Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Find out which copper products are accepted
• Method 2 of 2: Delivery of copper to a collection point
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Delivery of copper to a metal collection point will bring you bOmore revenue than the delivery of any other common metal. Copper can be found in abandoned construction sites, landfills, in old appliances (for example, refrigerators manufactured before 1960).

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Find out which copper products are accepted

1. 1 Massive copper products.
   • Grade 1 copper products are trims, tires, pipes, stampings, manifold segments, wire with a diameter of at least 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) made from pure copper.
   • Copper products of the 2nd grade consist of unalloyed copper and must contain at least 96 percent of this metal, for example, copper pipes with inclusions or connections from other elements, copper wire with insulation, thin or burnt wire.
   • Grade 3 copper is thinner than 1.6 mm (1/16 inch).
2. 2 Copper wire.
   • As a rule, high quality wire has a single layer of insulation.
   • The inferior grade wire has a double insulating layer.
3. 3 Delivery of copper scrap.
   • Divide the pieces weighing more than 9 kg (20 lb) into smaller pieces, separating the copper from the steel. Copper scrap can be found in electric motors, alternators, starters, inductors, ballasts, transformers, and other power supply elements.
4. 4 Copper alloys.
   • Brass and bronze are the most common copper alloys.
   • Cupronickel, Inconel and Monel alloys are much rarer and more expensive than brass or bronze.

Method 2 of 2: Delivery of copper to a collection point

1. 1 Search the Internet for metal pick-up points near you. They may also be called scrap metal pick-up points or metal dealers.
2. 2 Call several pick-up points for their current rates. Judge them not only by their prices, but also by the level of professionalism shown during the telephone conversation.
3. 3 Sort copper products into categories. Neglecting this step often results in the collection point placing all metal in the cheapest category.
   • Take the time to improve the look of your metal. For example, if your wire has soldered connections, cut them off. You will get more money for uncontaminated copper.
4. 4 Transport the metal to the collection point. The receiver will weigh your copper and pay you according to its weight.
   • Collect at least 9 kg (20 lb) copper scrap before driving to the collection point. You will make more money by donating copper in larger quantities.
   • Watch carefully the process of weighing your scrap by the receiver. If you are handing in the wire, make sure that it does not hang from the scale pan during weighing.
5. 5 Get paid. Some pick-up points are not allowed to pay in cash, but there are often ATM machines near them where you can collect your receipts.

Tips

• Metal collection points generally pay a little for copper powder, shavings, and similar waste. If you do not have the opportunity to fuse such small waste into a solid piece, it is better not to hand it over at all.
• Ask the inspector how he or she determines the grade of copper wire. Typically, the standards are set by the processor, to whom the metal comes from the point of receipt, and each point has a different specification.
• Ask your dealer if you need to remove the insulation from the wire before handing it over.

Warnings

• Do not use fire to clean wire insulation.
• Do not hand over scrap metal at points where portable scales are used. These scales are often inaccurate and you may not get the exact amount due to you.
• Never steal copper for the purpose of resale. Always be sure that the copper came to you through legal means.

What do you need

• Copper for sale