase its value. This eliminates yet another process that would have to occur during recycling.
Copper piping is split into two grades:
- Grade 1 – clean and free of fittings or solder
- Grade 2 – dirty, contaminated, or with light oxidation
As you would expect, grade 1 copper is worth more than grade 2 copper, and you can make an effort to change the grade of your copper before sale to increase its value.
3. Research
The final step you take should be to compare different local vendors and see which would offer you the best price. Take into account other factors like the distance you need to travel, mobilisation costs, and reputation to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Learn how to sell scrap metal >
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Recycling Copper
Like most metals, extracting copper and converting it into a usable form from a raw material comes with a sizeable environmental impact. The many processes needed to utilise raw copper can be expensive and time consuming, leading to higher prices for goods containing copper.
Recycled copper can have a purity and application similar to virgin copper, while having a lower environmental impact. By making use of what’s already in circulation, we can cut out harmful stages like mining, refining, and transportation, contributing to a more sustainable metal economy.
Recycle Your Scrap Metal with ETM Recycling
By keeping your scrap copper piping in good condition, you can maximise the money you make from selling it. This feeds back into a circular economy, providing environmental benefits while increasing the availability of recycled copper – lowering production costs.
At ETM Recycling, we purchase scrap copper piping at competitive rates. If you want to find out more or sell your copper piping today, please get in touch.
