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Making Recycling Easier

When I was a kid, recycling was all about separating garbage, carefully squishing aluminum cans, and never throwing paper into the regular trashcan. However, the older I got, the more I realized that recycling is all about using objects more than once, so that you don't throw as much away in the first place. For example, instead of tossing plastic sacks into the dump, I always reuse them as trashcan liners. I want to make recycling easier for everyone, which is why I made this blog. Check out these suggestions for ways to improve your recycling habits. You never know, it could change your life.

2 Tips For Determining Whether The Scrap Metal You Want To Recycle Is Copper

25 May 2023
 Categories: , Blog

If you have been collecting scrap metal, you may be getting ready to take it to a recycling center. Because you want to get as much money as possible for the load, you may be busy separating the metal.

While going through the pile, you may be trying to determine whether any of the old metal is copper since you can typically get more money for it. Below are a couple of tips to help you with identifying any metal that you suspect may be copper before you have it recycled.

1. Corrosion on the Surface of the Metal Shows as a Crusty Green Layer With Reddish Tones Underneath

When trying to identify an old piece of scrap metal as copper, one of the first things you can look for is surface corrosion. With any ferrous metals, oxidation will cause the material to rust.

However, since copper does not contain any iron, it does not rust when oxidation occurs. Instead, a crusty green layer will form on the surface. When you scratch the crust away, you will find reddish tones underneath. If you find this crusty layer on the metal, it is more than likely copper.

2. A Regular-Strength Magnet Should Not Pull or Stick While You Are Holding It Near or on the Surface of the Metal

Another thing you can check when trying to determine whether any of the scrap metal contains copper is to use a magnet on it. With metals that contain iron, their magnetic properties will pull the magnet toward and cause it to stick to it.

However, since copper is only slightly magnetized, a regular-strength magnet will not pull toward the metal or stick to it when you try to hold it against the surface. If there is no reaction from the magnet, the piece of scrap is most likely copper. If you are not sure, put the metal aside into a separate pile and ask someone at the recycling center to confirm it.

When trying to determine whether or not the old scrap metal you have is copper so that you can recycle it, look carefully at any corrosion on the surface to see if it is a crusty green layer with reddish undertones underneath that are associated with the metal. You can also hold a regular-strength magnet to the metal, and if it is copper, it will not pull or stick to the surface. If you have any doubts or know you have copper to take to the center, speak with a representative at a coppery scrap recycling service for assistance.