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Scrap copper recycling is not only a environment benefit activity but also a time-killing methods.While some may not know where to start.
Acturally, to start scrap copper recycling is not so complicated. What you need are some pickup tools, loading bags and automible trucks as well as some knowledge about different types of scrap copper.
Aww man, I have every one of those things but an automible truck. Guess I can't become a scrap copper collector!
Where did you find pickup tools? I still havnt been able to find those. Are they rare or something?
Your local dealer can special order you one of them there 'automobile trucks'.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfwerx
Not that rareQuote:
Originally Posted by PartTimeScrapper
Almost 700 listed on eBay right now
pickup tools | eBay
Ok now im confused. How do those magnetic pickup tools work on copper?Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnC4X4
You are all forgetting the most important part, which is the loading bags.
If you can find a set made from leverite, it will only stick to copperQuote:
Originally Posted by PartTimeScrapper
This is akin to the method for becoming a millionaire, as described by Steve Martin:
"step one...start with a million dollars".....
so does the pickup go in the loading bag?
step 2 : install aire
Also, a little known fact about scrap copper...
If you collect and represent your copper to be refined at a copper refiner, you can ask for a full accountability and get paid on the anode slimes.
Even the most refined scrap copper at 99.9% still has .19% other metals. Because the copper was initially refined to that purity there are still other metals present in small quantities. And because of the refining process you can be assured that many of the base metals have been removed. So that leaves you with a very small percentage of gold, silver and maybe some PGMs. Most people do not know this but here in the US, our platinum production mostly comes from copper refining. There are always small amounts still associated with copper, but unless you have a large amount it is difficult to account for it.
However, if you have 2,000 lbs of copper that would mean you have 3.8 lbs of other metals or if you prefer that would be 14 troy ounces to a lb, so 14 x 3.8 = 53.2 ounces of other metals. This is where copper refiners make their money. Usually they purchase scrap copper at copper prices and everything else is profit. So even if only a small portion of the 53.2 ounces is precious metals, it still most likely will be worth a lot more than the copper. If you have 10 ounces of gold out of a ton of copper that would be right around $16k-$17k. If you received $4 per lb on your copper that's still only around $8k.
If you are a scrapper that collects large amounts of copper, I would look into having it refined, representing the refining, and asking for a full accountability. And in some cases you can ask for the anode slimes and give them to a smaller refiner for an even better return.
For those that live close to refineries like SiPi in Chicago, you can ring your money bell a few more times with just a little extra work.
Scott
Interesting post scott
hmmm...great info that I will have to file away somewhere. I dont have a problem saving up enough copper to get it to a refiner. May take awhile but nice possibility of higher return.Quote:
Originally Posted by NobleMetalWorks