OCT 19, 2024
If you're thinking about making extra money by collecting scrap copper, you're lucky! Knowing where to locate copper will simplify finding and recycling it with a scrap metal company. RCM Recycling prepared this simple guide to help you find scrap copper without searching too far.
One of the best places to find scrap copper is inside old electronics. Many have broken or outdated gadgets like computers, televisions, and gaming consoles. The copper wire is usually wrapped around motors, inside power cables, or circuits.
When you're ready to start, look for any old devices you no longer use. Before tearing them apart, ensure they are fully unplugged, and the power source is disconnected for safety. Carefully cut open the wires and pull out the copper. If you collect enough of these wires, you can bring them to a scrap metal buyer for quick cash.
Another common source of copper in homes is electrical wiring. If you've recently done any remodeling or have leftover wires from a project, these wires can contain a lot of copper. Even small pieces of unused or damaged wiring can add up over time.
Look for old wire spools in storage areas like your garage, attic, or basement. Stripping the plastic coating off the wires will reveal the copper underneath, which can be sold to a scrap metal company in Peachtree City. If you're unsure how to strip wires safely, research the proper tools and techniques to avoid injury.
Copper pipes are often used in plumbing because copper resists rust and is very durable. If you've recently replaced pipes in your home, you might have some old copper pipes stored somewhere. Even if the pipes are damaged, they still hold much value to a scrap metal recycling company.
You don’t have to be a plumber to find copper pipes in your home. Sometimes, older homes will have sections of copper piping that are no longer in use, or you may find copper pipe pieces after home renovations. Ensure you don’t cut or remove pipes that are still in use or connected to your water system! For older, unused pieces, however, copper pipes can be a great source of scrap metal.
Your home appliances are another great place to find scrap copper. Large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and air conditioning units often have copper inside them. You might find copper tubing in the refrigeration system or copper wiring in the electrical components.
Before you break apart an old appliance, be sure it is properly unplugged, and you are comfortable working with tools. You can carefully remove the back panels to access the copper wiring and tubing. Once you gather enough copper from appliances, you can recycle it to a scrap metal company.
Do you have a drawer full of tangled power cables or broken extension cords? The copper is usually found inside the wires connecting your devices, but you'll need to strip away the outer plastic covering to get to it.
The copper inside is still valuable even if the cords are damaged or no longer working. Try to gather up as many unused cords as possible from around your home. Once you've collected a decent amount of copper wire, a scrap metal buyer will likely be happy to purchase it from you.
Older air conditioning units and heating systems are gold mines for copper. If you're upgrading your HVAC system, don't let those old units go to waste.
While removing copper from HVAC units can be a bit more complicated than gathering scrap metal from other places, it can be very rewarding. Once you've removed the copper components, take them to a scrap metal recycling facility where you can exchange them for cash.
When looking for scrap copper, you may not think about furniture or home décor, but some items might surprise you. Decorative pieces like lamps, wall hangings, or cookware may contain copper.
Check for copper wiring or plated surfaces if you no longer use these items. While there might be less copper than you'll find in pipes or wires, every little bit helps when collecting metal for recycling. A scrap metal buyer might also be interested in these smaller amounts.
If you have an old car or motorcycle sitting in your garage that you no longer need, it can be a great source of scrap copper. Vehicles contain lots of copper in their wiring, alternators, and starters. Removing the copper from a car can be more challenging, so it's best to have some basic mechanical skills before diving in.
Once you've stripped the copper from the vehicle, you can sell it to a scrap metal company.
Finding scrap copper in your home can be a fun and rewarding project. From old electronics and wiring to plumbing and appliances, copper is hiding in many of the items we use every day. Once you’ve gathered your copper, take it to a trusted scrap metal recycling center or a scrap metal buyer for the best price. Remember, even small amounts of copper can add up over time.
